Stephen Vining
Graduating class: 1963
Inducted into Hall of Fame: 2012
Hall of Fame Category: Athlete
Steve came to Fairhaven High School in 1959 to further his education and to “play”, and play he did. Steve played sandlot football, then played the trombone in the marching band. In winter he played JV basketball and also found time to play in the FHS dance band. In the spring that first year Steve played Varsity baseball and continued to play music. Steve always played!
During his sophomore year, he played football, basketball and baseball. The baseball team was the Bristol County League Champion with a record of 18-2. In the State Tourney they went 1-1, losing to eventual State Champs Wellesley High School.
During his junior year Steve continued as a 3 sport athlete while always finding time to continue his musical endeavors. The baseball team compiled a 14-2 record that year with Steve contributing as a pitcher and first baseman.
As a senior, Steve’s exploits continued throughout the year. His football career blossomed to the extent he earned a four year scholarship to the University of Bridgeport as a tight end. During the baseball season he continued to flourish including a game on June third against Taunton High School where he was on the mound in a 6-2 win, striking out 18 batters while going 2 for 2 with 4 RBI’s. Boy could Steve play.
Also during his senior year, as if he did not have enough to do, Steve added track and field to his repertoire and boy did he excel. He immediately became a sensation running the quarter mile, consistently winning, culminating with a win at the Class D Meet. On June 4, at the All-State Meet in White Stadium, after a false start, Steve was pushed by overall State Champion Alan McCafferty of Quincy who ran a blistering 50.4 seconds, inches behind was Vining with a time of 50.5 seconds for second place. He also anchored the mile and half-mile relay teams at the Class D Belmont meet which Fairhaven won. Yes, Steve could also run.
At the Fairhaven High School year end assembly Steve received the prestigious Sparrow Cup, given to a student for meritorious service in Fairhaven High Athletics. It was a day Steve was not asked to play his trombone.
During his football exploits in college, Steve played well enough to attract the interest of the professional football team the Chicago Bears until a knee injury his junior year scratched him from the Bears’ wish list.
Not one to sit back, Steve decided to play baseball and became the “Purple Knights” work horse, pitching in 15 of 20 games (missing 5 games due to injury) compiling an ERA of 2.68, earning the University’s Athlete of the Year Award in 1966.
Although Steve says he was not very good at playing the trombone, we tend to dispute that. Steve Vining was truly a man for all seasons and play and run, he did!