Ron Cinelli’s reputation as an outstanding athlete preceded him at Suffolk University.  Even before he stepped foot on campus, everyone close to home knew of his wide range of skills as a four-sport (football, basketball, baseball and track) star at Cambridge High & Latin School, just across the Charles River.

The expectations that Suffolk coaches had of Cinelli were right on target as he became a quality member of the Rams’ basketball and baseball teams throughout his four-year (1961-65) collegiate career.  He was fundamentally sound in both sports, and willing to contribute any way he could for the benefit of the team.

On the court, Cinelli, a 6-foot-1-inch, 200-pound power forward, was more of  rebounder than a scorer.  There were many nights when he was matched against a bigger and stronger opponent, but that didn’t matter because he won out due to his hustling and tenacious style.  If they kept a stat for floor burns, he would have been the team leader.

On the diamond, Cinelli, known as a good overall hitter and a defensive gem, could best be described as Mr. Versatility.  He played catcher, first base and all three outfield positions each season, which was fine with him as long as he was part of the Suffolk lineup.  His all-purpose talents helped the Rams’ of that era to compete successfully against Division I programs such as Boston College and Boston University.

Depending on what sport he played, Cinelli took great pride in putting on the Suffolk uniform.  As a freshman, he even completed the Boston Marathon while wearing a jersey bearing the University’s name.  No matter what activity he participated in, he was filled with school spirit and bled blue and gold.

Cinelli played basketball under Charlie Law, Suffolk’s first head coach and athletic director, and baseball for head coach George Doucet, two inspiring figures and members of the inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame class.  “They taught me so much about organization and how important it is to get along with one another,” said Cinelli. 

“Those things stay with you for the rest of your life.”

Upon hanging up his sneakers and cleats for Suffolk, Cinelli went on to play for a local traveling basketball team sponsored by the Cambridge YMCA, where the Rams’ hoop team practiced and played its home games.  He also played semi-pro baseball for the Hoyt Pals of Cambridge.

Cinelli graduated from Suffolk in 1965 with a bachelor of science in business administration degree.   He is now 71 years young and continues to work as a businessman.

Watch Ron Cinelli’s Induction Video Here