Alphonse Battipaglia, 86, of Hamden, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at the Connecticut Hospice, Branford. He was the husband of Elaine E. Rogers Battipaglia. Alphonse was born in New Haven on August 18, 1927; son of the late Alphonse and Mary Iannone Battipaglia; served his country faithfully in the U.S. Army Air Corp as a medic during WW II; was a Certified Athletic Trainer and Therapist having worked for Yale University Athletic Department for 37 years until his retirement; was a part-time supervisor at the Physical Plant at Yale University and was a trainer for the U.S. Olympic Hockey Team, Lake Placid, NY in 1993. Alphonse was a member and first president of the Prihillian Club of North Haven; member of the Knights of Columbus, the Coaches Club at Yale University, the New Haven Gridiron Club, the National and Connecticut Athletic Trainers Associations. Father of Cheryl (Mitchell) Milone, William (Joan) Battipaglia, Paul (Roseann D’Amore) Battipaglia and Robert (Jennette) Battipaglia. Brother of Rose Battipaglia Nuzzo, Ralph (Jeanette) Barrie and the late Joseph, Dominic and Mary Battipaglia. Grandfather of Alexa and Connor Milone, Alyssa, Emily, Paul Jr., Andrea, Mia, Ian, Eli, Tye and Cal Battipaglia.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Saturday morning at 9:30. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 10:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Friday from 5 to 8 pm. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, CT Chapter, 1 Selleck St., Norwalk, CT 06856.
Big Al was one of the finest people to walk this planet. He had a great sense of humor and always greeted you with a big smile. I have very fond memories of him.-Brian Matthews Yale Lacrosse Captain 1979
Big Al had a heart as big as a mountain and all of us who played any sport at Yale counted him as our friend. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Rest in peace Big Al.
My condolences to the Battipaglia family. As you can see by all of these messages, your husband, father and grandfather was a special man and had such an impact on so many of us at Yale. I will always remember and be grateful for having him in my life those years. I smile when I think of Big Al and still laugh out loud when I tell my family some old lacrosse stories involving him. God bless you, Al.
I have nothing but the fondest of memories of Al from my time at Yale. He was a true friend to all of us on the football team. To his family, please know that Al helped shaped the lives of many young men and was always a positive influence. My prayers are with you in your time of loss.
Greg Repetti
Yale Class of 1980
Big Al — Always positive, always serious about his boys, always had a smile. I still have his hand drawing memorializing my hitch hiking adventures with Willie Robinson. Going your way, Al. With great love and admiration.
Rick Fehling
Big Al was nothing less than a godsend in the lives of the athletes fortunate enough to play for Yale during his 37 years with the university. I am one of so many who is forever in his debt for the support, the humor, the reassurance and the constancy that he brought into our lives during those "bright college years" that were also, frequently, a time of great distress, consternation and confusion. Big Al was ALWAYS there for us!
My condolences to the entire Battapaglia family – and my thanks for sharing this wonderful man with us. May he RIP, as he so well deserves.
Al, his "shoulder pads", and kind heart are among my fondest memories of Yale.
Big Al , thanks for keeping me patched up, your the best JAM
Al Battipaglia was a treat and a treasure to the Yale athletes with whom he worked. His uber-friendly way, his hilarious sense of humor and constant use of wordlplay, his devoted manner to Yale teams and its players, his skill as a trainer in getting and keeping us healthy/ready, all contribute to his larger-than-life persona, one as iconic in our minds as John Wayne or Jimmy Stewart, and he was arguably better-looking!
I offer my sincere condolences to all of his family members.
Besides being a larger than life trainer, Big Al was a huge part of the dugout banter which in baseball etiquette is a special place reserved only for people who are considered family. When Dan Costello was at bat Big Al would always say "How you swing you sweet swingah!" Or when Ronnie D froze a hitter with a slider "How you mix you"! These are the words that echo in my head from a beautiful and caring man.
Al is remembered with great fondness by those of us whose contusions he tended to as players as well as people like me who had an opportunity to work with him on staff. Always professional and personable, Al had that special right knack when dealing with most every problem, physical or otherwise, that came his way as trainer. He provided a lot of emotional glue (as well as physical tape) to hold generations of Yale lacrosse players together.
All of us who played some sport at Yale where Al attended to our issues have special memories of him that come back in full smile — his and ours — in a heartbeat. He was a truly good man, comfortable in his own skin, fully competent as a trainer, and even more competent in understanding the world of the Yale athlete. Al simply cared about all of us, and we about him. He made a difference, one that all of us can share a smile about in our own little way as we salute and celebrate the passing of a thoroughly decent human being.
My sincere condolences to the family of big Al. Big Al was always a comforting face and always had a positive outlook on all aspects of life in and out of football. I will miss him dearly.
I was the manager of the Yale Lacrosse Team in the spring of 1971. Al made my experience all the better. His positive attitude was an inspiration to us all and he was an expert in taping all the athletes together, dealing with their minor (and sometimes major) injuries and helping us grown from college kids into men. One story: in 1970 I ran the Boston Marathon and bruised the metatarsals on the bottoms of my feet so badly I could not walk. The doctors prescribed crutches and bed rest. Then I went to see Al. He taped the bottoms of my feet with pads in specific spots so that the way I was bearing weight was totally different. And I walked out of his office, threw away my crutches and resumed my normal activities. Al was a genius. Big Al will always have a special place in my heart!
Al is one of the great ones. A hale hearty fellow well met. Just a wonderful man. He took care of our bodies, hearts and minds. He made the world a better place. A man of great inflluence. Revered by all who met him. A real gentleman and gentle man.
Many thanks again Big Al for all the tape jobs, good humor and encouragement. Everyone loved and will remember you always.
I'm very sorry to hear of Al's passing.
Al was a hugely valuable and positive influence for me personally and for our team as a whole. He personality and impact was felt every day.
He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
I graduated from Yale in 1957 and played football for three years including the 1956 first champions of the new Ivy League. I remember Al well for the competent, caring and gentle person he was. I'll miss him! And I offer respect and heart felt sympathy to Al's family. He was a wonderful guy and a great friend.
Al was one of those individuals who helped to make Yale great. Great institutions are not buildings and money, they are made of great people who give of themselves to help others. Al was full of kinds and decency and I was honored to be a friend.
What a great man, made a big impact on me. I have been carrying around his joy since 1974. Thrilled I got to see him and attend his Award celebration at the 2012 August Football Reunion,
Love you Al, Don Viglione
Al was a great friend and will be missed. Hope God has a boccie court in heaven.
Al's service in WWII, warm smile, humility and nothing but fine treatment of a couple generations of Yale athletes is quite a legacy. And he was greatly appreciated by all who had the privelege of getting to know him.
Al was a true personal friend and a friend of Yale Football in a way that can't be described. Yale, Yale Football and Al are inseparable in my mind. As Captain of the 1972 Yale Football Team I offer the condolences of my team mates and deep gratitude for the love and care Al showed us as young men
One of my favorites of all time with football and hockey at Yale. Quite an accomplished man. A beautiful man, a great friend, a role model, and a sense of humor too good for us. He often repaired my body, but always set my mind straight. He gave us a perspective we got from no one else. One of the most positive aspects of my life.
My sincerest condolences to the Battapaglia family. I carry with me fond memories of Big Al. He took care of our aches and pains, always with a positive attitude and a measure of inspiration. A couple of years ago, my wife and I were on a ski trip and she slightly twisted her knee. She was able to continue after I wrapped it up. I told her that was how Big Al taught me to do it. Thanks Al.
If the world had half the sense of humor that Al had, we all would live in a wonderful world. He will be missed.
Remembering playing cribbage in the training room with "Peggin' Al".
Al was one of the big reasons I used to make the trek up to the Whale and out to the Field House well before practice started during my four years at Yale. I regret now never having told him how much his way with players and patients helped me choose orthopedic surgery, a decision I made as an undergraduate.
Big AL–
Al and all the staff at the "cage" were the bedrock of our Yale athletic experience. He made you laugh– the warmth, big handshake and smile are a great memory of the time I spent there. RIP Al
No one who played lacrosse or football at Yale in the 70s could ever forget big Al. He was a constant source of encouragement, fun and inspiration. He made each and every player feel special in some way. Our spring lacrosse trips were especially memorable. I had the good fortune to have Al attend my wedding in 1972, along with many teammates and Coach McHenry. My deepest sympathies to Al's family. I hope that you get some idea from what everyone has written of how much he meant to all of us.
Al was a great friend and mentor to generations of Yale Football players, sharing not only his professional skill, but his sage advice interspersed with wise cracks, jokes and riddles, "no extra charge" whether you were a star or not. He was a constant source of positive energy and encouragement, who always made my day better. He hung the nickname "Fourth Floor Tennant" on me freshman year, and always greeted me with "Fourth Floor, Comin' Up!" Invaluable encouragement to a struggling frosh football player, 40 years ago. Al was very much loved and appreciated, and his life impact never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this great, big hearted man.
I am sorry to hear of Big Al's passing. I played football at Yale from 1966-1968 and fondly recall Big Al. He was always a lively, friendly, great person. He was one of the special people around the program. He will be missed.
Al was more than a trainer, he was a mentor. Kind and gracious, devoted and dedicated, he was a friend and a confidant as we players negotiated both the field and the classroom. He was an inspiration and was beloved. God bless you and may we always remember Al's influence for the greater good.
Very sad to hear of Al's passing. My condolences to the entire Battipaglia family. AL was a very special man whose sense of humor and love of sport,family and country made him every bit as True Blue a Bulldog as any of the Yale athletes that were so fortunate to be treated by him. As Al once said, "You cannot spell Y-AL-e without AL." And that was the truth.
May God Bless Al and his family and may he forever rest in peace.
Wasn't a day went by, in my four seasons at Yale, that Big Al didn't greet us with a big handshake and even bigger smile. He was the real deal and true Blue. We will miss him dearly.
TO THE BATTIPAGLIA FAMILY,
I want to express my deep condolences to the Battipaglia Family on the passing of "Big Al." As a former Yale Bulldog and as someone who was also born and raised in New Haven, he and I had much in common. When I was a player and would come into the training before football practice, Big Al was always there with a big smile and great conversation. His ability to connect and make every player on the team feel valued and important. His smile was infectious and no matter how hard things around us were things were a bit better after seeing him. This was a wonderful trait of his that will always be remembered by me. His gentle voice, and again great smile, always put me at ease and made coming to the Field House and the training room a good time. I told Big Al many time how much I enjoyed being around him and appreciated the care he and other trainers gave all of the players, football and others, who came through the Field House or Payne Whitney Gym representing Yale in so sports. When I think about my time playing football, Big Al is right there as part of that story and will always be part of my wonderful memories of my time at Yale!
During these difficult time, I want you to know that I will always keep Big Al, his caring, service, and love of the guys he helped along the way while at Yale, in my heart. May his love for his family, friends, colleagues, and all the Yale Football players, be with you today, tomorrow and always. With Deepest Sympathy, Vince Day '76
"Big Al" knew just what to say to put a freshman at ease or a slump in perspective.
He, and a few others like him, made the Yale experience.
He was so kind.
Please accept my sincerest condolences. I remember Al having played football, baseball, rugby, and lacrosse at Yale. He would take care of all my injuries and tape my wobbly ankles before each practice. Whenever he would see me, there would be a devilish grin and look in his eye, and he'd ask, "what's a hen weigh?" I'd go "huh?" to which he would respond, "About 5 pounds." He got a big kick out of this joke, which he repeated every time he saw me coming. I have to admit, that it always made me smile too. We all loved Al very much for his kindness and friendship, and we will all miss him greatly!
My heart goes out to his family and friends for their loss. Big Al always lit up the room with his smile and great attitude. He lives on in the memory of hundreds of Yale athletes who were lucky to work with him during their years in New Haven. As always, you can't spell Yale without Al!
Al was an asset to Yale Athletics for sure but it was his kindness and encouragement that I remember most. I wasn't a star player or even a starter but Al always had time to boost my morale and help me rehabilitate from my injuries. The single photo I have of me "in action" during my four years with the soccer program has Al in it. He's across the field, in the background, and it's kind of blurry, but a professional photographer couldn't have framed it any better. Humble and dignified, we'll never see the likes of him again. What an honor it was for me to have been touched by his life. Thank you. God Bless.
Al was a great friend to all and always had either a funny joke or a kind word for everyone around him. He will be remembered forever for his great service to Yale.
What a fine man. I will always be grateful for the care he gave us on the field and on the bus. My children still quote a joke of his that I was happy to pass down from "Big Al."
One of the finest people I've ever known. Al was a bright spot in every day we saw him. He was a friend to all of us who had the privilege of passing through his training room.
Norm Chimenti, Yale '62
Football and Lacrosse.
Al was a great help to me as an athlete and coach at Yale, a man who cared for hearts,
minds and bodies. I treasure his friendship.
Al was a great man and an important part of my experience at Yale and my experience as a Yale athlete. Through his big heart and genuine care for those of us on his teams, he helped shape the love of athletics that has been a big part of my life. I am very grateful that Al was a part of my life.
Dear family: Al was a great fellow, always warm/friendly and sympathetic to athletes injuries. He had a great memory for history of players and never forgot them! Franklyn H. Carrington,Jr. , MD Yale 1966
My memories of Big Al while at Yale are as vivid and cherished as any sporting event or teammate. I will always remember the big smile, the humor, the care. You always had a better day after spending some time with Big Al. Thank you for the countless ways you have enriched the lives of so many that were fortunate enough to be in your company.
I remember Al's wonderful presence when I was a member of the Yale football team in the 80's. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Al was an important and always steady presence helping me throughout my lacrosse career at Yale for which I have the fondest memories. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and many fiends.
Big Al was truly one of a kind. He had a big influence on me and the other Yale hockey players (and other teams, I'm sure) in the late '80s. Always with a joke or a prank, or just a funny line (I can still remember most of them), wherever he was – the locker room at Ingalls, or long bus rides to upstate NY (where he'd sit up front and take on anyone in Scrabble) – was the most fun place to be. He will be missed, but long remembered.
As one whose ankles and shoulders Al taped during the early 70's, I want to express my sorrw at Al's passing and my condolences to his extended family. He was one of a kind and larger than life. Most importantly he was a kind, good and decent man who filled every room he ever entered with laughter and life. He will be greatly missed but will live on in the hearts of the thousands of Yale football players whose lives he enriched and whose spirite he brightened. Thank you for sharing him with us. God bless and Godspeed, Big Al. All of you are in our prayers.
I worked with Al for many years in the Athletics Department at Yale. I was in the Athletic Director's Office. He was such a good man, a genuine friend, and a super medical trainer to the athletes — they all loved him, especially the men's hockey players. My thoughts and prayers go out to Elaine and the entire Battipaglia family.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Big All "the Bat" Battipaglia. I have nothing but fond memories of Al. He was such a great guy, always with a big smile, a ready and hearty handshake and encouraging words to boot. God Bless Al and may He hold him in the Palm of His Hand.
Chuck Mercein
Yale '65
So sorry to hear this. "Big Al" will be missed by the entire Yale Community. I can say that we would not have been the same football team without him keeping us on the field. Thanks for the Ivy Championships Al. More importantly, thanks for your tremendous friendship.
I played football at Yale from 1972-1975 and Big Al taped me every day. Reading all the emails from former players throughout the decades Big AL was there, I realized that we all had the same, personal warm relationship with Big AL. He made us each of one of us feel special in some way, yet he treated each one us the same. That somehow does not seem possible.
I replaced someone on the team who graduated ahead of me and when I graduated someone replaced me. I now realize that all of us – all the players are replaceable – Yale football lived on after we left. Big AL was not replaceable. When he left, Yale football diminished. His contribution to the program, to the institution, to each one us cannot be measured ….it lives on everyday in each one of us.
We experienced his warmth for only a short time and we all feel a great loss. I can't imagine how all of you must feel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Thank for sharing Big Al with us.
My first reaction to the email was, "Oh no! Not Big Al!"
Reading through the posts, here, I am struck by how much this man meant to so many people.
If only we all could match the contribution he made to the world around him!
I think Hank had about the most succinct comment, "A great trainer and as good a man as I've known."
The only thing I would add to that is, "…and what a great example for the rest of us!"
Rest well, Al!
Al's spirit always filled the training room with positive energy and an attitude of "if it hurts a little, that's good," something that applies to all of life. I have met thousands of people since leaving Yale and very few have his spirit. My condolences to his family.
Big Al was always one of the brightest points of the day, with a big smile and warm hello whenever we entered the field house. He will always be center in my fondest memories of Yale, and I thank his family for sharing him with us.
I knew Al from his trainer-at-Yale days. He was a wonderful man. He was always interested in us and took good care of us, and he always had a positive outlook to set the tone. And he had a nickname for everyone. I remember him with great fondness, and know that he must have been very special to his family and friends.
Dear Al and Family,
On behalf of myself and other Yale athletes I thank you for sharing so many years of your life with so many of us as we past through our playing years. Your warmth, affection, advice, and consolation, meant even more to us than those hydroculator pads and infinite amounts of white tape. Always proud to have known you, we reflect on our memories of time spent together with great fondness and appreciation. Our Best.
I am so very saddened to hear of Al's passing. He was such a huge part of my Yale football and lacrosse experiences. He always took such good care of me and I feel we had a special bond. God has a special place for Al among His angels.
A great trainer and as good a man as I've known.
Absolute gentleman. My deepest condolences to his family.
Thank you Battipaglia family for sharing your Big Al with us.
Thanks for the memories, Big Al. God speed. You will be missed.
My condolences to your entire family in the wake of Al's passing. Al was a true professional with a big heart and a large measure of interpersonal intelligence. He was a gentleman with class. He kept us patched up, and picked us up when we were down. With Dan Casman, he encouraged me to pursue a career in sports medicine.
I wanted to extend my heart felt sympathies to Al's family. The last time I saw Al was at the dinner for the 40th anniversary of the Ivy League championship for the 1969 team. We all spoke that night of the wonderful chemistry of the team, but as I thought about what made for team chemistry, I realized that it was not just about the bond between the players.The relationship with the coaching staff, as well as the connection to the trainers helped to forge that chemistry. Al's booming presence before and after practices, his ever broad smile, and his cheerful encouragement was as much a part of our chemistry, and his role in helping all of us will always be remembered.
I played football, lacrosse, and wrestled from 1964-1968 and Al was always there to help with injuries. He was always cheerful and supportive, and he did a great job tapping us up and keeping us going. Know that he made a major contribution to Yale Athletics and is fondly remember by thousands of Yale athletes.
My deepest sympathies.
I'm saddened to learn of Al's passing, but not at all surprised to see how many paople remember him fondly. In my experience, he treated everyone he encountered with respect and warmth.
As we go through our lives, there will be people that we will always remember. Big Al was one of those people for me. I have not seen Him for over 25 years, but I can still picture his never ending smile. It was a blessing to know him. A true gentleman. God Bless.
I was a skinny little kid recruited for tennis by Yale, and decided to try something new. Would I have made it through 4 years of Division 1 lacrosse without the help, the encouragement, the humor, the prodding, the challenging of Big Al? NOT A CHANCE. I look at his picture daily – my bathroom at home has all four of my Yale team pictures, and Big Al is in each one. What a man. May he rest in peace, sincere condolences and thank God for his long and productive and wonderful life.
I was a member of the Yale junior varsity hockey team in 1991-1992 and had played high school hockey under coach Roger Demment, himself a captain of the 1972 Yale squad. During that 1992-93 season, I recalled Roger having told me that his trainer, Al Battipaglia, was an enthusiastic cribbage player. The JV team always practiced before the Varsity so the locker room was usually somewhat empty in the early afternoon hours, but Al was always there to for those early arrivals who needed treatment for bumps and bruises. On one such occasion I mentioned Roger's comment to Al. Sure enough, the very next day I arrived for treatment and there in the training room, set upon a little table between two chairs, was a cribbage board ready for competition. I have so many fond memories of my time at Yale, but spending a few hours before practice every week, hunched over a cribbage board across from Al, is among my very favorite. I feel fortunate to have known Al and will carry that memory with me forever. Thank you, Al, and my deepest condolences to Al's family and those who knew him.
I was very sad to hear about Uncle Bat's passing, and send my sincere condolences to his family and friends in Connecticut. His warm heart and wonderful sense of humor will be missed, but not forgotten.
A great trainer and great friend to all Yale football players
Dan O'Grady Class of 1965
Was there ever a more upbeat person than Big Al? Who else could get a busload of jaded Yalies to follow his lead in a chant about kielbasa after a loss on the road or to laugh at the same jokes year after year. "Hey clinch – come over by the window and I will help you out! On that point I will forever thank him for coining an alternative nickname for me after Jay Rauth got Grapes and Tom Fagan got Nutsy. Big Al sorry you decided to take your own advice and go sing Far Far Away.
For four years Al held me together with tape and his words of wisdom. I am forever indebted to him. I will always cherish the chance to know him. A truly caring man.
My condolences to the Battapaglia family. "Big Al" was a huge part of my Yale Lacrosse experience and his spirit touched the lives of many.
see you up there — Big Al!!!!
So, so many of us had a deep respect and affection for Al. He was an uplifting spiritual force on the fields and the rink as a member of the Al, Dan Casman and Bill Dayton team. Those in Madison Square Garden this Saturday night –AND there will be thousands– when the Bulldogs face-off against the Crimson should rise in unison with a "Big Al, Big Al, Big Al" cheer between the 1st and 2nd periods. I will leave it to my late '50s cohorts to lead this since I cannot be in attendance. Go Al and the Bulldogs, Grabo
Big Al was a kind, warm, generous man, who always made us feel great in the training room. He treated the stars and the scrubs with the same love and care. He will be missed. His family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. Tom Virgulto Yale 89
Like many Yale lacrosse players I passed through 'Big Al's' professional care from 1971-75. He was cheerful, funny, dedicated and knowledgeable. He would greet me with his loud and bearish salutation: "Timmmmy" whenever he saw me.
The great memories of 'Big Al' will live with me forever.
I loved Big Al. He was a joy to be around. He used to call me " Mr Saturday" because I always studied on Mondays and missed practice. We remembered each other very well at the 50th anniversary of the undefeated 1960 football team. Deepest sympathies to his wife and family. BRKenney
Al knew me at Yale as one of those unfortunates who tried hard but broke down often, and so we got to spend a lot of time together in the training room over one football and four lax seasons. As a result, I undoubtedly spent more direct hours with him, absorbing more lessons needed by a young man navigating that time of life, than I did with any of my academic advisors. One of the quotes tacked on the bulletin board over my desk is from St. Francis of Assisi, who reminded his charges: "Brothers, while we have the time, let us do good." Al did good, and hundreds of Yale athletes are the better for it.
Al was a big part of our lacrosse teams, a great trainer and an even better person. All of us who had the good fortune to know him will remember him fondly. My condolences to the Battipaglia family.
My condolences to the Battipaglia family. When I arrived as a wet behind the ears freshman football player and faced my first injury, there was Big Al with his enormous smile and hilarious jokes! That was the first of many days over four years where Big Al always seemed to make injuries less painful and the recovery seem faster. I am sure he is taping them tight in a better place – Rest in Peace Big Al.
First and foremost my condolences to the entire Battipaglia family as a truly great man has passed on to a better place. Al was a wonderful person, a man among boys, that welcomed all of us into his family as we we all treated like his children. He will be missed but his memory will live on as our thoughts and prayers will always be with him and his family. Thank you Al.
Big Al. What a solid, kind, thoughtful man. You were always a much respected and beloved teammate on all the Yale teams. With your "paws that refreshes", actually scoring a "gazebo" in a gazebo at scrabble, or your kind and generous spirit, you added quality and fun to every season at Yale.
Our deepest sympathy to the family for your loss, especially our good friends Ralph & Jeannette.
My deepest condolences to Big Al's family. He touched so many of us during our careers a Yale. His caring heart and healing hands kept my shoulder in place, my elbow from swelling, and a smile on my face. The first thing he ever said to me as a wide eyed Freshman was "if I'm in your way, you'll have to move." Thank you, Al. You are making the training room in the sky a better place.
Al was a kind soul. He will be missed.
He helped me to be a better athlete by the way he treated my aches and injuries. He also makde me a better man by serving as a living example of compassion, decency and love. The world has lost a great man and I am deeply saddened by the loss.
My condolences are offered to the family that he cherished.
Sincerely,
Jim Griffin
I am very saddened to learn that Al has passed on…my heart, however, is warmed by the memories of everything he meant to me, fellow athletes, and Yale…his spirit is very much alive in us all…indeed we are truly blessed to have had such a wonderful human being as a friend.
When I think about the people who influenced me most during my four years in New Haven, Big Al is on the short list. I'm grateful to him for the example of humility and professionalism he set. A true gentleman, who knew that "vug" is a real word, even when so many doubted him… You lived well, Big Al!
Al just told St. Pete: "If I'm in your way, you'll have to move." He's got a whole new crop of candidates for his "All- Ugly Team". Truly one of a kind. Thank you for Battipaglia's one and and all for sharing him with us.
Big Al was my trainer for 4 years at Yale. He taped my ankle literally hundred of times. He could not have been a nicer man. Always brought a smile and positive attitude to the locker room. He was a bright spot for a kid like me often lost in the confusion and pressure of Yale…always offering a word of encouragement. He was one of a kind. He will be missed dearly and I send my deepest coundolensces to the family. Klaus Jensen
Big Al was a treasure and a true gentleman. With his ankle wraps, wise words and wisecracks he kept us healthy, motivated and in good spirits, the keys to any successful team. Thanks to his family for letting him spend so much time with us, my thoughts are with you. RIP Big Al.
With our deepest sympathy to the Battipaglia family. Al was a great person and well liked.
Al was locker room royalty. I remember fondly his 3 rules for success. The first was what not to do against the wind, the second was what not to do against the tide, and the third was "don't mess with Al." His up beat manner was as important as his trainer's skill in preparing us for games and life.
My condolences to the Battipaglia family. Big Al had a bigger impact on the world than he probably knew. We were all lucky to know him. He treated everyone the same, with warmth, humor, and great care. I still quote his jokes, 30 years later, and now he has a new audience in heaven.
Vaya con Dios, Al! Your cheerful "What's a 'hen weigh'?" greeted me throughout baseball and football seasons. You were an uber-mensch!
Al was my go to guy in the locker room. He always had time to tape and encourage me before practice and games . I loved his gentle manner and kindness . God bless the Battipaglia family, my prayers go with you and this wonderful gentleman.
I am just one of the many at Yale who were fortunate to have known Big Al. My sincere condolences go out to his entire family. He was a warm and caring individual. At practice or on game days you could always count on a smile and encouragement from Big Al. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Big Al was "big" for his humor, attitude, encouragement, and heart. He so ably cared for more than our bumps and bruises and our aches and pains; he lifted our spirits when we were down and made us feel like we were his extended family. He was truly a man to be honored and esteemed and emulated. An amazing guy who will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family and those closet to him.
Fall of 1989 I was a Freshman of modest promise, and I had a back problem. One day I show up at the training room and there's Big Al with a huge bed board to put under my mattress. "Just don't tell my wife, I had to take it from her," he smiled. That was Al — do anything for anybody and always with a smile. What a heart and what a friend. Miss you.
He was a gentle giant who had a simple yet loving attitude towards all he knew. He considered those of us on the Lacrosse team, his extended family, and we are all better people today because of his influence. His memory is one my best of my four years at Yale.
'Big Al' taught me an important lesson on how to live your life. Live it with humor, greet the day with enthusiasm, and do your work with pride and passion. He was there for me through the highs and lows of the early 70s and I have great memories to hold from my time with him. I will remember Al and I give my most sincere condolences to the Battipaglia family. A great man looks over us today as he did for me 40 years ago
Our sympathy to the Battipaglia family. Al will be greatly missed.
We have fond memories of Al and the Yale Athletic Department.
As a freshman kicker, then a football and baseball manager, I got to spend a lot of time around Al. He is one of those people whom God put on earth to herd kids onto the right path, and to keep them (us) there. May his memory be a blessing.
The Yale community has lost a great member – we are all better for having the opportunity to know Al. His resounding sense of humor, quiet encouragement, infectious smile and ability to help mold resilent young men will long be treasured. Our condolences to his family. Al – thanks for being such a special person in our lives.
I was fortunate that Al served as trainer to lacrosse and wrestling teams while I was at Yale. He was always able to make you smile. He enjoyed his job and loved the student athletes he served. To his family, thanks for sharing him with us. He put in a lot of time away from home. To all of you who knew Al: "Does your face hurt? … It is killing me!"
I will always think kindly of the wonderful man that was Al Battipaglia.
Not a better person or friend while I was at Yale. A caring human being who loved his profession and it showed every day. Al made a difference in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Rest in Peace Al. Michael Luzzi –
Is there anyone on whom Al didn't have a positive affect? He will be missed.
I am so sorry that I am late with this message and that I got so few chances to reconnect with Al after graduating. I was a "shower singer" post practice almost everyday, and Al never failed to drop these lines on me: "If you sing near the window, I'll help you out". "Can you sing Far Far Away?". And finally, "Can you sing tenor? Ten or twenty miles from here!!!" Gnash them Al, Gnash them! Love you Al. Dick Jauron.
One of the best people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.
I wish I could tell you how many times I've said to my kids growing up "Does your face hurt?…" "It's killing me!" Works to this day and they're adults!
It was more than the good humor and the nicknames, of course, Al really cared about us and it it went way beyond wins and losses. Thank you, Al, for making our experience as athletes so memorable and so much fun.
Love to the family and love to you, Al.
Bill, So sorry to hear about your father. Hope you, Joan, the kids and your family are doing well making it through this sad occasion.
Al you will be missed. Our prayers to you and the family. I will never forget you teaching me to play poker when you would have card club at my parents house. Rest in peace you were a fine example of an honest and hardworking man to your family and to so many others. God Bless.