Southern Connecticut State University Department of Athletics is saddened by the passing of Sam Burrell, father of Owls' men's basketball head coach Scott Burrell and New Haven sports legend. Burrell passed away on Monday, Apr. 11, 2022 at 89 years old.

"My dad was a legend and he was my idol," Scott Burrell said. "He did so much for me and our family and did so much for the community. He was always involved with something, for somebody, every day. Every day was something. He believed in serving the community and serving his church. He was committed to helping people and he never rested."

Regarded by all who knew him as a legend in the sports arena in New Haven, Burrell graduated from Southern Connecticut State University and is believed to be the first African-American baseball player in Owls' history. Burrell was a constant contributor to all sports in New Haven, as a coach and organizer for numerous events that supported thousands of athletes.

"I have known Samuel Burrell and his family for six decades," longtime friend and fellow Owls Hall of Famer Jim Barber said. "New Haven, as well as the statewide community, has lost a true champion. Sam was an action-oriented leader who did not subscribe to the 'Let George Do It' philosophy. Thousands of youth have been the beneficiaries of the programs and other initiatives that he has promoted over years that I have known him."

His baseball coaching career started with American Legion Post 47 baseball in 1956 through 1967 before becoming the first African-American coach in Ivy League history when he was named Yale's Freshman Baseball Coach in 1968. He coached the Bulldogs' freshman baseball and football team through 1992. He was also the Head Baseball Coach at Hillhouse High School and an assistant coach at Wilbur Cross High School.

"On behalf of the department of athletics and SCSU I would like to extend my condolences to the Burrell family," SCSU Director of Athletics Chris Barker said. "Sam Burrell made an everlasting impact on so many within the SCSU, New Haven & Hamden communities, and will be missed deeply but his legacy will live on through Coach Burrell, his family and all those he impacted."

SCSU Athletics has announced the creation of the Samuel A. Burrell, Jr. Scholarship Fund, which will be awarded annually to a dedicated SCSU student-athlete. Individuals interested in supporting the scholarship fund can do so by visiting this link.

Sam Burrell was named an assistant varsity football coach by legendary Yale Head Coach Carm Cozza in 1993, and held that position until his retirement in 1997. In 1996, he was appointed Community Outreach Coordinator of the Thomas W. Ford '42 Outreach Program for the Yale Athletics Department.

"It has been my good fortune to have been mentored by one of the most influential and effective community activist with whom I have had contact," Barber continued. "He was genuine with a personality that was truly infectious. You wanted to be engaged in the activities that he promoted."

Burrell was also heavily involved in the Walter Camp Football Foundation, serving as the organization's president while later establishing the Walter Camp "Stay In School" Rally, a signature event that has stood out as a highlight of the annual Walter Camp Weekend.

In 1980, he established the Greater New Haven Diamond Club and later re-established it in 2005. The organization's Coach of the Year Award is named in his honor. He later went on to serve as New Haven's Director of Parks and Recreation, and held numerous positions in the New Haven and Hamden communities. His most ambitious venture was his involvement with the United States Youth Games and introducing the program to the New Haven community.

 "Sam's involvement with both Walter Camp Football Foundation as well as the United States Youth Games and other initiatives certainly extended his deserved reputation well beyond the borders of the State of Connecticut," Barber commented. "To know him was to respect him."

Services will be held on Friday, April 22, 2022 from 4-8 p.m. at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, located at 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Funeral services will then be held on Saturday, Apr. 23 at 11 a.m. in Battell Chapel located at 400 College St. in New Haven, Conn., followed by his interment with Military Honors at St. Mary Cemetery in Hamden.

To leave a condolence for Sam's family, please go to www.beecherandbennett.com.