At the age of 10, already involved in the town’s baseball and basketball programs, Mike became a fixture at Pesci Park.

Whether participating in games, or just watching from the sideline, he realized that this small town was blessed with great athletes.

In January of 1960, Mike attended his first high school basketball game. Upon entering the noisy and packed gymnasium, he was quickly drawn to the enthusiasm of the crowd.

Even though the Raiders lost, Mike was hooked. From that point on, his goal was to be at every home game, both basketball and baseball.

Beginning in 1964, Mike was now attending all games, home and away, including the soccer program.

On a couple of occasions, knowing Mike did not have a ride, Coach Sullivan allowed him to travel on the team bus, with one stipulation. There would be no yelling at the referee or umpire. After careful thought, Mike agreed.

After graduation, due to working full time, attending the afternoon soccer and baseball games was not an option.

However, once the state tournament began, he would use vacation time to make sure he was at that game. Mike never missed a state championship game.

Mike and his wife moved to Somers in 1979, where they raised their daughter, and became involved in that town’s sports programs.

Whenever Windsor Locks opposed Somers, mother and daughter sat on the Somers side, while Mike sat, or stood, behind the Raider bench. Bragging rights were a big deal in the DiPinto household.

Throughout the years, Mike has been asked about his favorite sports memory. Without hesitation, it has always been being at Williamsport, watching the Windsor Locks Little League win the 1965 world championship.

From 2014 thru 2018 Mike had the honor and privilege to be a member of the Windsor Locks Sports Hall of Fame committee.

Getting to research information on the town’s athletes (prior to 1960) was very rewarding to him, as was the chance to reconnect with those he watched and cheered for from 1960 on. 

Mike’s insight and knowledge of Windsor Locks athletics helped to uncover many overlooked athletes worthy of being inducted into the Windsor Locks Athletic Hall of Fame.

Without Mike, these athletes and their accomplishments may have been lost to history.

In 2023, Mike and his wife moved back to Windsor Locks, where they now spend most weekends at the Simsbury skating rink, watching their granddaughter play in the 10 and under hockey league.

This time, however, the family is allowed to sit together!