Joe Lizza, a Newtown High School athletics event site director and former baseball coach with the Nighthawks, was inducted into the Southern Connecticut Diamond Club Hall of Fame for his exceptional baseball talent. Two nights later, Lizza was honored by the Nighthawk cheerleaders and Public Address Announcer Jason “J.” Edwards at halftime of the NHS football game versus Stratford at Blue & Gold Stadium.

This hall of fame honors those who have made a significant impact to the game of baseball in the local area. Lizza is a 1995 graduate of Derby High and a 1999 grad of the University of New Haven.

A two-time all-state selection for Derby High School, Lizza was the starting catcher for Derby’s 1992 Class S title team as a freshman. He hit four grand slams among his six homers as a freshman. He amassed career totals of 15 homers, 60-plus runs batted in, and over 80 hits, while surpassing the .400 mark in batting average twice.

Lizza is the co-owner of the Housatonic Athletic and Wellness Center, located across the street from NHS at 17 Berkshire Road.

In 2023 Lizza was inducted into Derby High School Hall of Fame for being one of the most decorated players in baseball history. Lizza played varsity basketball as a freshman, and was a starter sophomore year, and played football.