Hall of Fame
Panella played in the outfield for the SF State baseball team from 1961-62. His first year as a Gator, Panella ended the season with a .456 batting average - which topped the SF State record book until 1989 (He also held the record for triples with five until 1979.)
Panella helped guide the Gators to back-to-back Far Western Conference championships, earning first team all-conference recognition both years and the FWC Player of the Year award in 1962. He was named MVP by the team and SF Examiner and received All-American status in 1962.
Post-college playing days, Panella played in the Houston Astros (then the Houston Colt 45's) organization for five years before beginning his coaching career in 1969 in the Oakland Unified School District. He has coached club teams along with high school and college teams.
