Trapasso played two years at Jefferson College before completing his career and degree at Oklahoma State. He pitched in the 1984 College World Series, claiming the win in Game 1, and finished with the top ERA in the Big 8 Conference and in the top five in the nation. He faced arm injuries during his senior season, but was signed by the Atlanta Braves after completing his college career. Trapasso played for three years in the minors, reaching low Class A in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Trapasso's playing career ended with the 1987 season.
Coaching career
Trapasso's coaching days began at Missouri as an assistant for three years, while earning a master's degree. He then moved to South Florida where he served as pitching coach, helping the Bulls to a conference title and ranking in the top 20 nationally in ERA in 1993. He then moved to Georgia Tech where he served as the top assistant and recruiting coordinator, building a young pitching staff that would deliver two Atlantic Coast Conference titles in his seven seasons. In those seven seasons, his recruiting classes all ranked in the top 20 nationally, including a top ranked class and two others in the top 10, according to Collegiate Baseball Newspaper. He was named the top national recruiter by Baseball Americain 2001. Following his success with the Yellow Jackets, Trapasso became head coach at Hawaii beginning with the 2002 season. The 2003 team improved by 14 wins over his inaugural season. In 2004, he was named Western Athletic ConferenceCoach of the Year after leading the Rainbows to their second consecutive 30 win season. Trapasso then led Hawaii to the 2006 NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament and a 45–17 record, a performance that landed him another WAC Coach of the Year award, along with several national honors. Since then, he has claimed another WAC Coach of the Year award, a conference title, conference tournament championship, and another NCAA appearance. He also signed a three-year extension after the 2011 season. Prior to the 2014 season, Trepasso would receive another 3-year contract extension. On February 6, 2017, University of Hawaii athletics announced a one-year contract extension for Trapasso, through the end of the 2018 season.
Head coaching records
Below is a table of Trapasso's records as an NCAA head baseball coach.