Umpires pg 9 10-3-13

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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shout out is sent along to former WINY Radio owner Mike Gerardi.  One of the original “boys of summer” in the Putnam Little League in 1951, Gerardi was a hurler who threw a heavy ball for the Yankees.  Today he throws beach balls at his home on Lake Alexander, which he proudly refers to as “On Golden Pond.”
As a retired member of the Eastern Connecticut Board of Umpires (ECBU) it’s always nice to receive the annual invitation to join the current members for their annual end of season wrap up and awards banquet.  On Thursday, September 26, more than 50 active and retired umps got together at the renovated Moose Club in Bozrah for food, libations, frivolity and some recognition.  This was the 65th banquet for the organization, which was founded in 1948.
Danielson resident Sean Brennan, a veteran arbiter and incoming president of the ECBU, did a marvelous job as the MC while also finding openings for throwing out a few barbs and jibes at some of his fellow umpires.  Among the awards that Brennan presented was the Richard Marion ECC Player Sportsmanship Award to Fitch High School graduate and current UConn baseball player Aaron Hill.  New London High School graduate Izzy Davila was presented the Frank Slivenski Legion Player Sportsmanship Award, while the Roger LaFrance ECC Team Sportsmanship plaque went to East Lyme High School.
The Ralph Brennan Legion Team Sportsmanship Award, in memory of the late Ralph Brennan, a longtime member of the board and father of Sean Brennan, was presented to the Danielson American Legion team, a team that the elder Brennan coached and led to a State Championship.  Unfortunately the moment lost some of its luster as there wasn’t anyone present to receive the award.
A number of umpires from the greater Putnam area were on hand, including Romeo Blackmar, Joe Cooper, Tom Hayden, Paul Lajeunesse, Dana van der Swaagh, Kevin Morin and David Austin.  Among the retirees present was Thompson resident Stan Lesniewski.
Roger Bidwell, the highly successful baseball coach at UConn-Avery Point delivered the keynote address.  He reminded the umpires that their role in “America’s game” was crucial.  He also commended the group for the professional manner in which they conduct business at all levels that they umpire.
Bucket List Item Checked Off…
The weekend of Sept. 20, 21 and 22 was memorable for two Putnam legends as they fulfilled lifelong dreams when they travelled to South Bend, Ind., to witness the football game between The Fightin’ Irish of Notre Dame and the Spartans of Michigan State.  Nelson LaRose and Roland “Snook” Gardner were part of the Notre Dame Club of Worcester group that journeyed by bus for the contest to the Hoosier State.
LaRose, a 93-year old WWII veteran, proved why he was part of the “Greatest Generation” as he travelled throughout the sprawling campus taking in the sights and sounds and the pageantry of a football weekend on the campus of the country’s most storied football program.  The pair, referred to by the other passengers on the bus as the Lone Ranger (LaRose) and Tonto (you figure out who that is), were part of the Friday noon “football luncheon” with Irish coach Brian Kelly, had two great seats to the game and took the time to visit the Golden Dome, the Sacred Heart Basilica, The Grotto and Hammes bookstore, where they loaded up on souvenirs.  They were also guests at a reception where they met the parents of coach Kelly.
Although both gentlemen were a little stiff from the action-packed three days, they marveled at the smooth way Notre Dame runs the entire weekend.  The pair became so familiar with the system and the staff that they relieved some of their walking travails by grabbing rides around campus with the ND security staff.  Stepping off the bus at the end of the trip, both LaRose and Gardner took out a pen and checked off another item on their bucket lists.
Marianapolis Grad Preseason Selection…
It doesn’t seem possible that former Marianapolis basketball standout Ike Azotam is in his final season at Quinnipiac University.  Last season Azotam, who’s been a starter for coach Tom Moore since his freshman season, was the Bobcats leading scorer and rebounder.
In information released recently from QU, Azotam has been named to the College Sports Madness MAAC preseason all-conference team.  The Boston native spent a year in Thompson playing for Coach Dave Vitale, who predicted success for his star.  According to Vitale, “Azotam was an efficient player on the court.  He made every moment, every shot and every play count.”
Encouraging News…
In the face of adversity it’s nice to be able to share good news about one of Thompson’s most popular residents Stan Lesniewski.  Hospitalized a couple months back, Lesniewski had his right leg surgically amputated above the knee due to complications from diabetes.  Following surgery, he was transferred to Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford for rehabilitation and training with his prosthesis.
Last week, Lesniewski, in great spirits, was brought to his Thompson home where he continues to recuperate and rehabilitate.  Thanks to the generosity and industriousness of the Thompson Lions Club, Lesniewski’s home has a sturdy ramp to its entrance, which accommodates him while he still navigates in his wheelchair.
He’d love to hear from his friends.  Send Stan a note of encouragement at his home - 16 Elliot Hill Road, North Grosvenordale, CT 06255.  
From The Annals of Putnam Sports History…
1894: Putnam’s polo (or is it pool?) team plays at the “Opera House” in the Union Block.  (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni)
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world.” Theodore Geisel – Dr. Seuss