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Team Photo 1978
Front row, from left: Craig Perkins, Jon Trudeau, David Bennett, Mark Tetreault. Second row: Chris Scraba, Kris Almquist, Don Furtado, Bart Ramos, Todd Morin and Mark Gerardi. Third row: Mickey Fall, David Converse, Manager Ron Coderre, coach John Farrington, Bruce Diaz, and Derek Benoit. Seated in front: bat boy Chris Coderre
Get Together
Members of the 1978 Sr. League District 10-11 Championship team proudly holding the banner they won 45 years ago. Front row, from left: David Bennett, Craig Perkins, Chris Coderre, Jon Trudeau, and Chris Scraba. Back row: Manager Ron Coderre, President Bob Larochelle, David Converse, coach John Farrington, Mark Gerardi.
In the summer of 1978, a group of 15-year-old young men captured the baseball fancy of Putnam becoming the first Putnam Little League – Sr. Division All Star team to capture the Division 10-11 championship and move on to State competition. Now 45 years later and most approaching 60 years of age, the team came together July 1 for a reunion that all will remember forever.
The event organized by Chris Coderre, who was the 8-year-old bat boy in 1978, the team gathered along with then League President Robert “Bob Larochelle, Coach John Farrington and team Manager Ron Coderre. Known for its closeness as a team in 1978, that same spirit was present in 2023 at the Crossings Restaurant and Brew Pub as the memories of 1978 gradually filtered back through their minds.
Chris Coderre opened the program with pertinent remarks and reminiscences of the intense three weeks the team spent together on its way to the coveted title. Larochelle provided a moment of silence for the team’s only deceased member Donald Furtado. He also touched on the spirit and camaraderie that the team brought to the community of Putnam that summer.
Coach Farrington then spoke of the hard work and drive these young men had in preparing for each contest. He also alluded to the fact that it was an honor to have been involved with these young players.
Manager Ron Coderre, in an emotional presentation, spoke highly of the character of the individual players and the pride they brought to the league and town, not only for their play on the field but off the field as true champions.
“This group of young men was destined to become champions not only on the diamond but in life. As a unit they listened learned and competed together. They understood how to act like champions but also how to be humble in defeat. It was an honor to work with them. One I’ll never forget.,” said Ron Coderre.
The pride of the team was the infield, which Coderre noted was probably “the best ever in Putnam baseball history.” The 1978 infield was composed of Bart Ramos at 1st base (currently a Detective in the Putnam Police Department); Christopher Scraba 2nd base (a graduate of the Coast Guard Academy and career Coast Guard Officer); Craig Perkins shortstop (UConn grad where he played football, later successful businessman and recent author); and Jon Trudeau 3rd base (successful local businessman).
The team boasted four solid pitchers, Mickey Fall (successful physical therapist and entrepreneur); Furtado; David Bennett (successful industry manager); and Mark Gerardi (a successful food store chain manager). The catchers were Kris Almquist (current Arizona resident) and Mark Tetreault (current Minnesota resident).
The remaining players, all who filled special roles, were Todd Morin (current Woodstock resident); David Converse (current Woodstock resident); Bruce Diaz; and Derek Benoit. The team alternates were Mark Pacheco and Mark Concato.
Gerardi, who resides on Nantucket Island, MA best summed up the importance of the team and reunion. “I have never been back to a high school reunion but when I received word of this team getting together, I vowed I would definitely attend. It was so great to see the guys I played with in 1978. They were special then and they’re even more special today.”
Manager Ron Coderre said, “It was a privilege to coach these young men in 1978. Seeing them today and hearing of the successes they’ve had in life not only makes me very proud but I always knew even 45 years ago that they would impact the world during their lifetimes.”
The team reached the championship by edging the Quinebaug Valley All Stars in the opening game 3-2 with Mickey Fall picking up the win. They moved on with a stirring victory over Norwich, which was a two-day, eight-inning contest won by reliever Mark Gerardi. The highlight of the contest was the words of Bart Ramos. As the team exited Norwich on night one, the Norwich players stood outside the Putnam team bus taunting them. At that point, Ramos calmly stood up in the bus and announced, ala General Douglas MacArthur in the Philippines, “We will be back.” The team returned on day-two and quickly secured the win.
The District 10-11 championship clinching win was a 7-3 victory over Pawcatuck, highlighted by home runs off the bats of Don Furtado and Bart Ramos. Fall picked up the pitching victory, his second of the championship run. The team lost in the opening round of the State Tournament 9-6 to Guilford.
The Reunion players received copies of the original team photo, newspaper clippings of their heroics from the Windham County Observer and a replica hat from the 1978 season.
“Seeing the reaction of the players was heartwarming. Everyone was excited and suggested we continue this tradition. I’m so pleased I moved forward in putting the reunion together,” said the bat boy, Chris Coderre.
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