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Honored

Bob Auger, center, was honored in the TriTown American Legion Hall of Fame. At right is Ron Coderre and at left is Joe Lindley. Courtesy photos.

 

 

Award

Winner

Jacob Guertin received the Executive Committee Award, at right is coach John Foucault. 

 

By Ron P. Coderre

PUTNAM — A packed house of players, coaches, family, friends and guests was on hand to celebrate the accomplishments of the TriTown 2016 Jr. and Sr. American Legion baseball teams July 22 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1523.

The evening was filled with revelry and a special spirit of sharing with the Jr. team, which posted an overall record of 10-12 and the Sr. squad that went 12-16.  These two teams were reminded by everyone to relish in the enjoyment that they brought to their followings as both teams qualified for the American Legion postseason tournament.

In addition to honoring the teams and players, the banquet honored five individuals who were inducted into the newly formed TriTown American Legion Baseball Hall-of-Fame.  The five inductees were players, Alan LeBoeuf, Brian Murphy and Bob Auger, as well as coach Tom Auclair and contributor Rene “Doc” Desaulniers, who was honored posthumously.

In accepting on behalf of the Desaulniers family, Putnam optometrist Dr. David Gaudreau noted that “Doc” must be smiling down on this evening and the teams.  “Dr. Desaulnier was a winner in every cause he undertook.  Thanks to his efforts nearly 50 years ago we enjoy TriTown baseball today.  He was a great man and a person to model ourselves after,” said Gaudreau.

Auger recollected about his playing days in high school, American Legion and professional baseball.  In an emotional moment he gave credit to his older brother, who was a great ballplayer, and always encouraged him to go on.

“Legion baseball was the platform I used to move on to professional baseball in the St. Louis Cardinals organization.   Enjoy your time on the diamond and make the best of every moment,” Auger told the teams and the audience.

Senior team graduate remembrances were presented to Josh Allard, Jared Durand, Nicholas Foucault, Ryan Gadoury, Jacob Guertin and Kyle Tyler.  A special graduate commemorative was presented to Jared Carignan who was unable to play this season but remained a big part of the team.  Cheryl Ann Carignan and her assistants Ann Falco and Kerry Angelo were recognized for their work throughout the season in assisting with the “small details” that made the programs successful.  The evening also recognized the Post #13 Honor Guard, which officiated at all their ceremonial events and The Crossings Restaurant and Brew Pub for sponsoring Coaches Corner on WINY.

The Joe Lindley Most Improved Player Award was presented to Jacob Straub.  He played centerfield and was the Jr. Team’s closer.  The other Jr. Team award, the Louis Francis Bates Memorial Award, was presented to the team’s outstanding player, shortstop and pitcher Scott Davagian.

The Sr. team Stan Lesniewski Award was presented to centerfielder Josh Allard, who was the team sparkplug.  The TriTown Executive Committee Award went to catcher Jacob Guertin, while the coach Tom Auclair Outstanding Player Award went to third baseman Alex Angelo who posted a .380 batting average.  Nicholas Foucault was the recipient of the Rene “Doc” Desaulniers Distinguished Player Award.

The TriTown American Legion Baseball Program is one of the few remaining in Connecticut that is operated entirely by veterans.  The teams are sponsored by the Mayotte-Viens Post #13 in Putnam, Post #67 in Thompson and the Benson-Fluegel Post #111 of Woodstock.