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Legion Pasta Dinner
American Legion Post #67 sponsored a pasta dinner to raise money for the TriTown Legion Baseball program April 20 at the Post home in N. Grosvenordale.  More than 125 people attended.  According to Post officials, the dinner will turn over $750 to the program from the proceeds.  Left to right: Sr. Coach Jason Akana; committee finance officer Everett Shepard; John Heath of Post #67; Ron Coderre, baseball executive committee chairman; Adrien Lapalme of Post #67; Mike Merrill, committee executive officer; and Junior coaches Brian Murphy and Lee Blanchette. Courtesy photo.




TriTown preps
for the season
Although the American Legion baseball season is two months down the road, the TriTown program and its executive committee is preparing for the upcoming season.
Last year, TriTown was the only program in Connecticut to add a team to its organization.  In addition to its Senior team, the program now boasts two Junior teams.  Despite the fact that adding a team increased the financial obligation of the committee, the membership was in unanimous agreement that giving more young men between the ages of 14 and 19 the opportunity to play baseball was worth the effort.
“Our goal as a program is to give as many young men the chance to experience American Legion Baseball as possible.  Our coaches not only work tirelessly to build a winning program but they also work with our young men in building character, respect, sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline and leadership.  It’s rewarding to watch the growth in our players,” said Ronald P. Coderre, chairman of the executive committee.
According to Coderre, it takes $25,000 to put the program together each season.  The costs are attributed to uniforms and equipment, officials, care and maintenance of fields and numerous other incidentals.  The program is sponsored by Post #13 of Putnam, Post #67 of N. Grosvenordale and Post #111 of Woodstock.  In addition to
financial support from each Post, many Legionnaires support the program with individual financial gifts.
Coderre also noted that during the 14 years that he’s headed the program many community businesses, individuals and organizations have stepped forward in support of the teams.
“We are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported the program in the past.  Many groups and individuals have been loyal over the years.  I can assure anyone who has ever donated that their funds have been used judiciously and are very much appreciated,” said Coderre.
Jason Akana, a former Tourtellotte Memorial High School and Worcester State University diamond standout, returns for his third season at the helm of the Senior program.  Brian Murphy, a former New York Yankee farmhand, Eastern Connecticut State University All-American and Tourtellotte standout, coaches one of the Junior teams, while current Tourtellotte coach and former St. John’s Prep standout Lee Blanchette is the other Junior mentor.   
“We’re fortunate to have outstanding coaches and leaders as well as a full complement of qualified assistant coaches,” said Coderre.
The coaching staff is preparing for tryouts, which will be conducted at the Tourtellotte baseball complex at the conclusion of the high school season June 2 and 3, followed by the parent/player meeting.  Further details will be released at a later date.
“We’re hoping for a large turnout of candidates this year,” said Senior Coach Jason Akana.  “American Legion is a great baseball experience for area young players.”
TriTown plays in Zone VI and schedules are currently being negotiated.  They will be released prior to the start of the season, which is expected to occur around June 11.  The Senior team plays its games at the Tourtellotte baseball field while the Junior teams play at Woodstock Academy’s Bentley Athletic Complex.
In addition to Coderre, members of the executive committee include Joe Lindley, vice chairman; Everett Shepard, financial officer; and Michael Merrill, executive officer.  Legionnaire Chuck Jones represents Post #111, Mike Santerre, Alan Joslin and Dan Durand represent Post #13 and John Heath and Stan Lesniewski represent Post #67.  Ray Faucher, Mike Carignan and Barry Shead are community representatives at-large.
If you’re interested in supporting the team: TTALB, P.O. Box 123, Putnam, CT 06260-0123.

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