By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC sporty shout out is sent along to two good sports Stu and Merriam Boldry of Woodstock.  The couple has long been supporters of Woodstock Academy sports and other youth leagues.  Enjoy this week’s RPC column.

In August 2013 former East Lyme baseball standout John McDonald received the call he had often dreamed of when he learned he was traded from the Philadelphia Phillies to the Boston Red Sox.  He spent the month of September primarily in the BoSox dugout and ready to take the field in the event of an injury to any of the infielders.  Although not on the postseason roster, McDonald traveled with the team during the playoffs and World Series as insurance in the event of injury.

He was also happy because he had finally landed close to home.  McDonald and his wife Maura and their two children Jacqueline and Anthony live just outside of Boston.  For the first time in his career McDonald was able to sleep in his own bed and have time with his children.  He even took his family on the “duck boat” ride that celebrated the World Series victory.  A couple weeks ago that all changed very suddenly once again. 

McDonald, who was a free agent hoping to be re-signed by the Red Sox, recently accepted a deal with the Los Angeles Angels.  Anxious to remain as an active player as long as possible, the 39-year old utility infielder signed a minor league contract with the Halos.  He’ll report to the Angels big league spring training camp.  If he makes the team, he would earn $850,000 plus incentives.  But it will be on the other side of the country 3000 miles from his wife and kids.

A graduate of Providence College, McDonald has been a baseball journeyman, playing for a number of teams since he made it to the Majors in 1999 with the Cleveland Indians, the team that drafted him in the 12th round in 1996.  After spending time behind Indians shortstop Omar Visquel, he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays.

He spent six years in Toronto with the exception of a couple months with the Detroit Tigers in 2005.  The former UConn-Avery Point star then was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks where he settled in for two years.  Last season became an unreal journey where he spent varying amounts of time with four additional teams.

His first stop was in Bradenton, Fla., where he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Before he had a chance to get acclimated he was on his way for a reunion with the Indians, who then turned around and traded him to the Philadelphia Phillies.  He spent most of the summer in the City of Brotherly Love before being shipped off to Boston.

Known as one of the best defensive infielders in baseball, McDonald has a .235 batting average with 28 career home runs and 205 runs batted in during his 15-year career.

The affable McDonald is also recognized as an astute teacher of young players.  Last season he spent considerable time tutoring Xander Bogaerts, the Red Sox shortstop of the future.  It’s not a given but when his playing days are over it’s a good bet that he’ll end up coaching at some level of professional baseball.  Whatever McDonald’s fate in baseball he has a large rooting section, from his family and friends in Eastern Connecticut and even his former teammates who wish him nothing but the best.

High School Hockey Catching On

Three years ago a group of parents and friends of Woodstock Academy advocated for a hockey team for the Centaur student-athletes.  After two years of growing pains, that included low numbers and growth of the program, Woodstock Academy hockey has attained varsity status this season.

The team has been very competitive, posting a 3-3 record in the early goings of the season.  Much of the success goes to the young men who are skating for the Centaurs but kudos also goes out to the devoted coaching staff.  The head coach is Mike Starr and he’s assisted by Sean Farrell and Spencer Severs.  The trio brings a wealth of time on skates of their own as well as coaching experience on the youth league level to the program.  The team is hoping to continue to get support from the Griffin Youth Hockey League as its feeder system.

The Stars Are Shining

Putnam Science Academy had a successful trip to Boston recently, where the Mustangs defeated the #1 team in the country, Northfield-Mount Hermon in the BALLAS TV Invitational Tournament.  Two of the Mustangs were selected to the all-tournament team. Dalique Mingo was a first team selection, while 6-foot, 7-inches Jordan Butler received second team honors.

Catching Up With The College Scene

College basketball is primarily about the players.  It’s an opportunity for RPC to highlight local players who are making an impact on the college level.  RPC has also taken the time to highlight coaches, as we did with Putnam resident and Central Connecticut State University assistant Glenn Senecal a few weeks back.  This week we begin by highlighting another aspect of the game, officiating.

On Saturday, Jan. 18 Danielson resident Charlie Lee was a member of a three-man crew that refereed the NCAA Division III contest between host Nichols College and Wentworth Institute of Boston.  Nichols extended its winning streak to seven games with a big win over Wentworth.  Lee and the crew had a very smooth afternoon and left the Bison Field House feeling good about their performance.

In Hamden former Marianapolis standouts Ike Azotam and Ousmane Drame continue to lead the way for the 11-6, 6-2 MAAC Bobcats of coach Tom Moore.  Drame, a junior, recently enjoyed a career night as he tallied 15 points but bigger than his offensive performance was the fact that he posted a career-high 21 rebounds and seven blocked shots in a victory over Monmouth College.  In an 85-71 win over Niagara University both players posted a double-double.  Azotam had 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Drame added 14 points and 10 rebounds. 

From The Annals Of Putnam Sports History

January 1911: The Putnam High School hockey team was defeated at Pomfret School 15-3.  (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni) 

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Why do you press harder on a remote control when you know the battery is dead?

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