By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC sporty shoutout is sent along to James Martin owner of 85 Main Street Restaurant in Putnam.  Few people realize that Martin is an accomplished soccer player, having played in high school and college.  In his spare time he continues to participate in soccer on a semi-professional level and has greatly enjoyed watching the World Cup competition.

In the years 1995, 1996 and 1997 a young lady dominated the softball diamond at Tourtellotte Memorial High School and the Quinebaug Valley Conference in a quietly spectacular fashion.  Aimee Levesque, a 1997 graduate, was the strong arm the Lady Tigers relied on as they were a force up and down the Quinebaug River and throughout the State of Connecticut.

Levesque established some marks in the circle that are still envied today, while also being the catalyst in producing competitive Lady Tiger softball teams.  During Levesque’s tenure at Tourtellotte she led the team to QVC Tournament Championships in her sophomore, junior and senior years.  While leading the team she also collected QVC Outstanding Player of the Year awards and QVC Player of the Tournament awards.

The Tiger softball teams during Levesque’s era were the CIAC Class S runner-up in 1996 and 1997, years that she also garnered All-State honors.  In 1996 she posted a 17-4 record with 136 strikeouts and an ERA of 0.85, which was followed the next season with a 16-5 record, 139 Ks and a 1.39 ERA.  

Following her graduation from high school, Levesque went on to Becker College where she continued her dominance on the softball diamond.  During the years 1998-2001 Levesque posted a career pitching record of 64-27 with a 2.07 ERA.  She holds the Becker record with four no hit-no run games.  

Behind Levesque’s pitching Becker won the Region 21 Championship (1998); and the North Atlantic Conference Championship (2001).  She was rewarded by being named First Team Region 21 and All-CSAC, NAC Player of the Year, First Team All-NAC and 2001 NAC All-Tournament team.  Levesque, who was an outstanding student was a four-time Becker College Scholar-Athlete recipient and was selected to pitch in the Easter Seals Fundraising Games.

Levesque was inducted into the Tourtellotte Memorial High School Athletic Hall of Fame with the Class of 2014 on June 14. 

John Miller (Not of PGA Fame) Records An Ace

Everyone who watches professional golf on television knows the name John Miller, the analyst who was once a PGA standout player.  Well Putnam also has a John Miller and he also plays a little golf.

On July 12 our John Miller, a graduate of Marianapolis Prep, recorded the first hole-in-one of his long golf career while playing at Crystal Lake Golf Club in Burrillville, R.I.  Miller, who’s been playing golf since age 10 (we’ll let our readers figure out just how many years that’s been), aced the par-3, 11th hole, which was playing 167 yards.  He used his 5-iron and hit a Titleist NXT Tour in conquering the heavily downhill hole.  The shot was witnessed by his playing partners Nick and Dave Gagnon.

“Since the hole was downhill, I could watch my shot all the way.  The trajectory was perfect, if I must say so myself.  I watched as the beautiful white ball floated gently to the green and rolled in the cup.  The sound was almost as exciting as hitting a jackpot at the casino,” said the humble Miller.

You Won’t Find This In Any Other Sports Column

Cliff Lee, the star lefthander of the Philadelphia Phillies, is rehabbing from an injury and was in Clearwater, Fla., for a game with the Phillies High Class A Florida League team recently.  Lee is rehabbing a left forearm flexor injury and pitched against Sarasota, the St. Louis Cardinals farm team.

Lee’s appearance wasn’t very stellar to say the least.  In 4 2/3 innings he surrendered eight runs, four earned, eight hits, one walk and a hit batsman.  It was so bad that the minor leaguer who was hit by the pitch asked for the ball as a souvenir.  It was hilarious , according to a firsthand report.

By the way, the Sarasota Cardinals, who did all the offensive damage to Lee, are coached by Jewett City native and former Red Sox catcher Roger LaFrancois.  He’s the Cardinals minor league hitting coach.

Pan Mass Challenge Update

A few weeks back RPC reminded readers that Putnam resident Charlie Leach was going to ride his bicycle in the Pan Mass Challenge for the Dana Farber Jimmy Fund.  Leach and every rider have a goal of raising $4,300 as part of the commitment to the Jimmy Fund.

Since we first wrote about Leach’s challenge he reports he’s doing very well in his effort to reach his goal.  With less than two weeks to go before the ride, Leach is a mere $700 shy of reaching the $4300 level.  Anyone wishing to help him along his ride can send donations to PMC c/o Charlie Leach, 33 Quinebaug Ave., Putnam, CT 06260-1943.  Ride Day is Saturday, August 2.

So You Think You Know Baseball History?

Try your luck at this question.  Name the three players from Eastern Connecticut who have played in the Major League All Star Game.  Also provide their birthplace, high school, position, the year they played in the Game and the team they were with when they were selected.

The first person to answer correctly and only one try per participant, with all the information, will receive a $25 gift certificate to J.D. Cooper’s Restaurant.  E-mail answers to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Keep in Mind the: Value of your time.

(If you have news worthy sports information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

 

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