By Ron P. Coderre

Coming off a successful 12-8 season, in which they qualified for the Constitution State Conference and CIAC tournaments, a close knit group of Putnam High School baseball players are anxiously looking forward improving on last season.  Despite the heavy snows of the winter that’s made it difficult to practice outdoors, these Clippers have taken advantage of gym time and personal time at local batting cages.  Although only 15 players turned out for the team, confidence abounds.

“The core group of this team has been together from the days when they played Little League.  In fact they’ve captured junior high and senior league championships along the way.  They’re tested and ready to go,” said assistant coach John Foucault.

If the adage that pitching is 90 percent of the game holds true, the Clippers appear to be well healed on the mound.  A tested mound corps composed of two seniors, a junior and a pair of sophomores is prepared to tackle a rugged conference and out-of-conference schedule.

Heading the pitching staff are seniors Josh Allard and Steve Dakai along with junior Nicholas Foucault.  Allard and Foucault are also part of the TriTown American Legion hurling corps.  Supplementing the trio is sophomores Zach Cutler and Jacob Brule.

“This group all possess strong arms and have varsity experience under their belts,” said Fooucault.

A reassuring factor for the pitching staff is veteran catcher, senior Jacob Guertin, who is seasoned in handling pitchers.  Guertin, who will handle the bulk of the receiving duties, will also, be relied on to provide punch to the Clipper offense.  He’ll be backed up by freshman Aiden Ciquera and junior Kyle Loomis.

Around the infield Ciquera and Foucault will form the double play combination.  Brule, who appears to have the nod as the starting third baseman, will move to shortstop when Foucault’s on the hill.  Brule’s replacement at the hot corner is senior Cole Andersen.  Dakai will handle the duties at first base, where he’ll be backed by sophomore Ryan Whitehouse.

The outfield will be patrolled by Cutler in left field, Allard in center when he’s not pitching and Loomis in right.  They’ll be spelled by junior Marlone Cardona, freshman Scott Davagian and senior twin brothers Dan and Nate Lowell.

This small core group of players is talented.  They’re capable with the bats, possess more than adequate speed and are solid defensively.  They’re strong up the middle with Guertin, Ciquera and Foucault and Allard, the sign of a solid defense.

“The batting order looks awesome on paper.  Our speed should help us on the base paths as well as defensively on the field,” said Foucault.

The Clippers, who compete in the CSC – East Division are scheduled to face in-conference foes Ellis Tech, Windham Tech, Norwich Tech, Parish Hill, and Grasso Tech.  The out-of-conference schedule will definitely test the team’s mettle.  Outside the CSC, Putnam will face Eastern Connecticut Conference teams, Fitch, Stonington, Tourtellotte, Woodstock, and Plainfield.  They’re also scheduled to meet baseball tradition rich Stafford as well as Hale Ray and East Hampton.

The Clippers are coached by Chris Hehir, who is entering his fourth season at the helm.  In addition to Foucault, Hehir will look to former Clipper standout Gunnar Andersen as a volunteer assistant coach.  The team will also employ the services of Mike Cerasoli as its athletic trainer.

Putnam High School, which has a diminishing population of approximately 300 students, is hoping that this close knit group can weave together a successful season reminiscent of the glory days of Putnam baseball.