By Ron P. Coderre

There was a time more than a half-century ago when young men would gather throughout the year but mostly during the summer months at the Smith Street “schoolyard” for pickup games of baseball, basketball or football.  The popular gathering spot in Putnam’s North End is no longer there.  Many of the young men who gathered there unfortunately are also no longer around.

 One of the most popular players at the “schoolyard” was Donald Chenail, who acquired the nickname “Beansy” from the gang of young men who gathered daily.  “Beansy” was one of the North End’s best baseball players and was liked not only for his athletic ability but also for his charming personality and sense of humor.

Those who remember the Smith Street “schoolyard” were saddened by the news of “Beansy’s” death, which occurred on June 30 in Florida.  Reports indicate that at age 83 “Beansy’s” heart just gave out because it was tired but his indomitable spirit will live on.

Donald “Beansy” Chenail was a person who always found a way to see the good things in life.  That’s why even to his final days he managed to play in senior softball competition in Florida two weeks before his death.  Softball and “Beansy” Chenail were synonymous.

A 1950 graduate of Putnam High School, Chenail enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1951, a short six months after graduating as a Clipper.  He served during the Korean Conflict and received an Honorable Discharge in December 1953.

When the softball diamond at Murphy Park was the hotbed of softball in Putnam, “Beansy” Chenail established himself as the standard among third basemen in the area.  Known as the “Intimidator,” his trademark was creeping in perilously close to batters he thought might be bunting.  Daring them to hit the ball by him, which they rarely did, became his trademark.  The softball hot corner belonged to “Beansy.”

A community servant, Chenail devoted many years to the Putnam Little League where he served as the manager of the Giants.  The young men he coached, who are adults today, still revere his memory and hang on to the baseball training he imparted in his gentle knowledgeable manner.

After retiring to Florida, following a more than 30-year career as an agent with Prudential Insurance, Chenail immersed himself into senior softball in the Sunshine state.  He starred in local leagues in the south and his prowess was recognized early on.  Soon he was a member of traveling teams, ages 60 to 76, which were in tournaments throughout the state.  He continued to play up until the time of his death.

“Beansy” was recognized as one of Florida’s top softball playing seniors when he was inducted into the West Hernando Athletic Club Softball Hall of Fame in 2009.  This was an honor that he accepted in his humble fashion and one that never publicly reached his hometown until the time of his death. 

Chenail leaves his wife of 59 years, (they were wed June 25, 1955), the former Evelyn Desautels and five sons, Bruce (58), Bob (56), Tom (53), Rick (52) and Steve (51).

Donald “Beansy” Chenail, a member of the West Hernando Athletic Club Hall of Fame, who got his start at a young age as a member of the Smith Street “schoolyard” gang, is gone but not forgotten.  His legend will live on in his hometown of Putnam whenever young men gather to play softball and reminisce about the area’s greats.  God bless, “Beansy.”