- Details
- Category: Past Issues
By Ron P. Coderre
An atmosphere of optimism surrounded the 2012 Tri-Town American Legion Baseball Program postseason banquet July 27 at the Post #67 American Legion home in Thompson. A group of 75 parents, relatives and friends were on hand to honor the team.
From the very onset of the evening through the awards ceremony and the words of the guest speaker, the players and guests were reminded that despite posting a 3-26 record the Towners made everyone associated with the program very proud by the way the team conducted itself throughout the season.
Dr. Robert LaRochelle, the 2011 High School Coach of the Year, as selected by the Connecticut American Legion, was on hand as the featured speaker. LaRochelle, a Putnam native, reminded the team to “seize the day” quoting the “carpe diem” phrase from the Dead Poets Society.
“Regardless of your record you’ll look back on the experience you had this season bonding with your teammates and coaches. In the future, it won’t be the record that you’ll reflect on but the relationships you built as part of a team,” said LaRochelle.
LaRochelle, who coached basketball and baseball at St. Mary School in Putnam following his graduation from Holy Cross College, related his experiences with rag-tag teams that were young and who later turned the one-run losses into come-from-behind victories.
The program featured the presentation of five awards, each with very important significance. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Rene “Doc” Desaulnier Distinguished Player Award given to the individual who best represents the values of American Legion Baseball. The award went to outfielder-pitcher Brady Matteau, who was described by coach Paul Faucher as the hardest working, most unselfish player on the team and one who provided leadership to the other members of the team.
The Coach Tom Auclair Outstanding Player Award, presented in honor of longtime Tri-Town and Tourtellotte Memorial High School coach Tom Auclair, went to Mike Thienel. Thienel, who has another year of eligibility, led the team in every offensive category, while also providing outstanding defensive play from his shortstop position.
“American Legion baseball is a program that demands much of you as players. The thing that’s necessary for success is to stick with the commitment to play whether you’re a starter or a substitute. This program has produced many quality players who gave it their all when they were on the team,” Auclair reminded the players and families.
The Executive Committee Award, to a player who demonstrates the desire for self-improvement, was awarded to Josh Malboeuf, who like Thienel has another year of eligibility. The Joe Lindley Most Improved Player Award, given in honor of Executive Committee member Joseph Lindley, went to Joe Donovan. The Louis Francis Bates Memorial Award, given in memory of the late Louis Bates was presented by his son, Shawn Bates to Jared Carignan.
The three sponsoring posts, #13 of Putnam, #67 of Thompson and #111 of Woodstock, all received 2012 plates in appreciation of their ongoing support of the program. Matteau and left-handed pitcher Jon Peterson were honored as the only two graduates of this season’s team. The Executive Committee presented a special gift to Diane Matteau, who served as the team mother the past three seasons.
“Despite our record, these players remained upbeat through the entire schedule. The spirit they brought to the program bodes well for the future. I look forward to returning and working with these players,” said coach Paul Faucher.
The arrangements for the banquet, which featured a steak dinner prepared and served by Chef Buster Corey and his staff, was coordinated by Lindley, financial officer Everett Shepard, Stan Lesniewski, Mike Santerre, Barney Seney and Mrs. Matteau.