American pg 9 8-4-11
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- Category: Past Issues
By Ron Coderre
THOMPSON — The Tri-Town American Legion Baseball program officially concluded its season July 29 with its post-season banquet at AL Post #67 home in Thompson. Approximately 100 people attended, honoring both the Senior and Junior teams.
The guest speaker of the evening was former Pawtucket Red Sox first baseman Dave Koza, who is best remembered for his 1981 game winning hit in the longest game in professional baseball history. The game, which started in April 1981 and concluded in June of that year, was won by Pawtucket in the 33rd inning on a single by Koza.
“You’ll face adversity in baseball and in life but don’t give up. Believe in your teammates, coaches and parents. Your time on the field will help prepare you well for life,” Koza told the audience.
Coaches Paul Faucher of the Senior squad and Shawn Bates of the Junior team also addressed the crowd. The Senior team finished its Zone VI schedule with a 6-21 record, while the Juniors posted a 15-9 log and qualified for the State American Legion Post-Season Tournament. They were beaten in the first round of play by Simsbury 15-6.
“We’re a young team, with all of our players eligible to return next season. The coaching staff is looking forward to continued improvement from this fine group of young men,” said coach Faucher.
Coach Bates read a note from John Krot Zone VI Commissioner congratulating the team on qualifying for the State Tournament. “This group of players was a pleasure to work with. They not only played well but they demonstrated maturity during adverse game situations,” said Coach Bates.
Five Players Honored
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards to three Senior team players and two members of the Junior team. The “Joe Lindley Most Improved Player Award” went to pitcher Dan Murphy. Infielder Ben Ross was awarded the “Louis Bates Memorial Award” as the outstanding junior player.
The Tri-Town American Legion Executive Committee Award was presented to Chris Alves of the Senior team who led the team in hits with 25 and runs scored with 19 and played solid defense all season.
The “Rene ‘Doc’ Desaulniers Distinguished Player Award went to David Santerre. The award is presented to a player who best represents the values of American Legion Baseball. Santerre epitomized the spirit of the award. “David Santerre always played with heart and a true joy of the game,” said coach Faucher.
The “Coach Tom Auclair Outstanding Player Award” was presented to pitcher David St. Lawrence, who will attend Brown University in the fall and also play baseball for the Bruins. St. Lawrence was the team’s top hurler posting a 4-2 record and an impressive 1.37 ERA. He had complete game victories over Danielson and Norwich and was the tough luck loser against Ledyard/Pawcatuck in a game that he only allowed one hit. St. Lawrence was the sole Tri-Town player selected as a Zone VI All Star.
In stirring remarks, former coach Tom Auclair, who coached the Tri-Town team for more than 20 seasons, spoke about the dedication and hard work that it takes to be successful in the brief but intense American Legion season.
Among the other guests in attendance to celebrate with the teams were Post #13 Commander “Barney” Seney and Post #67 Commander Robert Rickaby. John Wilbur, WINY Radio Sports director, was also on hand along with Executive Committee members Joe Lindley, Mike Santerre and Stan Lesniewski. The presentation of the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance were led by Post #13 Honor Guard members Ron Desrochers and Sarah Hamby. The steak dinner was made possible by Post #67 member John LaFountain and his wife Doris and members of the Post’s fine kitchen staff.