BLACKSTONE VALLEY MEMORIES

April 11

1951

Alex Nahigian, coach of the Pawtucket East baseball team, will have five sophomores in the starting lineup but still foresees a good season ahead for the Redjackets. The infield has veteran Bobby Sullivan, an exceptionally fine fielder, at first base, veteran Pete Kosty at second, speedy sophomore Ronnie Thibodeau at shortstop and Ed Richard at third. Sophs Tom Ingham and Bob Kelley along with long ball hitter Stan Ross man the outfield while sophomore Craig Watgen will be handling the slants of 6-foot-3 lefty soph Stan Kieon and ace Dave Fish, a right-handed curve-baller.

1961

Ted McConnon, starting his second campaign as Tolman’s strategist, welcomes back 1960 All-Valley and All-State flashy fielding first baseman Bob Johnson, a 6-foot, 185-pound left-handed slugger who led the Valley in batting with a .419 average and is the only holdover from last season’s Eastern Division pennant winning nine. The infield starts Johnson at first, sophomore Doug Thomas at second, Cliff Noiseux at shortstop and Denny Lucier at the hot corner with hefty Jack Rigley, fleet Ed (Sugar) Addison and husky Vic Ventura comprising the outfield. 1959 All-Valley fire-baller Mike Smith heads the mound crew with wild sophomore southpaw Tony Moniz and Ventura as the other twirling candidates, while Bruce Hallworth will handle the catching chores.

1971

Veteran Tolman baseball mentor Ted McConnon will be counting on a pair of juniors, right-hander Ron Thurber and lefty John Noonan, and sophomore righty Phil Rynasiewicz to carry the pitching load for the Tigers. The infield has seasoned veteran Bob Palagi at first base, Jim Moreau and Frank Bertoncini battling for second, versatile soph Bob Messier at shortstop and Norm Cardin at third. Senior Paul Rankowitz, a two-year starter, lanky junior Mark Lariviere and Bill Britt will roam the McCoy Stadium outfield, while Ray Massey and Joe Brzozowski will split the catching duties.