The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Poniatoski passes torch at American Legion banquet
Legion coach steps aside for Pergola
TORRINGTON — Torrington American Legion P38 baseball head coach R.J. Poniatoski saved the biggest news for last at the team’s annual banquet Thursday night at O’Connors Irish Public House.
The veteran of seven years at the helm and a dozen more as assistant coach is stepping down, along with assistant coach Eric Mahar to make way for a new wave under Doug Pergola.
“I’m getting old and I don’t have the patience anymore,” Poniatoski joked while surrounded by current and past players, along with a room full of sponsors attesting to the success of the program, despite recent lean years in the win column.
“Just 10 of the 83 teams in the state allow their players to play for free and we’re one of them,” Poniatoski said, introducing representatives of five local companies that help support the team.
Distinguished alumnae also attested to the program’s success.
Evan and Troy Scribner are major-league pitchers. Evan, 32, is currently a free agent after years with the Mariners, A’s and Padres as a reliever. Younger brother Troy was called up to the Angels last year as a starter.
Mike Fabiaschi made it as far as Oakland’s Triple-A team as an infielder. Adam Claire was the starting shortstop for Division I Bryant University.
“My best memories are just hanging out with the guys in the dugout,” said Evan Scribner, who, along with Troy came from Washington to play for the P38s.
“I can’t remember most of my pro games; I remember a few more from college; but I remember a lot of them from my high school and P38 days,” said Torrington’s Fabiaschi.
“The P38s were a chance to develop alongside good players,” said Claire, from Litchfield.
“We wouldn’t be in the position we’re in as players and human beings without
them,” said Troy Scribner.
“That’s a pretty good record from small towns like Torrington, Litchfield and Washington,” said Poniatoski before handing out his final team awards.
The Scribner Award for a player who pitches and plays the field, as both of the major-league Scribners did, went to Jake Reyolds.
Player of the Year went to Mike Paniati, who led the team in all categories last summer.
Litchfield supporter Bill Neller won the Bernie Rubino Award for a volunteer who’s “willing to do anything for the team.”
His playing counterpart, Adam Vanotti, won the Coach’s Award as the player who’s willing to do everything he’s asked.
Pergola, a 1995 Wolcott Tech graduate was a P38 utility player plugged in at every position on the field when needed. He was a player/coach with the Torrington Rebels in the TriState Baseball League for two years, then settled in as a Little League and PAL coach with his kids.
“I’m looking forward to doing this,” he said. “I love baseball and I want to help these kids out.”