BYE

When you walk into the Hamden High gym next year you will notice that someone is missing. Hamden High boys’ basketball coach, Clem Batchelder, is retiring after 26 years on the sidelines. Batchelder spent two years as assistant coach and has been head coach for 24 years. He finished the season with a 19-7 record. He also spent two years as head soccer coach.

Batchelder has always put his players first and is very shy about talking about his own records. Although he has never won the state title. his teams were always competitive. Opponents tried to avoid playing him. Many of his players have gone on to coach, including NBA player Scott Burrell who is presently an assistant coach at Quinnipiac University.

BASEBALL QUIZ

This rule applies to all divisions – Pro, college, high school and Little League.

Batter lifts high fly ball along the foul line in left field. The fielder touches the ball in fair territory in flight. The ball bounces off his glove and goes over the fence in foul territory. What is the call?

Answer: double.


ALL CONFERENCE PLAYERS

Hamden High placed several players on the league's All-Star teams. In boys basketball Tobin Carberry was selected, while twin sisters Molly and Cara DeRoy were selected for girls’ basketball.

Boys ice hockey captain Anthony Avitable was selected. In boys indoor track, Tevin Moye was selected for the 300 m honors, while Chris Fitzsimons was named for the 600 meter and relay. In boys’ swimming Peter Cyr was selected as a diver.

THANK YOU.

I am a high school sports FANatic. Over the last several years. I have been limited in the games I attend because of a condition called diabetic retinopathy, which is slowly robbing me of my eyesight.

I lot of my sports appetite is satisfied due to local sportscaster "Coach” George DeMaio.. DeMaio, also a high school sports FANatic has taken it upon himself to broadcast both football and hockey games. DeMaio produces, directs, and solicits funds to bring these games to the public.

The coach was born and raised in West Haven where he lettered in both basketball and baseball. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees SCSU. "Coach” resides in North Branford with his wife Brenda, and in 2008 he retired as a middle school teacher at the East Haven Middle School.

His Friday night football broadcasts have become legendary. You feel like you are at the game with a friend discussing the various plays and strategies. His good-natured criticism spares no one - not coaches, nor players nor referees nor the school administration, nor the CIAC or even the band and cheerleaders.

DeMaio’s recent broadcast of the high school hockey and the CIAC tournament was awesome. I would sit back, closed my damaged eyes and feel like I was at the game. His enthusiasm made me feel like I was part of the action. I'm not sure if you even realize it, Coach, that you provided a valuable service to those of us with low vision.

REUNION

Several former Hamden Fathers Baseball Association coaches have contacted me about a reunion of coaches. A committee will be forming soon. If you are interested please contact me.