Details
Westminster Supports Professional Baseball Player Jeff Natale ’01
A number of Westminster faculty and students traveled to New Britain, Conn., April 23 to watch Jeff Natale '01, a resident of Hamden, Conn., make his Connecticut professional baseball debut for the Portland Sea Dogs, the Boston Red Sox's AA minor league affiliate.
Portland defeated the New Britain Rock Cats 8-5 and Jeff earned player of the game accolades for his performance as a designated hitter: 4 hits, 2 doubles, and 2 RBI, easily the best game of his season. Jeff has worked at second base, first base and as a designated hitter so far this season.
Westminster faculty and baseball coaches Bryan Tawney and Bill Sistare brought 11 varsity players out early to see Jeff take batting practice. “After taking a few grounders at first base and meeting with his coaches for a few minutes, Jeff met the team along the third-base stands, shaking hands and posing for photos while stopping occasionally to sign autographs for a dozen or so local fans,” said Bryan Tawney.
Others in attendance from the faculty were Graham and Carol Cole, Bill and Jen Philip, Dick and Barbara Adams, Dennis Daly, Mark de Kanter, Peter Doucette, Grant and Mary Pat Gritzmacher and Scott Reeves.
Jeff was a four-year starter on the Westminster baseball team and starred at Trinity College, where he hit over .400 for four straight seasons. Jeff's college coach, Simsbury resident Bill Decker, also attended the game, along with a number of friends and relatives.
“Having coached Jeff during his senior year, it was very rewarding and fun to see all the support that he received,” said Bill Sistare. “We were there to represent his Westminster days, but he had strong representation from Trinity including several current players. In addition, we were able to say hello again to Jeff's parents and extended family. Jeff was clearly the favorite among the crowd. While at Westminster, we used Jeff at virtually all positions as his athletic talent enabled him to excel wherever we put him. Of course, it was his tremendous hitting that will always be remembered.”
Back
Portland defeated the New Britain Rock Cats 8-5 and Jeff earned player of the game accolades for his performance as a designated hitter: 4 hits, 2 doubles, and 2 RBI, easily the best game of his season. Jeff has worked at second base, first base and as a designated hitter so far this season.
Westminster faculty and baseball coaches Bryan Tawney and Bill Sistare brought 11 varsity players out early to see Jeff take batting practice. “After taking a few grounders at first base and meeting with his coaches for a few minutes, Jeff met the team along the third-base stands, shaking hands and posing for photos while stopping occasionally to sign autographs for a dozen or so local fans,” said Bryan Tawney.
Others in attendance from the faculty were Graham and Carol Cole, Bill and Jen Philip, Dick and Barbara Adams, Dennis Daly, Mark de Kanter, Peter Doucette, Grant and Mary Pat Gritzmacher and Scott Reeves.
Jeff was a four-year starter on the Westminster baseball team and starred at Trinity College, where he hit over .400 for four straight seasons. Jeff's college coach, Simsbury resident Bill Decker, also attended the game, along with a number of friends and relatives.
“Having coached Jeff during his senior year, it was very rewarding and fun to see all the support that he received,” said Bill Sistare. “We were there to represent his Westminster days, but he had strong representation from Trinity including several current players. In addition, we were able to say hello again to Jeff's parents and extended family. Jeff was clearly the favorite among the crowd. While at Westminster, we used Jeff at virtually all positions as his athletic talent enabled him to excel wherever we put him. Of course, it was his tremendous hitting that will always be remembered.”
Contact Us
995 Hopmeadow Street
Simsbury, Connecticut 06070
P. (860) 408-3000
F. (860) 408 3001
Simsbury, Connecticut 06070
P. (860) 408-3000
F. (860) 408 3001
Explore Our Website
Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students
In keeping with our support for a diverse community, Westminster abides by all applicable federal and state laws and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including race, color, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national and ethnic origin, ancestry and/or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Westminster admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School.
In keeping with our support for a diverse community, Westminster abides by all applicable federal and state laws and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including race, color, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national and ethnic origin, ancestry and/or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Westminster admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School.
© Copyright 2024 Westminster School | Privacy Policy
AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.
AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.