Story about Twister awards

Story about Twister awards from Aug. 12:

In spite of a trying year on the field, several Torrington Twisters were recognized by their general manager and coaches for their performances on and off the field.

Torrington General Manager Kirk Fredriksson and the coaching staff voted on four awards, which are given out each year. The award winners are Robert Chimpky, Brian Baudinet, Corey Huffine, Andrew Triggs and Chase Austin. Huffine and Triggs shared the same award.

Chimpky was chosen for this year's Ryan Kearney Award, which is given to the most outstanding pitcher on the team. Kearney was a lights-out pitcher on the inaugural Twisters team in 1997. Kearney won the league's top pitcher award that season.

"(Chimpky) wasn't afraid to take the ball, no matter what the situation was," Fredriksson said.

Chimpky began the season as the team's set-up man, but quickly shifted into the closer's role after Steve Geltz was signed by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Though he did not get many chances, Chimpky made the most of them, saving five games in five attempts. Chimpky went 2-1 with a 3.63 ERA in 16 appearances, according to the NECBL's Web site. In 17 1-3 innings, he gave up 11 runs (seven earned) on 20 hits, striking out 24, while walking four. Chimpky made the Southern Division All-Star team.

"A good guy," Fredriksson said. "What he lacks in stature he makes up for in determination."

Brian Baudinet, a Watertown resident, was chosen as the team's most valuable player, the honor for which is the David Benham Award, named after a star player on the 1997 team.

"The kid got better as the season went on," Fredriksson said.
Fredriksson said Baudinet was a fun player to have on the team and added that Baudinet's appearance on the all-star team should be credited to his hard work.Baudinet started every game (37) he played in, hitting .256 with a home run and 14 runs batted in. Though his hitting took a while to come around, Baudinet was a threat on defense, recording six outfield assists and keeping many runners from trying to advance on him as the season wore on.

"We hope to have him back next year," Fredriksson said.

Two players on the team were the recipient of the Jeff Hourigan Sportsmanship Award. Hourigan played in Torrington for three years, making the All-Star team in all three years. But Hourigan was just as valuable off the field, Fredriksson said. Hourigan won the league sportsmanship award in 2004.

"Jeff Hourigan's one of the most outstanding individuals to play for us," Fredriksson said. "Even if he wasn't that kind of player, you want him on your team, because of the way he treats people and the way he treats the team."

The winners are Corey Huffine and Andrew Triggs. Huffine continued to improve in the field at third base and at the plate.

"Corey came in here as a replacement (for another player)," Fredriksson said. "He worked hard every day. He played hard every day."

Fredriksson said Huffine was a great kid.

"He was a real pleasure to have on the team," Fredriksson said. "He's a coach's dream."

Another hard worker was Triggs. Pitching for the first time in two years because of Tommy John surgery, Triggs played hard and took the ball when asked, even if his numbers did not always back up his effort.

"He was one guy who showed up every day," Fredriksson said. "I hope we have him back next year. Just a great kid."

Both Huffine and Triggs got the award because of the sportsmanship, professionalism and attitude that they each exhibited.

Winning the team's batting award was Chase Austin. The award was named after Jimmy Deschaine, who set the league record for batting average in Torrington's first season, hitting .429 in 1997. Austin hit .313 this season with four homers and 22 runs batted in.

"Chase was probably our best hitter this year," Fredriksson said. "He hit for power at times when we needed it. He hit to all fields later in the year."