A true sports legend, Don Huot, is the focus of this captivating story. Prepare to be amazed by his journey and the impact he had on the baseball world.
Don, a Queen City native, began his athletic career with Hickman's Flying A, dominating in Little League. His talent was evident from the start, with his team winning championships under the guidance of renowned coaches Ed Forbush and Don Anderson. But it was his bond with his younger brother, Paul, that truly stood out. Paul, his catcher, was there for every one of Don's three no-hitters, a testament to their unbreakable bond.
As Don progressed through the ranks, his skills as a pitcher became legendary. He joined the Bishop Bradley Pioneers, led by the iconic Dick Powers, and threw a no-hitter against Pinkerton Academy. The following year, in what is considered one of the greatest high school baseball games in New Hampshire's history, Don faced off against Mike Flanagan, a future World Champion. The game ended in a 2-1 victory for Bishop Bradley, with a combined 42 strikeouts between the two pitchers.
Don's success continued into American Legion ball, where he joined the Henry J. Sweeney Post #2 team, coached by the legendary duo John "Jumbo" Reilly and Jim Triantifellou. He pitched another no-hitter, this time against Derry Legion, and dominated with 10 consecutive strikeouts against Nashua's Coffey Post. His impressive performance earned him scholarship offers from U Mass Amherst and Brown University, and he chose the latter.
At Brown, Don started strong, winning 9 of his first 11 games. However, a summer spent pitching in the New Brunswick Semi-Pro League changed his game. The higher mound in Canada altered his mechanics, leading to a loss of power and control upon his return to Brown. Despite these challenges, Don finished his college career with an impressive record of 18 wins and 10 losses, completing 18 of those games, a feat that tied him for 8th place in Brown's baseball history.
As a pitching instructor with over 50 years of experience, I believe Don's record could have been even more impressive with the right coaching support. His talent was undeniable, and with proper guidance, he could have achieved an impressive 22 wins and 6 losses, potentially earning him a spot in the MLB.
Don's journey is a reminder that sports can teach us valuable life lessons. As he wisely said, "That's baseball. That's sports. That's life."
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll delve deeper into Don's impact on the game and the legacy he left behind.
