By Michael Letendre

BRISTOL – Bristol American Legion Baseball standout Tyler Martin did a little of everything for the program this year.

He was a utility player Bristol head coach Jerry LaPenta could turn to in a pinch and excelled in both a starting or reserve role.

Martin could hit the best pitchers in Zone 1 while his glove in the Bristol infield helped to steady the defense.

And, not surprisingly, the Bristol Eastern graduate was rewarded at the end of the campaign.

Martin and West Haven’s Tyler Jones were awarded the 2021 Connecticut American Legion Baseball Scholarships this year.

Both players earned $1,000 scholarships for their efforts over the summer while Martin also received a $500 American Legion National award.

Martin helped the Bristol program go 19-7 overall this season as Post 2 won the Zone 1 championship.

Martin played wherever LaPenta needed to him to and that meant second  base one night or third the next.

Martin had a big sacrifice bunt in Bristol’s first win over South Windsor (7-1) on June 11 while going 2-for-3 at the plate in Post 2’s 3-1 victory over Avon on June 30.

In Bristol’s tough 9-4 loss over Meriden on July 1, Martin went 1-for-2 with a sacrifice fly and two RBI – playing at second base – while manning third in Post 2’s showdown against Naugatuck the following evening.

Martin walked twice in Bristol’s 14-7 thumping of Naugatuck back on July 23 and posted another two hits in a close loss at Avon on July 26.

Martin was a dependable hand for the Bristol American Legion Baseball program in 2021 and was an excellent representative of the team.