Jim LaClair has coached baseball for 49 years. He celebrated his last regular-season home game with Belmont alongside his grandson, Wyatt Divers, one of four seniors to celebrate their last regular-season home game.
LaClair coached in Farmington for most of his career, winning two state championships at the helm.
Yet, around 11 years ago, he approached Belmont coach Matt LeBlanc. The already-veteran coach wanted a chance to coach his grandsons up through high school; he wanted to be there for them.
“It ended up working out. I didn’t force them to play. You can’t take a ball out of his hands, so it’s been fun to watch,” LaClair said of his grandson.
Divers and LaClair going into their last game together was already a special moment for the team, but the night only got better.
It was an electric night in Belmont in more than one way. Junior pitcher Wyatt Bamford went out there inning after inning and threw heat in the heat.
He tossed a no-hitter to shut down Inter-lakes, 9-0. He only walked one batter through seven innings. The feat was a gift for the seniors in a way.
All they had to worry about was generating some offense.
Junior pitcher Wyatt Bamford threw a no-hitter on senior night against Inter-Lakes to get Belmont a 9-0 win. Credit: ALEXANDER RAPP / Monitor 
Belmont senior Brady Fysh came back for one more baseball season and has exceeded expectations alongside three other seniors. Credit: ALEXANDER RAPP / Monitor 
Belmont senior Brayden Townsend was a big spark in the lineup against Inter-Lakes on senior night. Credit: ALEXANDER RAPP / Monitor
The seniors, Divers, Brayden Townsend, Eddie Rochenski and Brady Fysh, all felt hopeful about their chances in the postseason. They all got on base against Inter-Lakes, too.
Before they had a chance to step up at the plate, they honored teachers who stepped up for them.
Senior night is “My Jersey, Your Impact” night in Belmont. Each senior selected one educator who made a particularly large and positive impact on their path.
First, the seniors took photos with their parents and family. Then, they invited the educators to step on the mound and throw a ceremonial first pitch.
Fysh honored his middle school social studies teacher, Mike McLaughlin. Rochenski also went for a social studies teacher, Tonya Angwin, from the high school. Brayden Townsend honored his music teacher, Lauren Fountain.
Finally, Divers gave his replica jersey to Greg Wood, a former Belmont teacher who now teaches at Inter-Lakes. Wood was cheered by both dugouts.
Once the game started, they played their hearts out. The group of seniors has tried to prove themselves all year.
There was a narrative surrounding the team after it was upset in the Division III semifinals by Monadnock and a large class of seniors graduated. Their ace, Anakin Underhill, graduated and went on to play D1 ball at Sacred Heart.
The team was a mystery in the preseason. After Tuesday, the Red Raiders were 13-2. The team opened the season hot and has stayed hot.
“I’m hoping with this group, with us leading them, we can hopefully bring it home this year,” Townsend said.
Each one had a different path to earning a spot on the roster. Fysh wasn’t even sure if he’d play baseball this spring. Now, he wouldn’t change a thing. He thinks they can build all the way to the top.
Townsend and Divers had the biggest nights on offense against Inter-Lakes. Both had three hits on the night at the one and two spots in the lineup. Both also stole multiple bases and scored seven runs together.
It was a big celebration after the game, not just for the win. Coach LeBlanc presented them with framed commemorative jerseys and shared stories about each one of them.
As the celebrations wound down, Divers reflected on the time spent with his grandfather.
Divers said he’s had a ball in his hand his whole life. Having his grandfather behind him for every batting practice and every step has been instrumental in his progress.
His grandfather always had something to teach him and his peers. Even on first base coaching duties or in the bullpen, LaClair still keeps it light with a joke or a jab here and there.
“I would’ve caught that,” LaClair joked to the dugout after a hard hit foul line-drive.
Divers is moving on to play at Colby-Sawyer College next year, and his grandfather’s schedule should be free next spring to attend plenty of games.
