Bissell Picks Up 200th Career Win in Connecticut River Valley Baseball League

Dummerston, Vt. — In Connecticut River Valley Baseball League action, the Putney Fossils defeated the Connecticut River Iron Men, 9-8. Starting pitcher and league founder Richard Bissell notched the 200th win of his career, dating back to 1999 and spanning multiple teams and leagues.

At 59 years old, Bissell no longer brings the heat he once did. Instead, he relies on craft, guile, and an assortment of off-speed pitches to keep his 20-, 30-, and 40-something opponents from getting the barrel on the ball.

“Richard is a fierce competitor,” said Putney manager Danny Lichtenfeld. “He’s a very smart pitcher. He’s great at spotting a batter’s weakness and then exploiting it.”

Over five innings of work, Bissell scattered four singles and allowed only one earned run, leaving the game with a seemingly comfortable 7-2 lead. The Iron Men battled back, however, putting up a four-spot in the sixth inning, thanks in part to three Putney miscues in the field.

Asked how he would celebrate his milestone victory, Bissell said, “I’ll probably take some batting practice. Gotta keep my batting average above Lawley’s (teammate Ryan). Then maybe an ice bath.”

Standout performers at the plate for Putney in Bissell’s milestone game included Kyle Whitworth (3-for-5, with a double, 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored), Brandon M. Reilly (2-for-3, with a double, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored), Ryan Smith (1-for-3, with a double, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored), Lawley (2-for-4, with a double and 1 run scored) and Steve Kapral (2-for-4, with a double and 2 runs scored).