Titans add Arigoni to teams roster

copyright Timothy Gaffney (Register-Citizen) 7/13/10
Yes, Torrington sports fans, you will recognize that big left-handed pitcher who looks just a bit older than the rest of his teammates as they prepare to face off against Team Canada. It is none other than Torrington’s own Scott Arigoni who has called the mound at Fuessenich Park his domain the past 10 years with the Tri-State League Torrington Rebels.
The Titans added the 51-year old local legend to their roster after seeing the ageless one throw 91 miles per hour in a recent tryout. The Titans will take on the Canadian Team starting at 7 p.m. tonight. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., so fans get get autographs from the visiting team which includes 11 players drafted this year by Major League Baseball teams. How does a 51-year old get up to 91 mph (without a car)? A recent re-calibration of the muscle fibers in the bicep of his throwing arm gave Arigoni new life on an arm that has seen it’s share of innings. In only six months, the former St Louis Cardinal prospect has been able to increase his velocity by 15 mph and topped the magic 90-plus mark on the radar gun during the tryout. His slider has become even more filthy with another six inches of drop added to it due to his repaired arm.
Stepping onto the mound against a national team is nothing new for this Torrington staple. He has pitched for the Torrington Twisters against teams like Team USA, Team China, Team Taiwan and Team Dominican. Arigoni was drafted by the Cards back in 1978 and was real close to making a name in the big leagues when a freak ankle injury spoiled his chances. His travels to that point included stints in Double A for the Arkansas Travelers, along with stops in the Midwest League, South Atlantic League and the renowned Appalachian League. He is a member of the Tri-State Hall of fame and has been player/coach of the Rebels the past five seasons.
It could not happen to a nicer, better man and all of Torrington will certainly be rooting for one of the men who’s heart, while recently broken, is as strong as a lion. Go get ‘em Scott.