Spring Is In The Air...

When ever someone mentions University of Maine athletics, almost instantly, views of hockey players are conjured up. Even when asking people with differing views of Maine sports, say like Downeast Mainers, women's basketball may become the vision. Though these sports have and will certainly have their place to shine in the Maine sport pantheon, one athletic program seems to be missing from our minds: the baseball team.

Few know the history that goes along with the Maine baseball program, which in its heyday was comparable or even overshadowed the hockey program. The program really took off with Coach John Winkin, who coached the Black Bears from 1975 to 1996, leading them to the pinnacle of college baseball, the College World Series, a Maine record six times. Though Maine never won the title like their hockey counterparts, the dominance the baseball team was able to accomplish was amazing. With Maine's home field covered by snow for most of the year, and most of Maine's schedule (higher than 75%) being road games, it is just jaw dropping that they could contend with schools that can play outside year round. The program has also had its fair share of names make it big.


Mike Bordick, a former Maine shortstop for Winterport, went on to have a long and successful career in the MLB and even replaced the great Cal Ripkin Jr. at shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles.


Mark Sweeney, outfielder, was a standout for the Black Bears and has had an amazing run in the MLB up to this current season. Sweeney has been widely considered by most in majors as one of the best pinch hitters in the game.


When talking about greats in Maine baseball, one cannot forget Billy Swift. Swift was a standout pitcher for the Black Bears and was drafted in the first round of the MLB draft (second pick overall). Swift's career achievements include leading the league in ERA in 1992 and also winning 21 games in 1993 for the San Fransisco Giants.

As Maine opens Mahaney Diamond on April 4th, be sure to watch out for young rising stars that could join the ranks of these Black Bear greats. Maine's incoming class was ranked third best in the northeast and should help Maine go for their goal of going back the College World Series. Just don't forget when the players step on the field for the first time Friday, of the history that has already graced that very field by so many.

Pictures credited to:
http://membres.lycos.fr/guydoune/images/BORDICK.JPG
http://www.pe.com/imagesdaily/2007/08-15/astros_dodgers_baseball_1_400.jpg
http://people.maine.com/publius/almanac/encycweb/images/bbswiftb.jpg