Twitter
Facebook
Reddit
Digg
Tell us what you think!Send a letter to the editor about this or any other article in The Maine Campus.
After months of hard work in the Field House, the University of Maine baseball team is ready to start off the season. Slated on the schedule for this weekend is a pair of doubleheaders to open the 2001 season on the road against Central Connecticut.
“Our team goal is to make the playoffs definitely, but not only to make the playoffs, but to win America East,” said sophomore Joe Drapeau.
Drapeau highlights a potent Maine offense that led the America East conference in home runs, jacking 58 last season. Returning to the lineup this season for head coach Paul Kostacopoulos are most of his key hitters from a year ago.
Drapeau earned America East Rookie of the Year honors last season at third base, leading Maine in most offensive categories. Drapeau, who may see some time at catcher this season, batted .359, with 16 home runs, and 50 RBIs to lead the team. Production from the offense should not be a concern. The Black Bears averaged 7.2 runs per game last season.
Senior outfielder Keith Genest is a co-captain and leader on the team. The left-handed hitting Genest will also see time at designated hitter. He led the team last season with a .500 on-base percentage and likes his team’s makeup.
“You can’t beat depth. It always makes a team better…and that’s what we’re excited about,” said Genest.
First baseman Jon Hambelton returns for his senior season coming off a career year. Hambelton hit .345 while knocking in 45 runs. Quinn Peel, a senior co-captain, started at shortstop last season for the Black Bears and will provide solid defense up the middle. Peel may play some second base this season and is looking to provide leadership and end his UMaine career on a high note.
“We have the attitude this year that we want to win the championship,” said Peel.
Weather and field conditions will decide when the team gets its first crack at real competition.
After this weekend, the Black Bears embark on their annual spring trip south. March 11 and 12, the team plays in Maryland against Coppin State College before traveling to Florida for a nine-game swing. The team will make stops in Connecticut for two games before arriving back home March 26. The Black Bears begin their conference schedule the following weekend at Drexel and hope to be on a roll.
“We’ll be coming off eight straight games (in Florida),” said Drapeau. “If we’re on a streak at that time, that’ll be great.”
Pitching may be the key to the Black Bears success this season. Last year, the pitching staff finished the year with a 6.65 ERA, second highest in the conference. But the team returns some valuable arms from last season’s staff and has added some newcomers.
Senior right-hander Kris Ehmke pitched a team high 59-1/3 innings last year and led the staff with five complete games. Ehmke finished with a disappointing 2-5 record, but held opponents to a .254 batting average. This season he is looking for more consistency.
Junior Rusty Tucker gives coach Kostacopoulos a solid left-handed starter. Tucker led Maine with 61 strikeouts and finished with a 5-2 record.
Maine has a number of live arms to choose from to fill out the rotation. Simon Stoner, a transfer who has been drafted twice, brings his 6-foot-5 frame to Mahaney Diamond for the first time this season. Freshman Mike Collar and Mike MacDonald will also vie for a spot in the rotation.
Mike Ross and Mike Livulpi comprise a solid outfield tandem. Ross, a leftfielder, was second team All-America East last season and hit .327. Livulpi plays strong defense in centerfield and is disruptive on the base paths, swiping 10 bases in 13 attempts a year ago. In right field, Aaron Young and newcomer Simon Williams will battle for playing time, with Genest in the mix as well. Sophomore Alain Picard will handle the bulk of the catching chores. With many bats to choose from, finding a designated hitter should not be that tough.
“The versatility that we have on this team, where we can play five or six lineups every game and still be successful,” said Genest.
Bangor Daily News