University of Southern Maine Baseball: A Legacy of Excellence

The University of Southern Maine (USM) boasts a rich baseball history marked by consistent success, dedicated coaches, and talented players. From its humble beginnings to its national championship victory and numerous College World Series appearances, the USM baseball program has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in NCAA Division III baseball. This article delves into the key moments, figures, and achievements that have shaped the program's storied past and continue to inspire its future.

Early Years and the Rise to Prominence

Ed Flaherty took the head coaching job at USM in 1986. Within five years, he built the Huskies into a powerhouse. The program's rise to prominence began under his leadership, culminating in the 1991 NCAA Division III National Championship. This historic victory marked the first national championship ever won by a Maine institution.

The Ed Flaherty Era: A Golden Age

Ed Flaherty's 39-year tenure at USM is synonymous with success and dedication. His contributions extend beyond wins and losses, shaping the lives of countless players and fostering a culture of excellence.

A Legacy of Wins and Championships

Flaherty's impressive record includes:

Eight trips to the College World Series
Eight regional championships
26 national championship tournament appearances

His teams consistently competed at the highest level, earning him widespread recognition and respect within the baseball community.

More Than Just a Coach

Those who know Flaherty best describe him as someone who enjoyed kids, was a good guy, and was competitive. He thanked them for coming and quickly deflected credit to his coaching staff for developing all the talent on display. He reserved special praise for his wife, Debbie, as the program’s unsung hero.

Impact on Players

Shyler Scates, an ace pitcher during the Huskies' 2013 and 2014 World Series runs, emphasized the discipline and high standards Flaherty instilled in his players. Scates remembers when his teammates fell short of that standard by cutting corners in practice. “He wasn’t doing it out of spite. He wasn’t doing it out of pure emotion. He was doing it for a reason,” Scates said. He jumped at the invitation to return to campus to celebrate Flaherty’s career.

The Diamond: Ed Flaherty Field

The USM baseball program plays its home games at Ed Flaherty Field in Gorham. Part of Bean’s duties at the ceremony was to present Flaherty with a few tokens of appreciation. The first gift was a seat in the same color and style as ones that fill the stand a Flaherty Field.

Notable Players

Mike McCullum

With his 2020 selection, Mike McCullum became the first player from the 1997 squad to be inducted into the LEC Hall of Fame, while Flaherty was inducted into the LEC Hall of Fame in 2013.

Ryan Flaherty

The timing of the event worked out perfectly for Ryan Flaherty. He’s a former Major League Baseball player and now works as a bench coach for the Chicago Cubs. They just happened to be in Boston for a game against the Red Sox. “It’s been 20 years since I’ve seen a game here. And in my first 20 years, this was my second home,” Ryan said. “It’s just great to come back here and watch a few innings. Sentimentally, it’s pretty cool.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Matt Harbour and Jason Jensen

Three USM players were named to the New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association (NEIBA) All-New England Team - pitchers Matt Harbour and Jason Jensen, and Miner.

Miner

In addition to their LEC postseason honors, Miner was named a First Team All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) for the second consecutive season, and the 1997 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Player of the Year.

Cam Seymour

The senior catcher Cam Seymour swung a hot bat with a home run in the first game and a double in the second.

Continuing the Legacy

Following Flaherty's retirement, Al Bean, USM's Director of Athletics, faces the challenge of finding a new head baseball coach to continue the program's legacy. A nationwide search for a new head baseball coach will keep Bean busy for the next several months. “Following a legend is not easy, and collegiate athletics is definitely changing,” Bean said. “New rules, player and parent expectations, and recruiting methods are changing the landscape and the foundation of the NCAA.

A Family Affair

The Flaherty family's deep connection to the USM baseball program was evident at Ed Flaherty's retirement celebration. Each of the Flaherty kids took turns on the microphone. They painted a picture of a household steeped in competition which even came out in their speeches. When Regina introduced herself as the family’s best overall athlete, her brothers nodded grudgingly. “He never put pressure on us,” Regan added.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

Triumphs and Defining Moments

1991 National Championship

The 1991 NCAA Division III National Championship stands as the pinnacle of the USM baseball program's achievements. This victory not only brought national recognition to the university but also solidified Flaherty's legacy as a coaching legend.

College World Series Appearances

The Huskies have made eight trips to the College World Series. These appearances showcase the program's consistent ability to compete against the nation's best teams.

LEC Championship Tournament

The Huskies posted an 11-3 record in conference play to claim the top spot in the league’s North Division before going undefeated in the inaugural LEC championship tournament, securing the conference title with an 11-5 victory over UMass Dartmouth.

NCAA Tournament

The Huskies opened the national tournament with three straight victories, defeating Wooster (7-1), North Carolina Wesleyan (14-4) and Carthage (6-5) before dropping a 2-1 decision to SUNY Cortland.

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