Consistent all-star from Little and Babe Ruth Leagues through hign school and American Legion play to college and semi-pro baseball, Steve Conley was a literal tower of strength on the pitching mound.
The 6-7 former Deering High School and University of Maine (Orono) ace was no mean swinger of the bat to boot.
And championships were coin of the Conley realm at every level.
Steeple Steve’s schoolboy highlights:
Posted a 7-1 record in a key role for Deering’s 1972 Telegram League and state Class A champions. Named to the All-Telegram team. Hit 474 as well. Wins included title-deciders in league regional and state showdowns.
Held Bangor to three hits in 7-2 state crown triumph.
American Legion features:
Compiled a perfect 11-0 record for Caldwell Post's state champs; batted .393. Won two complete-game victories in the New England tournament.
Named to the NE tournament all-star team.
University of Maine highlights:
Career record, 20-4. All-Maine Intercollegiate Athletic Association selection, freshman and sophomore seasons; last two years of the league.
Out pitched University of Massachusetts’ Jeff Reardon, future Red Sox and Minnesota Twins stellar reliever, in 10-inning New England playoff victory, 4-3.
Last game and 20th career win, 6-3 decision over Washington state in the 1976 College World Series.
Conley had been drafted out of high school by the San Diego Padres in the 1972 second round but opted for U-Maine on a basketball scholarship.
Steve had been named to the ‘72 basketball all-state third team as center for Deering’s Western Maine Class A semifinalists.
He was a hoop starter his freshman and sophomore years at Maine before concentrating exclusively on baseball.
Champions or strong contenders and Conley were close associates in action in the high-caliber Portland Twilight League, along with a stint with Harwich in another premium circuit, the renowned Cape Cod league.
Steve’s Twi affiliations: Yarmouth Townies, South Portland, Delta Body and Maine Merchants.
He posted a 9-3 card and led the league In strikeouts one season with the Merchants.
Conley update:
District representative for a national mattress company, Steve has coached soccer, basketball and baseball in the Winthrop YMCA youth leagues for the past two years, involving son Thomas, now 8. Father adds, “and I'll continue to do as long as he lets me!”