Since World War II finished in 1945 one of the rarest of finds in the major leagues is a Maine native who plays but is not a pitcher. Bill Swift of South Portland leads a number of pitchers (e.g, Carlton Wiley, Bert Roberge, Peter Ladd, Fred Howard) who made it to the Big lop. but | remember only too well every day players: a catcher, Ron Tingley, born in Presque Isle who made it in the 80’s with the Cleveland Indians, and Ellsworth’s Dick Scott, a shortstop who got a “cup of coffee” in the 1990’s and also checked in with an RBI .
Today we honor one of those with very good credentials - one of Maine’s best hitters - Vinnie Degifico.
Vinnie graduated from South Portland High School in 1983 alter being named to the All-Telegram League team in 82 and 05. He was coached by Rod Choroszy at South Portland and by Dick Loubier in American Legion baseball. Vincent enrolled at the University of Southern Maine in 1984 and participated in the NALA World Series.
In 1986 and 87 Vince enjoyed two All-American seasons with USM. In 19386 he led the nation in hitting with a .526 batting average and .937 slugging percentage.
He was the 17th selection in the 1987 June draft chosen by the Boston Red Sox and began his professional career with Elmira of the NY-Penn League. Degifico played in the Red Sox minor league system for six seasons (1987-1992).
In 1989 Vince was listed as a first baseman on the top ten Red Sox prospect list. He received awards for the highest batting average, most home runs, and MVP at Winter Haven. He was named one to the top nine players in the Florida State League in 1989 where he had 15D home runs and 5? RBIs.
In 1990 he played at New Britain and enjoyed a terrific season rooming with Jett Bagwell. Others he remembers well include Tim Nehring, Paul Quantrill, Eric Wedge.
He has always been connected with baseball. He has been active in the Twilight League. He helped Peggy Seigel open the first indoor baseball facility: Four Seasons.
He has been assistant coach for 13 seasons (1992 - present) at USM. Presently he is employed at the USM Ice Arena where he is the manager.
In 1987 Vincent married his high school sweetheart Cindy White and they have an eight year old son and a 2 year old daughter.
Vince entered the Husky Hall of Fame in 1997. The same year USM won the National Championship with Vince helping Eddie Flaherty.
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