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Although Joe Neptune was not a large man in size he was a big, big thorn in the sides of opponents. He had all-around baseball ability that required other teams to plot strategy 1n an attempt to stop Neptune from dominating the game. He played most of the infield positions —concentrating at third, second and short—and even moved to right field when needed. A Penobscot Indian from the Old Town area, Neptune had surprising power for his size. When he was in the groove screeching line drives were his trademark. And 1n the clutch he was at his best. In 1922 when the Boston Braves defeated an All-Maine team in front of 1,500 at Bayside Park, Neptune was the only real ““Brave" in either wigwam when he crashed a double to left for two RBIs to give the hosts a short lived 3-] lead in a game they eventually lost 10¢3. Neptune, besides playing on numerous semi-pro teams throughout Maine, also played for a Frederick, Md., semi-pro ball club. He played on the same team as Maine native Rex Stover. Neptune excelled there, which was typically the case for the powerfully-built ballplayer. Neptune, the subject of Indian folklore when talk turns to baseball, was a versatile ballplayer with a big heart and burning desire to excel. He never let the fans down and his hustle and talents have finally immortalized him with induction into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame.

GRAY -- Sonny Noel, 87, of Gray and of Fort Meyers, Fla., passed away unexpectedly of cardiac arrest on Feb. 7, 2012. Sonny was born on Aug. 27, 1924, in Portland, the son of Wilfred and Mildred Noel. He was a graduate of Portland High School. Sonny's accomplishments reveal not only a proud record of achievement during his military and professional careers, but also a lifelong commitment to the service and support of others. Sonny served in the United States Army in the 101st Airborne Division from 1943-1945. While serving his country he was awarded two Purple Hearts, a Silver Star, a Bronze Star and two Presidential Unit Citations. Sonny served as commander and officer of the South Portland Chapter of Disabled American Veterans for 15 years and was active in state and national DAV organizations. His favorite saying was that 'there are only three sports: baseball, baseball, and baseball; and only one team: the New York Yankees. Sonny coached Harold T. Andrews American Legion Post baseball team for nine seasons, winning six league crowns and one state championship in 1960. He was also a member of Western Maine Board of Approved Umpires for 33 years. In addition, he worked the State American Legion Tournaments at Togus for over 20 years and was the first Umpire from Maine to work the College World Series in 1975. In 1978, he was elected president of the NCAA baseball committee and inducted into the Maine baseball hall of fame in 1980 and served as its General Chairman for over 20 years, Sonny fished the Rangeley area for 56 years. His favorite view in the whole world was looking down on Mooselookmeguntic Lake from the Height of Land. The service for Sonny will be announced at a later date, giving us enough time to 'give em' the Ole' Muhuska.' From Portland Press Herald Posted February 11, 2012 https://www.pressherald.com/2012/02/11/sonny-noel-87-one-of-states-most-respected-baseball-umpires_2012-02-11/ Sonny Noel, 87, one of state’s most respected baseball umpires BY MELANIE CREAMER STAFF WRITER GRAY – Sonny Noel, a longtime chairman of the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame, who was widely considered one of the state’s most respected umpires, died suddenly Tuesday. He was 87. Mr. Noel was active in umpiring circles locally and nationally for many years, calling games behind the plate at high school and college games. He worked the State American Legion Tournaments at Togus for more than 20 years. One of the highlights of his career came in 1975 when he was asked to umpire the College World Series. His umpiring abilities also took him to the professional Triple-A level. He was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980 and served as its general chairman for 25 years. “He was certainly a giant in the baseball community,” said Don Douglas, who served on the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame’s selection committee with Noel. “He set the tone and tenor of this organization with his presence. Sonny brought it to a tremendous level — as one of the finest sports organizations in Maine. The spirit he infused in this organization is irreplaceable. He will surely be missed.” Mr. Noel and his wife, Sally, raised three children. His son Bruce Noel remembered his father Friday as a strong, confident and determined man, who commanded a presence on and off the field. His son said his personality shone as an umpire and scout. He remembered as a boy traveling to games with his father and watching him from a distance. In between innings, he would jog to the pitcher’s mound to dust it off, hollering at players, “Come-on let’s hustle.” The younger Noel said his father liked to tell the story of throwing former Boston Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk out of a minor league game because he argued with him. “When you’re officiating, you are the boss and he was a really, really good boss,” his son said. “He was arguably the best umpire the state of Maine has ever had.” Douglas should know. Mr. Noel umpired his games when he played for Westbrook High School in the 1960s. “He had a commanding presence on the baseball diamond,” Douglas said. “He was an authority figure in the best sense of the word. He commanded respect for the game of baseball — how you played it and approached the game. He brought a level of professionalism to the game and inspired players to do the same.” Mr. Noel also spent some time as a scout for the New York Yankees and mentor to up and coming players. He was instrumental in jump-starting the baseball careers for many young players such as Bill Swift, a former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher from Portland; and John Cumberland, a Westbrook native and former bullpen coach and pitching coach for the Red Sox. Noel’s son chuckled Friday thinking of his father handing his Yankees business card to players, coaches, and everyone from his dentist to a parking lot attendant. “He liked the attention,” his son said. “My father loved the game of baseball. Any time he had an excuse to be at a game, he would be there. He loved to go around and talk to people about baseball.” Mr. Noel worked as a letter carrier for more than 30 years, delivering mail to Portland’s Stroudwater and North Deering neighborhoods. He also had a passion for fishing. Mr. Noel went fishing in Rangeley for the past 56 years or so. For 30 of those years, he and his son took a week-long fishing trip there. His favorite view in the whole world was looking down on Mooselookmeguntic Lake from the Height of Land. “We didn’t have a lot in common, but that’s the one thing we did together,” his son said, noting they usually fished for 12 hours a day. “We loved fishing.”

His nicknames are “Charlie,” - “’Chuck” - or “Chick” “Take your pick,” laughs Charles Norton. But no matter what you call him, including out or safe, “Chick” Norton is regarded as one of the best baseball players produced in Maine. Today, he follows his brother, Omar P. Norton into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame. Omar was inducted in 1996. “While | believe that my own selection was deserved and an honor I cherish, I freely admit that “Chick” is more deserving,” said Omar. “Eastport had an exceptionally strong town team from 1948 to 1952 and played teams from throughout Maine and New Brunswick “Chick” was the unquestioned leader of this team. He was our best player by far and people he played with and against speak of his ability to hit and field a baseball. ‘I cite these particular years because that was when the strongest teams performed in Eastport. He, however, continued playing until 1961 when the slide in the quality of semi-professional baseball was well under way Down East The diffident smile on “Chick” Norton’s face in the University of Maine's 1943 team photo gives little insight into the skills this Eastport native brought to the diamond. “| have seen and played with or against many fine athletes,” said Tony Tammaro of Woodland. “Chick’ Norton, however, is undoubtedly one of the best position players to hail from Maine.” A 1940 graduate of Shead Memorial High School, Norton attended the University of Chicago where an uncle was a member of the faculty. The reason ts that “Chick” was double-graded three times in secondary school and received his high school diploma at the age of 14. “My parents decided that “Chick” was too young to go off to college without family support,” remembers Omar. After one year, “Chick’ transferred to Maine, losing a year of eligibility. In 1943, at the age of 17, he played shortstop for the Black Bears under Coach Bill Kenyon. The following year, because of World War II, Maine did not field a team. After graduation, Norton entered the Army in July, 1945. He was sent to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where, as an engineer, he worked on the development of the atomic bomb. Playing for the post team, against some of the best talent in the country, he drew the attention of several scouts. Recommended to Branch Rickey by Dixie Walker, he was offered a contract with the Dodgers. But he decided to sign with the Yankees and had an outstanding season in 1947 with Amsterdam (N.Y.) in the Canadian-American League. One of his teammates was Lew Burdette. Norton hit. 300, and made the All-Star team. But just before the playoffs, he broke his left thumb and returned to Eastport. Paul Kritchell, the chief Yankee scout, visited Norton. He tried to persuade “Chick” to return to professional baseball (at Binghamton, N.Y.) the next season. Norton, however, elected to return to the University of Maine and complete a Master’s degree in education. He then returned to Eastport, where he taught, coached and played for several years. In 1951 his baseball team won the Eastern Maine championship over previously undefeated Hartland Academy, but lost to South Paris in the state final. From 1948 to 1961, Norton played for the Eastport Lobsters with the exception of one summer when he represented the Woodland Red Sox. “It was a treat to watch this great athlete even warm up,” said Tammaro. “He had a strong, accurate throwing arm combined with smooth and deceptive speed. He was a contact hitter who rarely struck out and a batter who could hit one out of the park.” Charles Norton Bats: Left • Throws: Unknown 6-0, 165lb (183cm, 74kg) Born: July 25, 1924 in Eastport, ME us Died: April 7, 2012 (Aged 87-257d) in Bangor, ME High School: Shead HS (Eastport, ME) School: University of Maine at Orono (Orono, ME) Full Name: Charles Carroll Norton https://bangordailynews.com/2012/04/10/obituaries/charles-carroll-norton/ April 10, 2012 7:59 pm BREWER and ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. – Charles Carroll Norton passed away peacefully April 7, 2012, in Bangor. The son of Marcia (Reynolds) and Charles Norton Sr., he was born July 25, 1924, in Eastport.

In the late 1940s and early ‘50s, the talk of Washington County was about Carlton Willey of Cherryfield, a hard-throwing pitcher in the Boston Braves system, and Omar Norton, a schoolboy sensation trom Eastport. Norton starred for Eastport’s Shead Memorial High School and Shead garnered two Eastern Maine Class M championships. He pitched, caught and played the outfield. He possessed a powerful catchers arm, but was especially noted for his long distance clouting from the left side of the plate. Omar played five seasons for the Eastport Legion nine and beginning in 1948, at the age of 15, he played regularly for the strong Eastport Lobsters, a semi-pro club led by Manager Otto Totman. For the next four years the Lobsters boasted a lofty record against Central and Eastern Maine teams, as well as challengers from New Brunswick, Canada. in June of 1951, the young slugger attended a tryout sponsored by the Bangor Daily News and the National League’s Boston Braves. he was chosen the outstanding player and catching the attention of Augusta's Don Brennan (HoF ‘69), scouting after a major league pitching career, he was invited to Braves Field, where he worked out with manager Tommy Holmes. Omar was invited to spring training with the Braves at South Carolina in 1952 and was offered a minor league contract. however, he turned down the contract to further his education at Washington State Teachers College. He continued to play semi-pro ball in Eastport, and later Woodland. In 1952, he played for an all-star team against Birdie Tebbetts’ major league touring team. he continued to play through 1963, ending his career with 17 home runs in 32 games. he enjoyed a career as a teacher, coach, school administrator, and a state legislator from Winthrop. He was active with the State Department of Education. As an educator he stressed the value of sports in the school curriculum and fought for adequate funding of athletics. “He was a great fellow along with being a great baseball player”. Carlton Willey. https://memorials.maysfuneralhome.com/Norton-Omar/1625070/obituary.php Omar Paul Norton passed away at Calais Regional Hospital on Monday, October 10, 2011. "Omar loved baseball and was well known for his hitting prowess. In 1952 he was offered a Minor League contract with the Boston Braves, but he turned it down to further his education studies. He continued to play semi-pro ball in Eastport and Woodland until 1963; and in 1996 he was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame. In later years, Omar was often seen “swinging his bat” whenever he met a baseball buddy or fan."

Bob Nutter grew up in Portland, Maine, attending Deering High School and then the University of Southern Maine. Bob now resides in Kennebunk with his wife Kathy and his two boys James and Rob. He has been employed by Liberty Mutual of Dover, New Hampshire for the last 19 years. Bob captained the Deering Rams and was named team MVP during both his junior and senior years. He was an All-State 2nd Team selection in 1971 and added All-Telegram League 1st Team honors in that same year, compiling 6 wins on the mound and hitting .345. He was instrumental in Ralph D. Caldwell Post’s state legion championship in 1970 and was named to the All- Tourney team. From 1977-1979 Bob attended the University of Southern Maine where he compiled a career batting average of .377. While at USM, Bob received several honors including All-NAIA district first team as a shortstop and All-Maine first team as a first baseman. Bob continued playing baseball for ten plus seasons in the Portland Twilight League earning MVP in 1978. Bob Nutter was a Jack of All Trades---and the Master of a few as well. During his playing days at Deering High School, Caldwell Post American Legion, University of Southern Maine, and the Portland Twilight League, the right-handed power hitter had two unique claims to fame. First was his versatility, it being widely acknowledged that over his career, he started a meaningful game at all nine positions. “The guy could play anywhere,” Phil Martin, Scarborough High Coach of 33 years, said this spring upon hearing of his former assistant coach, and former Twilight League adversary being selected for induction into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame. “There were games in the Twilight League where I swear he could play a couple infield positions, play some outfield, and also either pitch or catch, in the same game. That is pretty rare. Most guys don’t want to do that—or can’t,” said Martin. Hall of Famer Martin later hired Nutter in the 1980s to be his assistant coach at SHS. The second arrow in Nutter’s baseball quiver was great and uncanny timing. “Nobody in 25+ years in the Twilight League was a better player in the 8th or 9th inning than Nutter,” said HOF catcher John Gleason. “Man, it was just incredible. Time after time, he just got the job done. I never played with anybody else who could perform like that.” Husky Athletic Director Al Bean said Nutter was one of the players who helped establish a strong USM baseball tradition. Bean said it was fitting that Nutter go into the Hall of Fame since he and teammate Ed Flaherty had so much in common. “Bobby and Eddie certainly made their mark as great baseball guys at Deering (High) and USM. He was a good one while he was here at the university.” Phil Martin said Nutter was that rare person who could not only play the game of baseball but who could also coach it. Nutter was assistant coach for Martin in 1986 when Martin skippered the Redskins to a State Class B baseball title. “Bobby had a nice touch with the kids,” Martin remembered, praising Nutter’s tact and grace. “He was always coming up with suggestions that made a lot of sense. He knew the personnel well. He was a really funny guy, a joy to coach with.” Bob also coached under Ed Flaherty for Caldwell Post and later became head coach at Massabesic High School for three years until business obligations prevented him from continuing in that role at the school. Bob then moved on to summer ball, organizing Kennebunk’s entry into American Legion play and joined with Kevin Philbrick in coaching the club for nine seasons, leading them to three state tournaments. Dan Warren, General Manager of Libby-Mitchell Post 76 in Scarborough, said Nutter made a mark on Legion Ball. “He wanted his sons and other Kennebunk kids to have a great Legion experience,” Warren said. “He thought having their own team was the only way to go about it. He put the team together, raised the money, bought the uniforms and equipment, and coached it. Everybody liked him and respected him. He was a guy who wanted to get something done---so he just went out and did it.” Perhaps Nutter’s crowning achievement in local baseball was as a parent. His son James was struggling with a personal issue that affected his ability to play both at the high school, and later, college level at USM. When James finally acknowledged publicly that he was gay, Dad Bob Nutter moved strongly into his corner. “These issues can be hard on families because it involves change,” Warren said. “But Bobby was very impressive. Letting his son know he was there for him, and answering questions that some people in Legion ball had when they asked how he was doing. As much as any hard line drive he hit for Caldwell Post when playing at Deering Oaks, I will remember Bob as a compassionate human being and an exemplary father.”

John O'Brien was born on Friday, July 13, 1866, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. O'Brien was 24 years old when he broke into the big leagues on April 22, 1891, with the Brooklyn Bridegrooms. John “Chewing Gum” O’Brien In the 1800's there were not many baseball players who chewed gum in the dugout or during the games. John O'Brien was one of the first ones to do so, which explains his nickname.

In 1992, the Boston College Varsity Club inducted one baseball player at Its 23rd Hall of Fame Induction. The lone Eagle diamondeer chosen was Bill O’Brien, 67. Tonight Maine's Baseball HoF will welcome this Portland native and former Cheverus High pitcher into its ranks. Bills baseball career began in Portland Little League Three at Riverton and continued with the Deering VFW Babe Ruth team and the Andrews Post American Legion nine. On all levels, the slender right hander was a standout. At Cheverus, he was a freshman pitcher on Jack Dawson's 12-4 1960 Telly Champion that featured Dick Joyce (HOF '77) and Joe Cloutier and, as a sophomore, he was still behind All-stars Joyce and Cloutier on Hank Stillman's undefeated (16-0) Telly titlests. Bill was a top hurler in his last two years at Cheverus; Captain in ‘63, and hooked up in some memorable games with the likes of Eddie Phillips (HoF '79) and Rick Swan (HOF ‘87). But it was at Boston College that Dame Fortune smiled on O'Brien, especially in 1967, when the Eagles won the Regional NCAA playoffs and qualified for the Omaha World Series. But, let's backtrack a little. His sophomore season was aborted when his physical revealed a heart problem. By the time numerous tests finally revealed a little murmur. The ‘65 Campaign was down the drain. 1966 was a good year for O'Brien. With his assortment of curves and sliders, he had a 7-2 record with a sparkling ERA of 1.89 and three shutouts. But the Eagles were eliminated in the regional playoffs. White 1967, for most New Englanders, recalls memories of Car! Yastrzemski and the Red Sox Impossible Dream team, at B.C. the faithful remember the heroics of the underdog Eagles. B.C. was the fourth team selected for the regional playoffs. the Eagles eliminated Dartmouth in a three-game series that opened with Bill's 4-3 victory. At UMass, Bill won two games to send the Eagles flying to Omaha. At Omaha, O'Brien struck out ten and beat Rider College 3-1 in the opener. After an 8-1 loss to Arizona the Eagles faced elimination against Houston. O'Brien relieved in the 8th inning to strike out Tom Paciorek (later a major leaguer), but Paciorek retaliated in the 13th to end the B.C. joy ride 3-2. Coach Eddie Pellegrini said, “Of all the guys I had at B.C., O'Brien was the one who took the whole team on his shoulders and just carried them”. Surely, the statistics substantiated the coach's comments. In two seasons, Bill started 22 games, or 50% of B.C.'s contests, with a 14-8 record. He pitched 200 1/3 innings, 52% of the innings thrown by Eagle hurlers, and finished with a career ERA of 1.52 !!! Bill lives in Scarborough with his wife, Karen.

Vern Putney PPH 1979 O'connell, a superb shortstop in the early 20's, threw an outshoot to first base, but his quick release found the glove target in time. He was considered potent with the bat. A deft in fielder from Portland went on to prep school and college ranks.

Vern Putney PPH 10/26/75 O'Harry, retired Army sergeant-major, for 10 years was a football and baseball star while with the 5th Infantry stationed at Fort Williams. He also was a crack in fielder with the local Burnham & Morrill nine which in 1935 captured the Pine Tree State championships. He was born in Pittsburgh in 1900, enlisted in the army after high school and early duty tours included the Philippine and Hawaiian Islands

Growing up in North Jay, long before the advent of organized youth leagues, Don Oakes played “rag” ball, using a stuffed sock or mitten for a baseball to learn the finer points of the game. “We’d play in the streets,” says Don. “There wasn’t much traffic back then.” Don, a left hander, acquired his first baseball glove at the age of 12 when Winston Kinney (“the only other leftie in North Jay”) retired from town team ball and gave his worn mitt to the grateful teenager. Don was a natural athlete and played football, basketball and baseball for 4 years at Jay High School, graduating in 1955. In the days before pitch counts and mandatory rest, Don would often pitch 10 of the 15 games scheduled in a season and mix in an appearance with the North Jay town team on weekends just to stay sharp. “I pitched a lot when I was in high school,” recalls Don. “My arm was sore all the time, but back in those days you threw anyways.” Don often toiled for 2 or 3 town teams in the summer, starting with the North Jay nine at the age of 15 and later with Livermore and the Wilton Loggers. Don’s approach to playing was a harbinger of the free agent era. “If a team wanted me to pitch, I was there. I played when and where I wanted to, usually 4 or 5 games a week. I did it because I wanted to play.” Don readily admits his passion for the game sometimes pushed aside his good judgment. One Sunday while still in high school, Don pitched the North Jay town team to a 10-inning 2-1 win only to take the mound with a sore arm the very next day to pitch in the high school play-offs. “I didn’t last too long and the coach was some steamed,” Don ruefully recalls. Don credits much of his success early on to his catcher, Richard “Cud” Greenleaf, who understood the art of pitching, and developed into a terrific battery mate for the lanky southpaw. Don’s signature pitch was his curveball which he readily admits he threw about half the time. “Can’t you throw anything straight,” Don remembers many frustrated hitters asking him. Don learned to vary his curve from a loopy drop to a sharper slider to keep hitters off balance. He often played 4 or 5 games a week, sometimes pitching in 3 of them, and most likely chalking up another W at the end of the day. As the innings mounted, the game eventually took its toll on Don and the golden arm began to tarnish. He retired from active competition in his mid-thirties, content that he had given it his all whenever he took the mound. “It was all I ever wanted to do when I was younger,” Don said. “I couldn’t wait to get up the next morning, so I could go play baseball.” Don retired from International Paper in 1999 and lives today in Wilton with his high-school sweetheart and wife of 51 years, Louise “Dolly” Oakes. Dolly and Don were blessed with 7 children, 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, many of whom are in attendance today to witness the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame honoring a man whose motto in life is simple: “If you really want something, go get it.” Don Oakes rode that big curveball to a secure niche in Maine baseball history- and got it!

Eddie Ochmanski was born in Augusta, Maine in 1935, one of ten children - 5 boys and 5 girls. He attended Augusta schools and graduated from Cony High School class of 1953. Following into the tradition of his athletic brothers he became a 3 sport star in football, basketball and baseball. In 1953 Eddie joined the Air National Guard with the 10Ist Fighters Interceptor squadron. In 1958 he retired. He received many certificates of commendation and recognition from the Department of the Air Force and National Guard after his 32 years of service. He began his long umpiring career in the South Portland National Little League in 1963. In 1964 and 1965 he worked in the Little League and Senior Little League under President Ray Stevens (Hall of Fame 01). In 1969 Ochmanski joined the Western Maine Board of Baseball Umpires. In 2005 Eddie “O” began his 36th year of umpiring. He has worked playoffs in Little League, Babe Ruth League and American Legion ball as well as the high school ‘Tournaments both classes A and B. He has long been a regular on the collegiate circuit. From 1975 through 1977 he was president of the Western Maine Board and one year served as the board assignor. He has always worked in the popular Twilight League and in recent years has been a favorite in the over 30 men’s league. He says his greatest thrill in his career was participating in the American Legion tournament at Pawtucket, Rhode Island in 1975. “An umpire always respected by the coaches, other umpires, and baseball players . . . a wonderful father, husband and friend -Sonny Noel, General Chairman Eddie began his affiliation with the Hall of Fame in the Vern Putney era in the 1960’s usually as a secretary at meetings. He was a very dependable worker. He received a 25 year certificate from the umpire’s board. Ed and his wife Jayne (Diversi) reside in South Portland, ME. Their daughter Kimberly A. Cushing and two grandchildren Jessica and Mitchell live in Swartz Creek, Michigan. From Portland Press Herald https://www.pressherald.com/2013/10/22/edward-j-ochmanski-77-maine-baseball-hall-of-famer-air-guard-veteran/ Edward J. Ochmanski, 77: Maine Baseball Hall of Famer, Air Guard veteran Dec. 29, 1935- October 15, 2013 "He was better known in the Maine sports community as “Eddie O” for his involvement as a football official, baseball umpire and timekeeper of high school basketball at South Portland High School and the Cumberland County Civic Center. He served on the Maine Football Board from 1959 to 2008 at all levels of the game from pee-wee to officiating 20 state championships, eight of which he was the head referee. His Maine baseball umpiring career began in 1963 in South Portland National Little League. In 1969, he joined the Western Maine Board of Baseball Umpires. He worked playoffs in Little League, Babe Ruth League and American Legion Ball as well as high school tournaments both class A and B. He was also a regular on the collegiate circuit. He served as president of the Western Maine Board and as the board assignor. He was popular on the Twilight League and a favorite in the over-30 men’s league. He was an affiliate of the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame and served as the secretary. He was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005 for his more than 25 years of umpiring." He was better known in the Maine sports community as “Eddie O” for his involvement as a football official, baseball umpire and timekeeper of high school basketball at South Portland High School and the Cumberland County Civic Center. He served on the Maine Football Board from 1959 to 2008 at all levels of the game from pee-wee to officiating 20 state championships, eight of which he was the head referee. His Maine baseball umpiring career began in 1963 in South Portland National Little League. In 1969, he joined the Western Maine Board of Baseball Umpires. He worked playoffs in Little League, Babe Ruth League and American Legion Ball as well as high school tournaments both class A and B. He was also a regular on the collegiate circuit. He served as president of the Western Maine Board and as the board assignor. He was popular on the Twilight League and a favorite in the over-30 men’s league. He was an affiliate of the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame and served as the secretary. He was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005 for his more than 25 years of umpiring.He was better known in the Maine sports community as “Eddie O” for his involvement as a football official, baseball umpire and timekeeper of high school basketball at South Portland High School and the Cumberland County Civic Center. He served on the Maine Football Board from 1959 to 2008 at all levels of the game from pee-wee to officiating 20 state championships, eight of which he was the head referee. His Maine baseball umpiring career began in 1963 in South Portland National Little League. In 1969, he joined the Western Maine Board of Baseball Umpires. He worked playoffs in Little League, Babe Ruth League and American Legion Ball as well as high school tournaments both class A and B. He was also a regular on the collegiate circuit. He served as president of the Western Maine Board and as the board assignor. He was popular on the Twilight League and a favorite in the over-30 men’s league. He was an affiliate of the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame and served as the secretary. He was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005 for his more than 25 years of umpiring.

RICHARD “TERRY” ORDWAY Star athlete of Schenck High School in East Millinocket, outstanding college pitcher and four years as a hurler in the New York Yankee farm system are the credentials Terry Ordway brings to the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame. While at Schenck, from 1959 to 1962, Ordway was 18 and 9 and recorded almost 300 K’s in 209 innings. He was the dominant pitcher in the Northern Penobscot League. He was also an Eastern Maine All-Tournament selection in basketball. During the summer, he played American Legion baseball and followed that with experience with the Houlton Collegians, where he was a teammate of Woody Dunphy (HoF ‘96). Ordway elected to journey to the warm Southwest and the University of Arizona. He spent two years at Arizona on an athletic scholarship, playing both basketball and baseball. then it was back to his native Pine Tree State and the University of Maine. At Orono he came under the wing of Jack Butterfield (HOF ‘80). This was to be very fortuitous for Terry when the highly respected Butterfield joined the Yankee farm system. Ordway went 11-6 in his two year career at Maine, where ne fashioned a 1.41 ERA. He also hit .333. He was an All-Conference pitcher who had a microscopic 0.91 ERA in his senior year when he was 7-2. His slim ERA was 8th in the nation. At Orono Terry was caught by savvy “Stump” Merrill, himself destined for a long career with the Yankees. In 1967, Ordway signed for a modest bonus to join the Yankee system. He was a six-foot, 190 Ib. right hander. Butterfield labeled his slider the best he had ever seen. He also possessed a good fastball and outstanding control. Ordway toiled four years in the Yankee chain. In 1967, he was at Greensboro, N.C. in the class A Carolina League and at Binghamton, N.Y. in the AA Eastern League. He compiled a 3-2 log with a 2.73 ERA. He was at Binghamton again in 1968 where his record ran 3-4 with 5 saves and 3.33 ERA. In 1969, Terry tossed 107 innings at Manchester, N.H.. His five complete games led the Yankee staff and he finished 5-8. He returned to Manchester where he suffered arm ailments and finished his pro career. His four year minor league record closed at 12-14 with a 3.77 ERA. In 1978, Terry served as pitching coach with the Oneonta Yankees. Jack Butterfield had not forgotten his former pupil. Terry coached Stearns H.S. to 3 successful seasons, Including two Eastern Maine titles. His 1978 and 1982 nines lost to Lisbon and Cape Elizabeth in state finals. Presently, Ordway is teaching at Millinocket Middle School and resides in East Millinocket.