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Roland was an outstanding high school catcher who many felt would have had a pro career. He was denied the opportunity. Roland was wounded in battle in World War II and instantly became a paraplegic. His greatest accomplishment wasn’t playing baseball, it was what he did for baseball and youngsters after arriving home in a wheelchair. He continued promoting baseball, coaching and guiding youngsters for decades. When he arrived home from the Farmingham General Hospital after an agonizing two years in rehab, you could find him sitting in his wheelchair – baseball in one hand and glove in the other, smiling, It was obvious he never considered himself handicapped. It was evident this man would dedicate a big part of his life to youth baseball. He became a positive influence on hundreds of youth. He was a coach, a friend and exceptional role model. He found time to build character, often by example. He never degraded anyone or showed partiality and, most importantly, he never expected anything in return. To see him hit and pitch batting practice from his wheelchair was a sight to behold. Roland coached American Legion baseball, organized Little League in Farmington, coached the Jay Tigers, helped to start AYS in Jay/Livermore Falls, was in charge of all Jay ball fields (no pay), was a Jay booster, plus many, many others. He and his lovely wife Barbara were blessed with seven children – five boys and two girls – all graduated from college. Roland received the Jefferson Award in 1980, Family of the Year in 1981, Family of the Year International runner-up in 1982. The Jay High School field is named the Roland A. Ouellette Field. The day of the dedication Gov. Angus King named the day “Roland A. Ouellette Day”. This is truly a great American story about a man so well deserving to be named to the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame. Welcome, Roland! From the Lewiston Sun Journal Posted September 9, 2004 TOGUS – Roland A. Ouellette, 80, Sept. 30, 1923-September 8 2004 He was a graduate of Jay High School, class of 1941, where he excelled in baseball, football and basketball. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, in the European Theater. During his years in the Army, he played ball for the Tennessee (Camp Tyson) Barrage Balloons and the Louisiana (Camp Poke) Chemical Warfare. On Friday, April 13, 1945, in Germany, he was hit by mortar fire in the back, severing his spinal cord, causing him to lose feeling from his hips down. He spent time in the First General Hospital in Paris and was flown to the states where he recovered in Framingham General Hospital for two years. He received the Purple Heart Medal for his service. “I’ve hated every Friday the 13th since,” he said in the interview shortly before he was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1997, the Jay High School Baseball Field was dedicated in his honor and is now known as the Roland Ouellette Baseball Field. In 2002, he was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame. https://www.sunjournal.com/2004/09/09/jay-loses-legend/

Pitcher Paiement campaigned in high minor league ball in the US and Canada. Paiement played for the NY Yankee and Boston Red Sox farm clubs, hurled many years for the Dayton Ohio Ducks. He later organized and played for several Maine teams. Vern Putney PPH 2/1979

A life-long devotion toward the sport is a satisfying journey and the efforts will be recognized when Mark Palmer is inducted in to the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame, this summer. Palmer has worn numerous hats throughout five decades of dedication on the diamond, however, his desire to share his vast knowledge continues to be a driving force. This transformation may have tempted in recent years, but the enjoyment received from continuing to remain in competitive environments isn’t taken for granted. “It was toward the end of my Pine Tree League playing days,”Palmer said, reflecting on when his demeanor changed. “That set the tone for how I am today. Now, don’t get me wrong because everyone wants to win. But, I came to the conclusion that although winning is better than losing, it’s not the end of the world.” Palmer, a Mexico graduate, began playing PTL on a talent-rich Rumford team in 1970 and played until 1995. He made his mark as a junk ball pitcher who earned a fierce reputation for accuracy and being able to locate the baseball around the strike zone. This was enhanced by Palmer’s cool-collective attitude that allowed him to hold emotions in check; which prevented opponents from realizing Palmer was on the ropes. “Good things happen to good people,”Bitsy Ionta said, a MBHOF pitcher. “Mark has always been a class act, whether you play with him or against him. He respects his opponents and especially the integrity of the game.” Palmer won PTL championships with Rumford in 1973, Mexico ’74 and ‘85 and ‘87 Rumford, again. He and younger brother Matt ran the Mexico Sombreros for several years at Virgin Field (now Recreation Park). Palmer formed Rumford entry in the Senior League, winning the 2000 championship and now 59, continues to play and pitch for Rumford Expos in the re-named PTL. “It was always nice to have Dad around,”son Ryan Palmer said, who will present his father at the 2011 induction ceremonies at the Portland Holiday Inn By The Bay, in July. “He was patient taught me the strategies of the game. Up until high school he was pretty much the only baseball coach I ever had. I had Chris Olson my first year of middle school, but before that, it was always Dad.” Over the years, the opportunity to play against and beside the competitors has drawn-up mutual respect and friendships. It has been a family affair- being teammates with brothers Matt and Noel- while the proudest moments has been playing with sons Travis, Ryan and Marcus. “Unlike other teams, the PTL is weekly thing,”Palmer said, who has enjoyed years with Ionta, Bob Russell, Steve LaPointe (MBHOF) and Ed Paterson. “You see guys year after year and they become more than just acquiesces, as a matter of fact I consider Rick (Whitney), Jerry (Verrill) and (Dick) Decato from West Paris as good friends.” Palmer grew up in humble beginnings and played baseball on Mexico streets, until George Harkness’ Pit became a Field of Dreams at the end of Granite Street. His mother Leah served as President of eight neighborhood Little League teams and father Stan was always supportive. Palmer has had an extensive coaching career, Greater Rumford Community Center, 11 championships since 1988 in Little League and Babe Ruth; American Legion and assistant coach at Mountain Valley and Mount Abram H.S. “My philosophy is simple,”Palmer said. “Just go out and have fun and I’ve had a lot of good groups of kids who have been able to do it. Still, at the end of the season I hope they think back that they learned some things about playing baseball. If I hear that ten I can say I did my job.” The punch and Judy hitter has multiple stories to tell that occurred playing baseball, however, two in particular stand out. In the latter innings of a high school conference championship game, against Lisbon, Palmer reached third and scored the winning run when Mark Burns laid down a suicide-squeeze bunt. Palmer had always possessed WTP (Warning Track Power), but had never been able to clear the yard. Finally, a few years ago, in the season finale Palmer used an aluminum bat to hit a ball out of Hosmer Field. “I remember those well,”Palmer said, with a sparkle in his eyes. “(Coach) Tom Farrell) called the play and I’m no fleet of foot, but I almost beat the pitched ball to the plate. The home-run ball I hit was a high-inside fastball from Dave Lafleur.” Palmer has been married to wife Stephanie over 30 years and employed at New Page Mill, Rumford in Quality Control 35 years. Lewiston Sun Journal Posted August 8, 2005 Young at heart America’s pastime never gets old for these guys https://www.sunjournal.com/2005/08/08/young-heart-americas-pastime-never-gets-old-guys/ RUMFORD – The sport of baseball is regarded as America’s pastime because of the memories and pleasures it provides. Those attributes have continued to drive five veteran ball players in carrying on their love for the game. Bitsy Ionta, Bob Russell, Mark Palmer, Steve LaPointe and Ed Paterson have enjoyed playing baseball for more than a combined 200 years. The five friends played with and against each other for decades in the former Pine Tree League. They are currently together again as teammates on the Rumford Cardinals entry in the Men’s Senior Baseball League. Ionta, a member of the Maine Baseball Hall Of Fame, is the elder statesman who just recently hit his 70th birthday. Although his skills aren’t what they were, he serves as an inspiration to those who simply say they won’t or can’t get out and play ball. “It is amazing that Bitsy can still do what he does at his age,” said Paterson, a mere 45. “His passion seems to be fueled by the desire to do something that few people have accomplished, and because he can. It is impressive, and it has definitely rubbed off on all of us. It is great to be around a bunch of guys that have similar backgrounds and interests and be able to relate.”

Was 93 when inducted in the inaugural year of 1969, and at the time the only living member of the 1903 Red Sox club that beat Pittsburgh Pirates to become the first world series champions. PPH January 1969 From The Society for American Baseball Research https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/fc6c05fc This article was written by Dan Desrochers Sparkplug shortstop Freddy Parent, the “Flying Frenchman,” led the Boston Americans with MVP-type seasons to the first modern World Series championship in 1903 and the American League pennant in 1904. An early American League star, Parent (along with teammate Buck Freeman) was its first ironman, playing in 413 consecutive games from the April 26, 1901, opener to September 25, 1903, surprising considering his aggressive playing style. Beset by injuries, including multiple beanings that hampered his play later in his career, Parent nevertheless ranked among the all-time American League leaders in several categories after its first decade, including second in games played and at-bats, fourth in hits and sacrifice hits, and sixth in total bases. Alfred L. Parent was born on November 25, 1875, in Biddeford, a predominantly textile community in southern Maine. He was the oldest of ten children of Alfred, a fireman, and Celina (Paul) Parent, both French-Canadian immigrants. Freddy quit school at the age of 14 to labor in Biddeford’s Laconia Mill harness shop for 65 cents a day. When not working, he enjoyed playing scrub ball on the city’s back lots, captain of a team he helped organize. When he was 16 Parent moved to Sanford, Maine, where he worked in the Goodall Worsted Company’s weave room and played amateur ball. Parent married the former Fidelia LaFlamme in 1896 and they had one child, Fred Jr. His “proposal” to the 16 year-old Fidelia included a conditional baseball provision: “I want to marry you, but I do not want to work in the mill. Okay?” The young Fidelia, aware of his baseball desire and potential, replied “yes.” Thus began a 67-year relationship. The 5-foot-5, 148-pound (some sources say 5-foot-7) Parent’s introduction to league play was a secondary role on the Sanford town team. “Everybody pretty nearly told me I was too small to play baseball and that I would never make a player anyhow.” Once given the opportunity to start at shortstop for the town’s first team, he developed into a strong infielder. Parent stretched his playing time by playing on teams in Maine and New Hampshire over the next two years. Parent’s first professional season came in 1898 with New Haven in the Connecticut League. Boasting one of the league’s top batting averages at .326, he helped New Haven to a second-place finish. In July 1899 the shorthanded St. Louis Perfectos of the National League recruited him from New Haven while they played the New York Giants. The Brooklyn Superbas had expressed an interest in Parent to replace the injured Hughie Jennings, and maintained the initial rights to him after paying New Haven $1,000 for his release. But the team changed its plans, and the Perfectos got Parent on a trial basis for the same offer. Parent started at second base for two games, contributing to a Perfectos victory in the first game and getting two hits overall. But he suffered a sprained ankle and the Perfectos subsequently released him, stating that he needed more experience in the minors. Parent returned to New Haven and helped the team win the 1899 Connecticut League championship. He finished second in the league in batting (.349) and third in runs scored (76). In 1900 Parent played shortstop for the champion Providence Grays in the more advanced Eastern League, batting .287 with 23 stolen bases, 21 doubles, six triples, and four home runs. In March 1901, Parent signed with the Boston Americans, where the sturdy little shortstop’s solid hitting, fielding, base stealing, and hustle endeared him to the Boston fans. A right-handed batter, Parent was a dependable hitter. He was a wrist hitter, slapping balls to all fields. He hovered over the plate with an exaggerated piece of lumber, a wagon-tongue bat of suspicious weight. Known as an excellent bunter, Parent also showed some power. In 1901 he augmented a .306 batting average with 36 extra-base hits. The following year his average dipped to .275, but he also cranked a career-best 31 doubles. Crowding the plate enhanced his bunting and opposite-field hitting, but it also exposed him to being hit by pitches. He ranked sixth in the American League in times hit by pitch in the league’s first decade, including multiple blows to the head. Parent was also a snappy infielder. An unassuming player with great range, he was a “little general” on the field. He compensated for his size with keen instincts, quickness, and dexterity covering the ground. In 1902 he led the American League with 492 assists, and also set an American League record by fielding 20 chances without an error in a 17-inning match-up against the Athletics. Recognized for his superior fielding skills, Parent at times ranked low in fielding percentages, possibly attributable to his ability to get to balls and being a risk-taker. The Washington Post affirmed this view when reporting the 1904 fielding statistics: “But fielding averages really do not demonstrate the value of any player, for there is Fred Parent, probably the foremost shortstop in the country occupying a position next to last.” With second baseman Hobe Ferris and first baseman Candy LaChance, Parent was part of the early Boston Americans’ dynamic double-play combination. Like the famous National League keystone duo of Johnny Evers and Joe Tinker, Parent and Ferris went years without speaking to each other. While they demonstrated spontaneous and effective teamwork on the field, off-field their association was one of unspoken enmity. Fortunately, the proud and quiet Parent and the hotheaded Ferris’s baseball instincts outweighed their lack of verbal discourse, and this translated into defensive brilliance. Parent enjoyed his best seasons as a professional in 1903 and 1904, when Boston won back-to-back American League pennants. In 1903 he posted a .304 batting average, and registered career highs in triples (17, tied for fourth best in the league) and RBIs (80, eighth best in the circuit). In the first modern World Series, in 1903, Parent outshined the legendary Honus Wagner of the Pittsburgh Pirates, outplaying him in the field and notching a batting average nearly 60 points greater than Wagner’s for the Series. A “two-way standout Parent made several sparkling plays – cutting off a half-dozen hits with great plays,” and ended the eight-game series with 28 assists. He established a record for most runs scored with eight (broken by Babe Ruth 25 years later). The newborn American Leaguers, considered “soft touches” for the senior circuit stars, came back from a three-to-one deficit to win the best-of-nine series. The next year Parent again enjoyed an outstanding season, batting .291 with 85 runs scored and six home runs, tied for fourth best in the league. But he was simply a passive observer in his most famous at-bat of the season, when 41-game-winner Jack Chesbro of the New York Highlanders unleashed a wild pitch in the ninth inning on the last day of the season to bring in the run that won the pennant for the Americans. Forgotten to most, Parent followed this most famous wild pitch with a base hit that would have scored the run anyway. In 1914 Baltimore owner Jack Dunn signed 19-year-old Babe Ruth, regarded as a great pitching prospect, but one who required guidance and mentoring. Parent was proud of his work with Ruth. “I coached Babe more than anybody else at the time,” he later recalled. “I remember he was pitching in the late innings of a close game and there were two outs and the bases loaded and a dangerous left-handed hitter was up. He got two strikes on him, and I ran out and told him to waste a pitch. The next pitch he threw right up the middle. Oh, gee, a triple. Babe comes in and I said, ‘What happened?’ He said, ‘I threw one waist high, didn’t I?’ ” Parent later noted, “I used to see him later, after he was a big star, and I’d ask him how his ‘waist pitch’ was. He did not like it much.”

When the select all-time Twilight League players are debated at Deering Oaks or over beers, Ike Parker is invariably included. Parker was a southpaw curveball pitcher who could also hit for average and distance. One of the finest all-around athletes ever from Cornish, a longtime hotbed of diamond talent, Parker in 1946 played for the Evansville, Ind., Braves, an affiliate of the National League Boston Braves. Although his pro career was shortened by severe arthritis, Parker sparkled in Southern Maine semi pro competition. Dick Jordan, who caught Parker several seasons with the Gray Townies of the Casco Bay League, said, “Ike had it all as a pitcher. He could also hit, and he was ever the modest gentleman.” Hall-of-Famer Herbie Swift, a longtime foe and occasional teammate, added, “We had a lot of great battles. He could beat you with either his arm or bat.” Parker, who died last April, was employed 32 years by Saunders Brothers. Wife Mildred, son Isaac Jr., and daughter Diane survive. Nationally known harness racing driver Freeman Parker is a cousin.

Bob Parlin’s most vivid baseball memory took place in 1949. As Parlin tells it, the potent Farmington Flyers, undefeated and likely on their way to an undefeated season in the North Franklin League, hosted tiny New Vineyard at Hippach Field. After six innings the New Vineyards, on the strength of Parlin’s runs-scoring double and right‑hander Elwyn McCallister’s tantalizing curveball, led the doughty Flyers, 3-0. “We had ‘em,” Parlin says, excited at the recollection. “They couldn’t touch McAllister’s curve.” But in the next three innings, the Flyers solved the mystery of McAllister’s curveball and scored six runs to topple the upstart cellar‑dwellers. “Wouldn’t you know it?” Parlin says and laughs. Baseball was fun for Parlin. The New Vineyard town team played in a hayfield, grass sometimes so long a drive over the infielders would stop rolling before it reached an outfielder. He played there after the war, after a Japanese Zero attack on his LST in the South Pacific that Gunners Mate Parlin says “missed,” after four years of exceptional baseball at Farmington High School that saw the Greyhounds compile some of the winningest records in their history, after he had been tagged “Lefty” by Coach Gould and used at first base between stints on the pitcher’s mound because he could hit a pitch over the left field fence at Hippach Field. He became a small‑town‑baseball prodigy in New Vineyard, known for driving a baseball between the outfielders and frequently landing one in the woods regardless of the size of the hayfield. In 1947 between Sunday afternoons, Bob married Alice. They built a new home eight miles down the road in Fairbanks and started a family that now proudly comprises three children, five grandchildren, and a number of great grandchildren. When the New Vineyards abandoned baseball in 1949, Larry Boyce recruited Parlin to play for the Temple Townies. In his first season there, he hit over .400 and three home runs, a Townies record, and for the next five years his hitting kept the Townies in the thick of the action in the Lakes Region League. When Parlin retired from the Townies, he was the only player in the league to have been elected to the Lakes Region League all-star team three times. Following his career with the Townies, Parlin and some able volunteers organized the Fairbanks Red Sox, a youth team that has become Parlin’s legacy. In twenty-three years of coaching and caring under Bob Parlin, the Red Sox won 270 games and lost 62 in a Farmington‑area youth league. They won eighteen championships. They became Bob’s extended family. He respected them and inspired them. He treated sore arms and scraped knees. He provided rides to practices and to Fenway Park to watch their namesakes. He taught them the sweet swing he had used so well for the Townies and the New Vineyards and the high school Greyhounds. The Red Sox became the marquee team in the eight-team league. But his most moving memory is how the Red Sox brought together Fairbanks village in support of the team. Neighbors and townsfolk turned out. “Everybody pitched in,” as Parlin tells it. They donated land and equipment and money; they worked long hours at the annual oyster stew suppers and other fundraisers; they provided transportation to out‑of‑town games and they showed up at every game, sometimes hundreds of them. “That was the whole thing, right there,” Bob says. Parlin inspired his players to keep playing the game after the Red Sox, and the Red Sox eventually became a de facto farm team for the Mt. Blue High School Cougars. In time Bob followed his former players to the high school, as well, and he became assistant coach there for his son, Coach Gary Parlin, former Red Sox batboy. “Bob Parlin has become a legend in Fairbanks, …” one of his townsfolk said recently. “No one will ever know how many kids’ lives he has touched.” He is loved in Fairbanks for making a difference. From Legacy Pages Robert E. "Lefty" Parlin, 89 1925-2014 https://obituaries.centralmaine.com/obituaries/mainetoday-centralmaine/obituary.aspx?n=robert-e-parlin-lefty&pid=171248481&fhid=25486 "One of Bob's greatest passions was baseball. On Aug. 17, 2008, he was elected to the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame to celebrate his legacy as a hard-hitting first baseman and legendary Little League coach."

“Baseball is a metaphor for life. It is timeless, never perfect, but always aspires to perfection. And when it is done right, it is beautiful.” But a good pitch is sometimes wrong and a bad pitch is sometimes good, a line drive is sometimes and out and a blooper or dribbler is sometimes a hit, it follows no rules only trends and is always cyclical. From lyrics by the musical rock group, Dire Straits(The Bug), “Sometimes you’re the Louisville Slugger, Sometimes you’re the Ball!” What else can you do and get things wrong more times than not and still be considered a success! One just needs to create more at bats, more attempts, and things tend to balance. - Edward H Paterson “Of all the players I’ve ever played with or against, I consider Eddie Paterson to be the best defensive outfielder I’ve ever seen. He had all the tools: able to read balls off the bat quickly, foot speed, ability to run balls down no matter where hit, an accurate gun for an arm and the assurance that if his glove touched the ball, the ball found a home. The finest outfield play I ever saw during my playing days was a Willie Mays catch he made at Hosmer Field in Rumford. There was no way that he could catch up with a ball hit straight over his head almost to the fence in center filed...but he did. I’ll never forget that play.” - Bitsy Ionta For Ed Paterson the passion still burns deeply for America’s pastime and after a lifelong commitment and dedication is being recognized by the Maine Baseball Hall OF Fame. Paterson is slated to be inducted in to the MBHOF during ceremonies this summer at Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. The Rumford native has always been intrigued with the sport and regardless of the situation his intentions were geared to enhancing the beauty of the sport. “I fell in love with baseball when I was real young, as my father,’’ Ed Paterson said, Edward “Pinky” Paterson was a very good third baseman in the old Timber League and Pine Tree League. ‘’I never saw him play baseball, as he was 40 when I was born, but used to watch him play softball in his later years. He loved to hit fast pitching. He used to take me out in the yard and play catch, bat wiffle balls and tennis balls. The elder Paterson loved the Boston Red Sox and Ted Williams, while his son idolized Carl Yastrzemski (Yaz). ‘’My father taught me to watch intently and listen to the announcers explain different aspects of the game,”Paterson said. ‘’He would explain things to me so I understood. You could say I learned to learned vicariously, something not a lot of youngsters do today. Most of the game and the understanding of it became engrained in me at a very early age.’’ Paterson was fortunate to learn the fundamentals early on in Little League Baseball under the tutelage of Maine Hall of Famer and Baseball Hall of Famer Mike “Mico” Puiia. The elder Paterson and Puiia were team mates at Stephens High School and won the Class A state championship in 1936. This also included playing pick-up baseball games as a child for many years with close friend and neighbor, MBHOFer Steve LaPointe The friends grew-up in Strathglass Park and a gang used to play in the field “Pines” in the common area of the park and also in the Sand Lot, which was where the garages were at the end of the park. Artie Taylor (MBHOFer), Bill Bulger and Roger Pepin had built a field between the garages, adjoined by the elementary school. Also at a summer camp on Worthley Pond, a field right behind the camp, neighbors built a make shift backstop, base paths and burlap sack bases. It was the size of a large Little League Field. Paterson played one on one fast pitch with a tennis ball, backstop with strike zone. When brother Kip, who was 4 years younger, was old enough, the two would play together. “My father definitely was a great influence,’’Paterson said. “Watching and helping my brother, Kip learn the game was inspirational and very motivation. Also, my brother in law, Tom McBean, who is married to my oldest sister, Kris, was a great influence. He was one of the best players to come out of Rumford. I used to go to all his Pine Tree League games and sit in the dug out.’’ Taylor was the coach, which included players Bob Russell, Mike Mickeritz, Harris Elliot (Maine Sports HOF). McBean was an excellent pitcher and left handed power hitter; was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and played single A. Paterson followed suit by playing in the PTL from 1976-1998 and was originally a second baseman and then a SS. He converted to center field in 1983, due to speed, ability to read fly balls and strong throwing arm; was considered one of the best center fielders of the era. Paterson was also prolific offensively, batting at the top of the line up, usually lead off, batted .300-.450 (mostly in mid to high .300’s) most years. Usually led team (and most likely league) in runs, walks, triples, outfield putouts and assists. He led team in home runs (7 one year in 20 game schedule) and hit 3 HR’s/8 RBI in a game against Lisbon). Rumford won championships in 1985/1987 while playing with MBHoFers LaPointe, Mark Palmer and Ionta. After graduation, he played JV baseball at Colby, but at 5’6” 150 lbs, he decided to concentrated on studies and has enjoyed a successful career as an insurance agent. Throughout the decades, Paterson has developed insights about himself and athletics. ‘’Competition is a like a endorphin or a pheromone to me, but it manifests itself as a lifelong lesson. There are different ways to compete,’’Paterson said, who has played Men’s Senior League (now renamed Pine Tree League) from 1999-present. ‘’Although it is a natural instinct for most, one has to learn how to compete, why and when. It separates the good from the average and the great from the good. It has to be done in a way that is fair yet aggressive. It has to be done both individually and collaboratively. The team concept and learning to play correctly while winning or losing with others is the ultimate bonding experience. Take away war and survival from human existence and we have competitive sports.’’ He added that although everyone wants to win, not all know how to win with humility and lose gracefully. In sports, especially amateur, the real lesson is developing life long memories and relationships with others through camaraderie, which all can relate to. Commonality through experience becomes almost as close as family! Paterson, currently President of Western Mountain Cal Ripken League and head umpire, considers himself a traditionalist, however, all things change. Still, some things, like life are universal and proven regardless of change. We have to adapt and evolve, but baseball is timeless and things about it are imperfect, like people. “’We can tweak things some, like a designated hitter, for the better of the game (that is still left to debate), but ways that are proven to work will always work, because life is limited though human existence endures,’’Paterson said. ‘’Changes evolve and but are cyclical. Baseball like life works because it is pure and Holy! God Bless both.’’

Back There from Here https://www.pressherald.com/2006/04/05/back-there-from-here-5/ Corinna’s Gilbert Patten, writing under the pseudonym of Burt L. Standish, used players of the old Waldo County League as models for his famous Frank Merriwell stories. Without fancy frills or a lot of money, these ballplayers were millworkers, loggers, machinists or day laborers, but their Saturday and Sunday afternoon games drew huge crowds. Gilbert Patten (October 25, 1866 – January 16, 1945) was a writer of dime novels. He is best known as author of the Frank Merriwell stories, with the pen name Burt L. Standish. William George Patten, later known as Gilbert Patten, was born in Corinna, Maine, October 25, 1866, the son of William Clark Patten, a house carpenter, and his wife Cordelia Simpson. They were Seventh Day Adventists although they belonged to no regularly organized church. After passing through grammar school, William Jr. worked in a machine shop for a few months, then entered Corinna Union Academy in 1880. It was during this period that he sent his first sketch, "A Bad Man," to the Banner Weekly. It was rejected at first, and Patten sent in "The Pride of Sandy Flat." Reconsideration had passed the first story, and Patten received six dollars for the two. In the summer of 1883 he got a job as reporter on the Dexter Eastern State, then on the Pittsfield Advertiser, and re-entered the Academy in the autumn. He had many short sketches in the Banner Weekly from 1885 to 1887, and in 1886 his first long story was published as a Half-Dime Library. It was entitled "The Diamond Sport; or, The Double Face at Bedrock," and for it he received $50. Launched as a writer, he decided to get married, and on October 25, 1886, was united to a schoolmate, Alice Gardner. During 1887 he had two stories published as Half-Dime Library. "Captain Mystery," for which he received $75, and "Daisy Dare," which brought him $100. In 1888 he sent but one story to Beadle, but began the publication of a weekly paper in his home town The Corinna Owl. This struggled along for a year and was then sold to the rival Pittsfield Advertiser. In 1889 Patten's parents removed to Camden, Maine, and the young couple accompanied them; there William, Jr., continued his literary work, selling four Half-Dimes and two Dimes to Beadle that year, and four Half-Dimes and two Dimes in 1890, besides various sketches and poems. In the summers of 1890 and 1891 he managed a professional baseball team. In 1891 he removed to Brooklyn and wrote for Beadle for a time, but after falling out with the publishers transferred to Norman Munro's Golden Hours, for which he wrote a number of serials under his own name. Most of these were later reprinted in the Bound to Win Library but with the author given as "Herbert Bellwood." The last serial for Golden Hours was "John Smith of Michigan," which appeared in volume XVII, beginning May 2, 1896. That year he went over to Street & Smith, and on April 18, 1896, under the pseudonym "Burt L. Standish," published the first of his Merriwell stories. About the same time, in real life, "to live down his dime-novel days," as he says, he dropped the "William G." in his name and became "Gilbert Patten." For the next seventeen years a weekly Merriwell story was written. All with the exception of three in 1897, and those from the spring of 1900 to the spring of 1901 when John H. Whitson wrote them, by Patten himself. Beginning in 1913, Patten wrote much of the material in Street & Smith's Top Notch Magazine, and also several series of books for boys. https://www.ulib.niu.edu/badndp/patten_william.html From Village Soup Biography by Barbara Dyer https://knox.villagesoup.com/p/prolific-author-gilbert-patten-used-pen-name-burt-l-standish/1059076 "His mother called him “Willie.” He disliked his name but really hated his nickname. In addition to that, Cordelia wanted him to be a preacher (like her father), and William C. thought he would make a living with his strong hands (like his farmer father). But “Willie” was a daydreamer, who preferred to be called Gilbert. By the time he was 15 years of age, he was already 6-feet tall and weighed only 115 pounds. He was a little rebellious, but was not allowed to fight. How could he grow without fighting other boys, and not be considered a sissy? He retreated to reading “sinful” books, those dreadful dime novels, and prayed not to be caught by his parents. He attended Corinna Union Academy. “Willie” was caught smoking three-for-a-nickel cigarettes and occasionally got into the hard cider. He would not study and was reprimanded by his parents, so he left home for about six months. When he returned, he told his parents that he was going to be an author. His father gave him 30 days to do so. In a few days he had written two short stories and had received $6 for them, and a note from the editor saying that he had talent."

“If you ever need anything, he is there- from baseball advice to life coaching to a good laugh or a bad joke. Bottom line is that David Paul is a great baseball guy, but an even better person.” -JASON FOLSOM “David “DP” never had a bad day. He had and still has, the best disposition of any human being I have ever met” - John McGlinn Baseball has been a large part of David Paul’s life since his time as a Little Leaguer in Greenville where he grew up the son of Donald (Joe) Paul and Nancy G. Paul, brother Jeff and sisters Stephanie and Pam (deceased). David is Dad to two daughters, Kayla, and Darby. He currently is employed at Wight’s Sporting Goods as a sales representative specializing in road sales. Though both of David’s parents are deceased, it is clear the values and work ethic they instilled in David and his siblings had a lasting impact. “Joe” Paul was a legend in Northern Maine, both as an athlete and as a molder of young people. David has excelled as a player on several levels, as a coach, and currently as an administrator of American Legion Baseball in Northern and Eastern Maine. His job at Wights keeps his hand on the pulse of youth sports throughout Northern Maine. It is fitting that he should join his brother Jeff (class of 2010) who has enjoyed similar success as a player, educator, and sports official as a member of the Maine baseball Hall Of Fame. David’s playing career began at a time when town team baseball still flourished in his area. He can still vividly picture walking past the sparkling lake to the diamond where the local nine sported woolen uniforms (probably not currently available at Wights). His stay on the shores of Moosehead came to an end, and David soon found himself in Orono where he had a vital impact on multiple very successful teams as a player. The Red Riots were Eastern Maine Champions in baseball in 1977 and 1978, capping the ’78 season off with a state championship. On the gridiron David was a key figure in a juggernaut that ran roughshod over The Little Ten Conference from 1974 to 1977. During his high school summers, David occupied his time by playing for the Old Town/Orono Twins Post 75 entry in American Legion Baseball. Again, he was part of some very impressive success. The Twins were State Champions in 1975 and 1978 and were New England Runners Up in 1975. From Orono, it was on to Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida from 1978 to 1982. The Tritons were ranked Number One nationally in Division Two in 1981. No summers off now, either. In 1979, 1980 and 1982 David was playing for the New Market, Virginia Rebels in The Shenandoah Valley League. Lest you think of him as a slacker, you should know David spent 1981 in the Cape Cod League with the Falmouth Commodores. David spent 1983 in Woodstock, N.B. Clearly baseball was not done taking him places because 1985 and 1986 found David in Utrecht, The Netherlands both playing and coaching. The year 1987 and 1988 found David back in Orono as an assistant baseball coach at his alma mater under Coach Leo Pelleriti. That was not a long stop, however. It was on to Old Town High School as the head baseball coach in 1990. Success followed David there, and the Green and White won Eastern Maine Championships and were State Runners Up in both 1992 and 1993. Hating to let a warm summer night pass by without the crack of a bat, Coach Paul skippered the Old Town/Orono American Legion team from 1987 through 1999, his teams winning State Championships in 1992, 1993 and 1994. David closed out his coaching career as an assistant at Husson University from 2000 to 2004. This resume rightfully put David in The Maine Baseball Coaches Hall Of Fame. No one goes anywhere in baseball without the advice and support of others. Only a fool would think otherwise. By now it is clear David Paul is no fool. I can personally tell you it is very difficult to get him to talk about himself, sort of like trying to get a cat to lick mustard, but he is very quick to cite folks who helped him and made him better along the way. His Dad tops that list. “Joe” is followed by some pretty important names from Maine baseball and beyond: Coach David Ekelund (Orono HS), Carl “ Stump” Merrill (Old Town/Orono Legion, Maine Baseball Hall Of Fame ’89), teammate Brian Butterfield, Maine Baseball Hall Of Fame ’14 and Eckerd College John Mayotte. In David’s words, “All of these men were and continue to be tremendous role models, leaders, teachers and coaches. I feel extremely fortunate to have been coached by all of them.” Well, they say in education that when a person becomes a teacher, he or she is likely to mirror the style of his or her favorite teacher. With that in mind, we will close with some words from a few of David’s former players. John Montgomery, who played for David in American Legion and who is currently Dean of students at Schenck High School, says,“ He was a role model who would go the extra mile to help his players develop better skills. Dave spent hours helping his players work on their skills whether it was pitching, fielding or hitting. Most of the philosophies I use today are the same philosophies David instilled in me when I played for him.” Jason Folsom, the current coach at Husson University, contributes this, “In addition to impacting young lives, Coach Paul has been an instrumental part of baseball in Eastern Maine as a coach and the American Legion Zone One commissioner. He has taken young men from many different areas and backgrounds to teach them the correct way to play and respect the game. He may no longer be on the field coaching the game of baseball, but he is active in mentoring many of his former players that are now coaches.” John McGlinn, an assistant coach at St. Joseph’s College concluded his letter of support for David with the following, “ I believe David Paul is the embodiment of what qualifies for The Maine Baseball Hall Of Fame. It is the highest honor and should only be given to someone who has shown excellence and a lifetime of commitment to baseball and to the State of Maine. The game of baseball in Maine is much better because of “DP” as a player, coach and Commissioner.” Welcome, David Paul.

With his induction today, Jeff Paul joins Orono High School and University of Maine teammate Ed Hackett (MBHOF ’08) in the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame, and adds another gem to the glittery roster of former Black Bears who made a habit of going to the College World Series in the early 1980’s. Jeff spent his childhood years in Greenville and caught the baseball bug early on from his father, who himself had starred at Milo High School and Husson College, and his older brother, David. Moving to Orono in the seventh grade, Jeff teamed up with Ed Hackett and, under the tutelage of Coach Dave Ekelund, the duo propelled Orono High School to a Class B state championship in 1978 and followed it up with an American Legion state tournament crown that summer. Following his graduation from Orono High School in 1980, Jeff entered the University of Maine and, along with classmates Ed Hackett, Billy Swift (MBHOF ’00), Rick Lashua, Steve Lacognata, and Peter Bushway, played for John Winkin-coached teams that made four consecutive appearances in the College World Series in 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1984. During that stretch, Maine finished third in the nation in 1982, beating national powerhouses Stanford and Cal State Fullerton in Omaha. Paul was a mainstay of that Black Bear golden era, holding down third or second base as the need arose, and hitting .341, .372, and .384 over his sophomore through senior years. He was a three-time All-New England Division I choice over that span, and captained the team his senior year. In the summer of 1983, Paul tried out for and made the USA Pan American team, joining Billy Swift as the Maine representatives on the team, along with future big leaguers Mark McGwire, B.J. Surhoff, and Cory Snyder. The Pan American team played a series against the Korean and Japanese national teams, won the silver medal at the International Cup in Belgium, and the bronze medal at the Pan Am Games in Caracas, Venezuela. Paul was elected captain of that squad by vote of his teammates. Jeff was drafted by the Texas Rangers after his senior year and played for the Tri-Cities Triplets of Richland, Washington in the Class A Northwest League that summer, hitting just under .300. Nevertheless, he was released a year later but caught on with the Cleveland Indians organization after a recommendation from old friend Dave Ekelund who was then with the Maine Guides. Following the 1985 season at Class A Waterloo (Iowa) in the Midwest League, Jeff’s professional career ended and he began a new career as teacher and administrator. Jeff taught eleven years in the Yarmouth and Bangor school systems before moving into administrative positions in Pittsfield and North Orrington. He currently lives in Orrington and serves as assistant principal and athletic director at Glenburn Elementary School in Glenburn.

Norman Paul’s fledgling baseball career received a big boost when legendary sports writer and Dugout Sporting Goods store owner Norman “Red “ McCann donated a fancy warm-up Jacket honoring Norman as the outstanding pitcher for Emerson Elementary School in Sanford. Born in 1927 in Rochester, New Hampshire, Norman’s family soon moved to Sanford where he began a long and lustrous career in the Sanford Twiight League pitching for the Lebanon Townies. Paul answered his country’s call during World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy, and continued to play baseball at naval bases throughout the Pacific. “The competition among the ships’ teams was fierce,’ recalls Norman. | served on the Des Moines and Tucson, both Navy cruisers, and we enjoyed playing teams from the other ships.” Norman was called back to active duty during the Korean War and continued his international baseball experience while stationed on ships patrolling the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Between the wars, and following his discharge from the Navy 1n 1992, Paul donned his Lebanon Lownies uniform and added to a growing reputation as the dominant pitcher of his era in the Sanford Twilight league. “We all knew each other,’ said Paul, “the teams were all close-knit and the competition would bring out quite a spark. The two toughest hitters to get out were Paul Demers and Ray Lord. | loved pitching against Allen Mapes who played tor Gendron Lumber.” In 1950, Paul pitched three innings in an exhibition game for an All Star team sponsored by Goodall Sanford Mills. “the manager gave me 18 dollars after the game,” notes Paul. “I thought that was an awful lot of money to pitch three innings.” In 1948 Paul drove to Daytona, Florida to a try-out camp for the New York Giants. Paul caught the attention of Carl Hubbell and Mel Ott who recommended that the lanky fast baller be offered a professional contract. Norman leapt at the opportunity and spent the summer pitching for the Giants Class D Lenoir, North Carolina minor league team. Returning home following that season, Paul married his long-time sweetheart Jean Burgess (“one of my greatest fans, we met at the ballpark and she just loved baseball’). In 1955 Paul went to work for the Sanford Police Department where he served with distinction for 27 years. After retiring in 1932, Paul served for eight years in the Maine Legislature. Norman has three sons, Gordon, David and Brian. His wife Jean died in 2007. Summing up a career filled with fond memories, Norman Paul is most grateful. “Whether they were players, coaches, umpires or fans, the finest people I’ve ever met in my life were all involved in baseball.” From Legacy Remembrance https://obituaries.pressherald.com/obituaries/mainetoday-pressherald/obituary.aspx?n=norman-roger-paul&pid=143733971 SANFORD -- Norman Roger Paul, 83 June 22, 2010, at the Maine Veterans May 14, 1927 Norman was recognized at a Sanford High School graduation, walking down the aisle to receive his GED. He was also inducted into Maine's Baseball Hall of Fame for his achievements as a pitcher for the New York Giants baseball team and actions in the Sanford Twilight League earning the pitching crown one year. Norman was a kind and gentle man and will surely be missed not only by his immediate family but by all who knew him.

Charles Shipman Payson , a lawyer and businessman who was a native of Maine and a graduate of Yale University and Harvard Law School. In 1924 he married Joan Whitney Payson (February 5, 1903 – October 4, 1975) an American heiress, businesswoman, philanthropist, patron of the arts and art collector, and a member of the prominent Whitney family. She was also co-founder and majority owner of Major League Baseball's New York Mets baseball franchise, and was the first woman to own a major-league team in North America without inheriting it. Joan Whitney was born in New York City, the daughter of Payne Whitney and Helen Julia Hay. Her brother was John Hay Whitney. She inherited a trust fund from her grandfather, William C. Whitney and on her father's death in 1927, she received a large part of the family fortune. She attended Miss Chapin's School, then studied at Barnard College for a year, as well as taking some courses at Brown.[2] New York Mets Joan was a sports enthusiast who was a minority shareholder in the old New York Giants Major League Baseball club. She and her husband opposed moving the team to San Francisco in 1957. After the majority of the shareholders approved the move, Mrs. Payson sold her stock and began working to get a replacement team for New York City. Along with M. Donald Grant, the only other director who opposed the Giants' move, Payson put together a group that won a New York franchise in the Continental League, a proposed third major league. The National League responded by awarding an expansion team to Payson's group, which became the New York Mets."Why did you do it?" someone asked Mrs. Payson. "Because I'm a fan," she replied simply, "and I can't bear to see New York without a National League team." Payson served as the team's president from 1962–1975. Active in the affairs of the baseball club, she was much admired by the team's personnel and players. She was inducted posthumously into the New York Mets Hall of Fame in 1981. She was also the first woman to buy majority control of a team in a major North American sports league, rather than inheriting it. Payson was also instrumental in the return of Willie Mays to New York City baseball in May 1972 by way of trade and cash from the Giants. Payson inherited the Mets after the death of Joan in 1975 and delegated his authority to his three daughters, with their youngest, Lorinda de Roulet, becoming team president. His daughters in turn left the baseball side to board chairman M. Donald Grant. He sold the franchise to Doubleday & Co. in 1980 The Charles Shipman Payson Building is the most recent expansion of the Portland Museum of Art (PMA) in Portland, Maine, located on the corner of High Street and Congress Square. Henry N. Cobb (of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners) designed the Payson Building, which opened in 1983, after Mr. Payson donated their collection of 17 Winslow Homer paintings and ten million dollars to the museum . Similar in theme to these Homer paintings, the Payson building contains a collection of contemporary paintings and short-term exhibitions created by Maine artists, focusing on regional themes.