Maine's Ace Headed To Clemson

[Coastal89]

By Phil Kornblut
Righthander Steve Richard (6-3 225), who compiled a 13-3 record as the ace of the University of Maine pitching staff, is transferring to Clemson. Richard confirmed his transfer to the Bangor Daily News. Richard said he started thinking about leaving after his coaching staff left for the Naval Academy. He has received his release and will be eligible this season. Last season Richard was 9-1 with a 2.07 ERA. He struck out 90 batters and walked 44 in 100 innings. He allowed just one home run. He was named to the America East and All New England second teams. Richard told the paper he expects to be the ace of the Clemson staff. "I wouldn't go there if it didn't think I was going to be the top guy," he said, "but there are no guarantees at a school like that."

[Baldy]

I don't know about him being the "ace" of the staff. There's quite a bit of difference in the level of competition between the America East and the ACC, but he is a good pickup for Clemp.

[mainejeff]

The guy shut down Southern Miss in last spring's Oxford Regional as Maine spanked them 12-2. It's a tough loss for the Black Bears.

Also announced today:

http://olemisssports.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/081605aaa.html

"We're excited about this schedule and feel confident that it continues our tradition of bringing quality teams here to showcase baseball for our fans," said Bianco, who enters his sixth season at the helm of the program. "The chance to get a program like Maine to come back to Oxford was something we were fortunate enough to have fall into place. It will be a lot of fun to play a good team that became a favorite of our fans during the Regional this past season."

Man, Maine really likes that Southern hospitality it seems......we play more Southern teams than Mid-Atlantic teams.

[Baldy]

If Maine wants to build a great baseball program, it needs to play as many Southern teams as financially possible.