ORONO, Maine -- Columbus day weekend kicked off at Mahaney Diamond with many returners and new faces for Maine's annual Fantasy Camp weekend.

The popular tradition began on Friday night with batting practice and the first of a three game series. Detroit Tigers Jon "Hangin Judge" Warden graced the camp with his presence once again this year. The "Hangin Judge" is a member of the 1968 World Series Detroit Tigers and is an annual guest for the event.

Saturday morning greeted all campers with sore arms, backs and muscles they forgot about. After a morning Kangaroo Court date the teams took the field for a double header. The post game gathering was held at the home of Fantasy Camper legend Herb Sargent. The menu at Chez Sargent consisted of steak, lobster and an all you can eat buffet of jokes and laughter.

The Fantasy Camp has become a "can't miss" tradition that allows campers to play the game that we love. On behalf of Steve Trimper and  the University of Maine baseball program, thank you to all campers that come. It is an event that we all look forward to each year.

A special thanks to Herb Sargent, Brett Parke, Troy Leighton, Skip and Kevin Gordon and Peter Woley for helping organize and "recruiting" the talent of yester-year.