ORONO, Maine -- Maine baseball and head coach Steve Trimper announce the signing of six student-athletes to their 2017 recruiting class. These student-athletes will begin their Black Bears careers for the 2018 season, they include: Alex Mckenney, Kyle Ball, Peter Kemble, Ben Terwilliger, Nick Cardieri and Jackie Urbaez.

Alex Mckenney, RHP, Hampden, ME, Hampden High School, 6'4. 220lbs.
Alex Mckenney is a local product from Hampden, Maine. In his junior season, he went 3-3 with a 2.50 earned run average. He struck out 42 batters in just 35 innings of work. He only walked 12 hitters in those innings. His arsenal includes a mid-to-high 80s fastball offset by a slider. He played AAU for the Maine Lightning. He also hit .436 for the Broncos this past season.

"I am very excited to have Alex joining the Black Bears," said head coach Steve Trimper. "He will add depth not only on the mound as a power right handed pitcher, but I feel he will also be able to eventually be a 2-way player and utilize his bat.  He has played for both Coach Poulin at Hampden Academy and Coach Kinney during the summer, 2 great coaches that teach the game the right way."
 
Kyle Ball, SS, Stratham, NH, Exeter High School, 5'11. 165lbs.
Kyle is a native New Englander from New Hampshire. He was a Perfect Game 2016 Underclass Honorable Mention and is also the top ranked SS coming out of New Hampshire according to Perfect Game. He earned first team All-State honors in 2016. Kyle is a multiple sport athlete lettering in baseball and football at Exeter High School.
 
"Kyle is a special athlete, he has tremendous skills as an hitter and defensively in the infield.  He reminds me of former Maine baseball great shortstop, Mike Fransoso, also from NH," said head coach Steve Trimper. "But what stands out to me above his skills is his competitive nature and desire to win."
 
Peter Kemble, RHP, Bangor, ME, Bangor High School, 6'2. 185lbs.
The Bangor, Maine native has a good mid-to-upper 80s fastball with command of a slider as well. Peter's father Jay Kemble is a former University of Maine Black Bear pitcher and Assistant Baseball Coach. Peter also played basketball at Bangor High.

"Peter keeps our tradition going of quality ball players from Bangor HS. Coach Fahey and Coach Morris have done a tremendous job developing local talent into Div. I players," said head coach Steve Trimper. "Also, Peter has had great coaching from home, as his father, Jay, was a great pitcher and coach here at UMAINE.  I am excited to see Peter grow and help our pitching staff."
 
Ben Terwilliger, 3B/1B, Elmira, NY, Corning High School, 6'4. 215lbs.
Ben is a corner infielder who displays a powerful bat from the let side. Hailing from Upstate New York, Ben was a 2016 Underclass Honorable Mention from Perfect Game. Perfect Game also ranked him as the 6^th best 3B in New York. Prep Baseball Report ranked him as the 30^th best overall player in New York.  

"Ben is a big, strong corner infielder that plays solid defense and adds some offensive power to our team," said head coach Steve Trimper.  "I like his athletic ability, making him a great candidate not only at 3^rd base but as an athletic 1^st baseman"
 
Nick Cardieri, C, Brooklyn, NY, Midwood High School, 6'. 185lbs.
Nick is a catcher from Brooklyn New York. Nick was a 2015 Underclass Honorable Mention and a 2016 Underclass High Honorable Mention by Perfect Game. They also ranked him in the top 500 players in the country to go along with 9^th best player coming out of New York by Perfect Game Cross Checkers. At Midwood High School, Cardieri led his team to the school's first city championship.

"Nick is an outstanding player that will help our club behind the plate," said head coach Steve Trimper. "His catching skills are far ahead of most his age, and as he gets time to work with Coach Derba, he will only become better."
 
Jackie Urbaez, INF, Miami, FL, Miami Dade CC. 5'10. 180 lbs
A product of Miami, Florida, Jackie was a first team All Dade selection out of high school. Last year as a freshman at Miami Dade, Jackie hit .321 while stealing 14 bags in 40 games played. Urbaez was selected to the All-Southern Conference second team as an infielder in his first college season.

"Jackie continues our streak of recruiting quality players from Columbus HS and Miami Dade CC," said head coach Steve Trimper. "Both Coach Weber and Coach Price consistently turn out quality players and team, and Jackie fits the mold.  A true leadoff hitter, he brings the ability to get on base, steal and score.  That coupled with his ability to play multiple infield positions, make him a great fit for our team."

The eligibility of all student-athletes is contingent upon admission to the University of Maine and compliance with all NCAA rules, including registration with the NCAA Clearinghouse.