Legends Weekend: 1981 College World Series Team
5/14/2026 10:40:00 AM | Baseball
Maine's seven College World Series appearances to be celebrated on May 16
ORONO, Maine -- The University of Maine baseball program will proudly celebrate its rich tradition and championship legacy by honoring all seven of its College World Series teams as part of 'Legends Weekend'. Members of each team will be welcomed back to Orono and introduced on field as part of a pregame ceremony on Saturday, May 16 when the Black Bears host UAlbany at 1 p.m.
The teams will be recognized and celebrated for their lasting impact on the Maine baseball program and the University community, bringing together generations of Black Bears to reflect on unforgettable moments.
1981: The 1981 baseball team, coached by John Winkin, became Maine's first team in baseball history to win more than 30 games as it finished with a 32-14 mark. The Black Bears captured the ECAC title, won the NCAA Northeast Regional, and went on to compete in the College World Series. Kevin Buckley and Joe Johnson were crowned co-MVPs of the regional while Peter Adams and Tom Vanidestine joined them on the All-ECAC team. Brad Coulton (.438), Buckey (.431), and Vanidestine (.355) led the way at the plate. Stu Lacognata and Johnson finished the season 9-2 and 8-1, respectively, on the mound. The Black Bears defeated Central Michigan (10-2) and St. John's twice (10-5, 15-0) to win the regional round before falling to Miami and South Carolina in the College World Series.
-UMaine-
The teams will be recognized and celebrated for their lasting impact on the Maine baseball program and the University community, bringing together generations of Black Bears to reflect on unforgettable moments.
1981: The 1981 baseball team, coached by John Winkin, became Maine's first team in baseball history to win more than 30 games as it finished with a 32-14 mark. The Black Bears captured the ECAC title, won the NCAA Northeast Regional, and went on to compete in the College World Series. Kevin Buckley and Joe Johnson were crowned co-MVPs of the regional while Peter Adams and Tom Vanidestine joined them on the All-ECAC team. Brad Coulton (.438), Buckey (.431), and Vanidestine (.355) led the way at the plate. Stu Lacognata and Johnson finished the season 9-2 and 8-1, respectively, on the mound. The Black Bears defeated Central Michigan (10-2) and St. John's twice (10-5, 15-0) to win the regional round before falling to Miami and South Carolina in the College World Series.
-UMaine-
Friday, May 22
Thursday, May 21
Wednesday, May 20
Saturday, May 16
