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Larry Mahaney Diamond on the Campus of Saint
Joseph's College is one of the finest small-college baseball facilities
in the country. Although the baseball program at St. Joe's began in
the early 1970's. it was not until 1986 that the Monks actually played
a home game on the Sebago Lake campus. In 1988, lights were added making
the facility the only fully-lighted collegiate baseball/softball complex
in New England. While these were huge steps in the history of the baseball
program, they were only the first in the development of what has become
one of the finest baseball facilities anywhere. On September 29, 2001,
Saint Joseph's College officially dedicated its baseball field, Larry
Mahaney Diamond, in honor of Maine businessman and philanthropist Larry
Mahaney.
Due to the generous support of the institution, the philanthropy of
Larry Mahaney and the dedication of players and coaches, Larry Mahaney
Diamond features many outstanding amenities, including:
*Full Infield Turf Renovation - completed 2005
*Lights - upgraded in 2003
*Brick Wall Backstop- constructed in 2003
*On-Field Locker Room - upgraded in 2003
*Fiber Optic Phone and Data Service to Press Box
*Public Address System
*Nevco 324 sq. ft. Inning-by-Inning Scoreboard
*Two Outdoor Batting Cages
*12-Station Toss and "T" Area
*10 Bullpen Mounds
*Fully Equipped Press Box
*500 Seat Bleacher Area
*Concession Stand
*Full Infield Tarp
*In-Ground Irrigation System
*Wooden Outfield Fence
*Alumni Box Overlooking Home Dugout
*Some of the Best Infield/Outfield Turf in New England
Coach Sanborn on the future for Larry Mahaney Diamond: "Continual
improvement to the baseball facility is a key part of my coaching philosophy.
I want players in our program to realize that things are always moving
forward with regard to both the program and the facility. It is exciting
to be a part of a team that is always reaching for new heights."
Future plans for Larry Mahaney Diamond include that addition of another
"Alumni Box" over the first base dugout, new seating behind
home plate and the addition of another light pole. "When I played
at St. Joe's, we had no baseball field. We had to drive off campus to
practice and play. To go from having nothing to having one of the top
facilities around is something we are very proud of. The progress we
have made over the last 15 years has been remarkable. We are very fortunate
to have the support of both the institution and donors like Larry Mahaney."
Larry Mahaney Diamond has been the host site for many prestigious baseball
tournaments, including the Maine State High School Baseball Tournament,
New England Babe Ruth Baseball Tournament, Maine American Legion Baseball
Tournament, NAIA New England Tournament, the NAIA Super Regional Tournament
and the North Atlantic Conference Baseball Tournament.
In February 2006, the Maine sports community suffered a terrible loss
with the death of Larry Mahaney. Mr. Mahaney's vision and generosity
not only benefited Saint Joseph's college, but countless others, including
the University of Maine, where the baseball field, Mahaney Diamond,
is also named in his honor. Larry Mahaney was also the driving force
behind the Maine High School Senior All-Star Game.
Larry Mahaney's legacy will live forever at Larry Mahaney Diamond at
Saint Joseph's College.
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