<![CDATA[Maine Woods Baseball - MWB Blog]]>Sun, 10 May 2026 19:06:15 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Sunrise Base Ball Club of Brunswick]]>Tue, 14 Oct 2025 22:54:49 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/sunrise-base-ball-club-of-brunswickStep back in time with Maine Woods Baseball!
Our vintage base ball team proudly competed in the annual reenactment of Maine’s first documented baseball game, originally played on October 10, 1860, between the Bowdoin Seniors and the Sunrise Club of Brunswick. No gloves. No frills. Just bare-handed baseball played by the 1860 rules. The way the game was meant to be! Live the dream...play baseball forever from 1860 to 2025…and beyond!
]]><![CDATA[Paul Mateosian (1949-2025) - Remembered]]>Thu, 15 May 2025 14:42:58 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/paul-mateosian-1949-2025-remembered
To all MWB players,

It is with sorrow that I pass this news to all of you that we lost one of our players to cancer last month. Paul Mateosian was the consummate player and friend. He was one of the original 2002 “plank owners” of Maine Woods baseball and took the field as a Cardinal in the young adult baseball league. During his tenure in the MW45 league, Paul helped the Cardinal’s secure five league championships. Paul then helped the MWB form the senior league and ultimately joined the White Sox and enjoyed two championship seasons.

As a player, Paul was a hard line-drive hitting left fielder who occasionally filled in at second base.  His greatest asset though was his fun yet humble dug-out demeanor. He was always the first to the field and pleasant to sit next to in the dugout... joking and reminiscing about the past "glory days” of 22 years of Maine Woods baseball. A little known fact, but Paul held the record for all-time hit by pitch (HBP) in both leagues! Late in the game, when you needed a base runner…Paul was the man to come to the plate and get on base with a hit or a HBP! It is also noted before his 2024 retirement baseball retirement, Paul had his dream game…turning a double play at second-base, being hit by pitch (HBP) and to no surprise…hitting a line drive single to center fielder in his last at-bat. What a way to go as the Baseball gods were smiling that day.

Paul, you will be remembered well by all the MWB players. You will be missed in the dug-out and your many highlight plays will be fondly remembered by all your friends.    John Coray
]]><![CDATA[2025 - Dates To Remember]]>Mon, 17 Feb 2025 19:00:59 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/2025-dates-to-rememberIndoor Practice & Workouts - Coastal Performance, Brunswick:
First 30 minutes for rookies only
Saturday, April 5th, Noon – 2PM
Saturday, April 12th, Noon - 2PM
Saturday, April 19th, Noon - 2 PM


Outdoor Practice:
MW45 - Saturday, April 26th, 10AM - Noon
MW60 - Sunday, April 27th, 1PM - 3PM

Draft Day:
Monday, April 28th

Opening Day: Check schedule for details.
MW45 - Sunday, May 4th.
MW60 - Sunday, May 4th.
 
The Ballpark at Old Orchard Beach: Check schedule for details.
MW45 – Two Games - Saturday, May 10th.
MW60 – Two Games - Sunday, June 1st.
]]><![CDATA[AA - Roy Hobbs World Series Champions]]>Fri, 22 Nov 2024 14:47:51 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/aa-rhws-champions
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Down 0-4 in pool play the Mighty Maine Black Bears won 5 straight to win the World Series out scoring the other teams by 99-17 to win the AA tournament division. Maine Woods Baseball was well represented for sure. Ed Mayer, Ed Simmons, Jeff Howell, Chris Rolfe, Clair Crandell, Steve Curtain, Larry Murphy, Dan Simpson, Don Sawyer, Walt Foster, and Ken Walsh.

Chris Rolfe was named MVP batting .617, Walt Foster pitched two straight games getting the victory in the semi and final games. Ed Simmons batted over .500. Dan Simpson had OBP over .700 with 11 walks. Ken Walsh contributed with a .472 batting average and slashed 16 hits. It was definitely a great team effort from our MWB players. Thank you gentlemen!
]]><![CDATA[Beginning Of A New Era]]>Mon, 28 Oct 2024 22:37:42 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/beginning-of-a-new-eraMaine Woods 60 is going through some changes. The team currently known as Maine Woods will now be called the Baltimore Orioles. MW60 now embarks on a new era with all four teams being named after American League teams. Who will take home the trophy in 2025? Anything can happen...stay tuned!
]]><![CDATA[MWB Recognized At Hadlock Field]]>Tue, 24 Sep 2024 14:34:35 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/mwb-recognized-at-hadlock-fieldCripper Rolfe - "Win the league championship and celebrate. Thank you to Brandon Rolfe for making this happen. We had a great day! The Boston Braves-of Maine Woods Baseball know how to do it right."

Maine Woods Baseball - "It was an exciting day for our MW45, league champions and at the same time a little recognition for Maine Woods Baseball. Thank you to Brandon and Chris Rolfe as well as the Portland Seadogs."
]]><![CDATA[2024 - Dates To Remember]]>Sun, 11 Feb 2024 13:30:10 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/2024-dates-to-rememberAll dates except Coastal Performance are tentative and subject to change.
 
Indoor Practice & Workouts - Coastal Performance, Brunswick:
First 30 minutes for rookies only
Saturday, April 6 - Noon - 2PM
Saturday, April 13 - 10AM - Noon
Saturday, April 120 - 10AM - Noon

Outdoor Practice: Times subject to change.
MW45 - Saturday, April 27 - 10AM - Noon
MW60 - Sunday, April 28 - 1PM - 3PM

Draft Day:
Monday, April 29

Opening Day: Times and venues yet to be determined.
MW45 - Saturday & Sunday, May 4th - 5th
MW60 - Saturday & Sunday, May 4th - 5th
]]><![CDATA[The Bollard - Article about Fall Ball and MWB beginnings by Tom Major.]]>Mon, 13 Nov 2023 17:20:56 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/the-bollard-article-about-fall-ball-and-mwb-beginnings-by-tom-major
the_bollard_article.pdf
File Size: 25286 kb
File Type: pdf
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]]><![CDATA[See you next season...]]>Sun, 29 Oct 2023 12:35:10 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/see-you-next-season
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]]><![CDATA[Maine Woods 45 Legend - R.I.P.]]>Thu, 16 Mar 2023 20:20:08 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/maine-woods-45-legend-rip
It is with great sadness that I have to announce the passing of Don Massey. He was one of the original Maine Woods 45 players and had been a Giant since joining the league. Last year he played for Maine Woods 60 Giants and had plans for another season, but didn't quite make it. I speak from experience, as Don and I were battery mates, when I say he was a devoted team mate, a loyal Maine Woods Giant and loaded with an amazing amount of baseball wisdom and tales.   Rest in peace Don Massey, #10, Giants.

Mike Doucette - MWB
I am pretty sure I just heard someone whisper in my ear, "throw strikes or I'm gonna come out there and kick your ass"! Don had a way with words. He was my first battery mate when I joined the league and I will always be grateful for his words of wisdom and encouragement. He will be sadly missed in this league and this world. R.I.P. Don.   Mike Doucette - Giants  #13

I played and traded barbs and insults with Don for many years, twenty as a teammate. No one did the playing, insulting, or teamating any better. I am really going to miss him. We all are.  Digger. (Joe Baum)

So sad! Don was truly a pleasure to play ball with as well as hang around with. I will miss him.  Dave Wilson

Very sad. One of our most loyal original players. It was amazing how he overcame two strokes and played again. If there is a game up above he will be playing for sure. I think I walked him more than anyone else. If it was down the middle or close to the plate he was going to connect. Please rest in peace.  Dick Hill

RIP Don , love you . Hell of a ball player . Hell of a guy . Will miss you.  John Hall

Sorry to hear this. Don was a great guy, always made me feel welcome.  Jake Webb

So sorry to hear the loss of a fellow MWB brother.  Ken Walsh

My condolences to Don’s family and friends.  Ian Emery
]]><![CDATA[2023 - Dates To Remember]]>Wed, 25 Jan 2023 17:37:01 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/2023-dates-to-rememberAll dates except Coastal Performance are tentative and subject to change.
 
Indoor Practice - Coastal Performance:
The First 30 Minutes Is For Rookies And Managers Only!
Saturday, April 1 - 10AM - Noon
Saturday, April 8 - 10AM - Noon
Saturday, April 15 - 10AM - Noon

Outdoor Practice:
MW45 - Sunday, April 23 - 10AM - NOON - New Time!!
MW60 - Sunday, April 23 - 1PM - 4PM

Draft Day:
Wednesday, April 26

Opening Day:
MW45 - Saturday & Sunday, April 29 & 30
MW60 - Saturday & Sunday, April 29 & 30

Mother's Day Weekend (May 13th): Saturday Games
MW45 (one game) Saturday, May 13th, Kelley Field - time TBA
MW45 (two games) Saturday, May 13th, OOB - time - (Game #1 -10AM) - (Game #2 - 1PM)
MW60 (one game) Saturday, May 13th, Kelley Field - 3PM
MW60 (one game) Saturday, May 13th, OOB - time - 4PM
]]><![CDATA[MWB - AED Information]]>Thu, 05 Jan 2023 14:45:20 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/mwb-aed-informationGiven the event that happened at the Buffalo vs Bengals, NFL game I thought now would be a good time to remind everyone that there is an emergency defibrillator (AED) stored in the Kelley Field dugout shed during the MWB season. Many of you may not be aware that back in 2017 a Maine Woods 45 player suffered a very serious heart attack during a game. Thanks to the quick action by the players, a spectator who happened to be a nurse and the AED device stored in the Bath Rec maintenance building they were able to stabilize the player until the ambulance arrived. It was fortunate that there were some trained people there to take control, but it was the AED that really made all the difference. With that in mind the league decided to purchase one and keep it in the Kelley Field dugout during the season so we wouldn't have to bust open the maintenance building door if it was locked...as it was on the day of the incident. With the help of Bath Rec and the City of Bath we were able to purchase a top of the line AED device.


Hopefully we never need it but if we do it's there. Some managers unlock the dugout shed door before each game but if you need the AED and the door is locked the key is stored in a magnetic box stuck on the I-beam above, and to the right of the door. If there is not a key there during the season let me know immediately. I have extras and so do the grounds crew guys. Attached is the basic operating guide for you to check out and a picture of our device in its winter storage location so you know what it looks like. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. Mike Doucette - MWB
]]><![CDATA[Donation to Lights For Maine Baseball]]>Mon, 31 Oct 2022 16:14:59 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/donation-to-lights-for-maine-baseball
On behalf of the Executive Committee, league managers and players of Maine Woods Baseball it was my honor to present Lights For Maine Baseball with the following donation.  When we were kids and someone gave us money the joke was, "don't spend it all in one place". In this case the hope is it will all be spent to light up Kelley Field...Mike Doucette - MWB
]]><![CDATA[Jeff Starke Passing This Week]]>Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:53:12 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/jeff-starke-passing-this-weekToday we are celebrating the life and memories of one of our long-time players in the MWB league...Jeff Starke.  We were notified this week that Jeff has passed away after a long illness. He was a multi-talented athlete with a great sense of humor and enthusiasm for baseball. Jeff was a gifted utility player on the Braves and a member of their 2017 Championship team.  Additionally, his love for baseball extended to our league's vintage Sunrise Baseball Club. No grounder or throw was hard enough to get past his bare hands at second base!  His friendship, easy demeanor and prowess on the baseball diamond will be missed.  RIP Jeff!
]]><![CDATA[R.I.P. Bob Smith]]>Wed, 14 Sep 2022 16:12:24 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/rip-bob-smithBob was a great teammate, a feisty competitor and an all around fun guy to be with on the baseball diamond. He also knew how to throw a great banquet. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. RIP Bob.

https://www.athutchins.com/obituary/Robert-Smith
]]><![CDATA[2022 - Dates To Remember]]>Sun, 30 Jan 2022 14:27:59 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/2022-dates-to-rememberAll dates are tentative and subject to availability. All practice and opening day dates are also subject to CDC, State of Maine and City of Bath Covid-19 health and safety guidelines.

Indoor Practice - Coastal Performance:
Saturday, April 2 - 10AM - Noon
Saturday, April 9 - 10AM - Noon
Saturday, April 16 - 10AM - Noon

Outdoor Practice:
(NEW TIME) - MW45 - Saturday, April 23 - 3PM - 5PM
MW60 - Sunday, April 24 - 1PM - 4PM

Draft Day:
Wednesday, April 27

Opening Day:
MW45 - Saturday & Sunday, April 30 & May 1
MW60 - Sunday, May 1

Mothers Day Weekend: Saturday Games
MW45 (one game) Saturday, May 7th, Kelley Field - time TBA
MW45 (two games) Saturday, May 7th, OOB - 10AM & 1PM
MW60 (one game) Saturday, May 7th, Kelley Field - 3PM
MW60 (one game) Saturday, May 7th, OOB - 4PM

Postseason:
MW45 - First Round - TBA
MW45 - Second Round - TBA
MW45 - Championship Game - TBA
MW60 - TBA
]]><![CDATA[Let The Games Begin]]>Sun, 16 Jan 2022 13:57:06 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/let-the-games-beginWell, maybe not the games but at least the preseason planning has begun for the 2022 Maine Woods Baseball season. The league Executive Committee will meet on Monday, January 17th. If you have an issue you would like discussed at that meeting or any others you should contact your division representative.

Maine Woods 45 Representative: Ken Walsh - kwalsh@alfondyouthcenter.org
Maine Woods 60 Representative: Nava Spaulding - nava1908@gmail.com
]]><![CDATA[Lights At Kelley Field?]]>Thu, 18 Nov 2021 19:55:34 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/lights-at-kelley-fieldIt's a go. Dick Hill met with the Bath City Council early November and they approved the plan for some major improvements at the McMann Outdoor Sports Complex, including lights for Kelley Field. There are still some details to work out, but the process has begun and here are some of the details to pass along.

1. Maine Woods Baseball will not be the primary nonprofit organization administering this fundraiser. The nonprofit, Future For Our Fields will take on that role. It was the organization setup to raise money for converting the football field and track oval at McMann to artificial turf. That's great news because they have experience in this area and the desire to help facilitate the upgrades to the McMann complex, which includes new bathroom facilities as well as the lights. As an added bonus any donations made to Future For Our Fields for this project will be tax deductible.


2. On the same day Bath agreed to the fundraising campaign they also announced that Bath Rec had been awarded a large grant for improvements to their facilities. From what I understand, over $200,000 of that grant money will be earmarked for upgrading the bathrooms, which is timely because the bathroom upgrade was a necessity and going to be a big chunk of the overall fundraiser.


3. There will soon be a meeting between the members of Future For Our Fields and the individuals who are helping Dick with his fundraiser. Even though MWB is not the fiscal agent for this project Dick and his committee members will be tasked with raising a majority of the funds. Obviously the sooner the funding is secured the sooner the city can start planning the scope of the project, design work, hiring contractors and ultimately turn the lights on at Kelley Field. If you have any thoughts on how to raise the funds or you want to make a donation don't hesitate to contact Dick Hill directly (443-6669).

Mike Doucette - MWB
]]><![CDATA[2021 MWB Recap]]>Sun, 18 Jul 2021 13:20:43 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/2021-mwb-recap
]]><![CDATA[Pitch, Hit & Fund is back.]]>Mon, 24 May 2021 16:44:15 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/pitch-hit-fund-is-back
There is still time to participate or sponsor a player. Click on the logo for more information.
]]><![CDATA[2021 Dates To Remember]]>Sun, 24 Jan 2021 14:49:03 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/2021-dates-to-rememberAll dates are tentative and subject to availability. All practice and opening day dates are also subject to CDC, State of Maine and City of Bath Covid-19 health and safety guidelines.

Indoor Practice - Coastal Performance:
Saturday, April 3 - 10AM - Noon
Saturday, April 10 - 10AM - Noon
Saturday, April 17 - 10AM - Noon

Outdoor Practice:
MW45 - Saturday, April 24 - 1PM - 4PM
MW60 - Sunday, April 25 - 1PM - 4PM

Draft Day:
Wednesday, April 28

Opening Day:
MW45 - Saturday & Sunday, May 1 & 2
MW60 - Sunday, May 2

Mothers Day Weekend:
MW45 play Saturday, May 8th, 10AM - 1PM - 4PM  at OOB.

Postseason:
MW45 - First Round - August 15
MW45 - Second Round - August 22
MW45 - Championship Game - August 29 at OOB
]]><![CDATA[December 27th, 2020]]>Sun, 27 Dec 2020 20:09:56 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/december-27th-2020
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]]><![CDATA[November 29th, 2020]]>Sun, 29 Nov 2020 14:33:36 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/november-29th-2020
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]]><![CDATA[Covid-19 Preseason Update (5-30-20) - Opening Day]]>Sat, 30 May 2020 13:58:00 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/covid-19-preseason-update-5-30-20-opening-dayAs always this plan is subject to change. Also keep in mind there will be safety measures and protocols in place to help give players peace of mind and keep everyone virus free. The safety protocols will be released once the final details are hammered out and approved by the city of Bath and town of Brunswick.

NOTE: Time for all practices have yet to be determined. Contact your manager for more information.

Saturday, 20 June - MW45 rookie and manager practice and evaluation at Kelley Field.

Sunday, 21 June - MW60 rookie and manager practice and evaluation at Kelley Field.

Wednesday, 24 June - Rookie draft and roster confirmation by managers.

Saturday 27 June - Open league practice for MW45.

Sunday, 28 June - Open league practice for MW60.

Opening day MW45 scheduled for June 30, July 1st and July 2nd (weekday evening games)

Opening day MW60 schedule for July 5th.

The goal is to play as many games as possible between June 30th and August 30th with MW45 playing at least 10 games and MW60 hopefully playing 7 games. Weather and field availability will have a lot to do with the final number of games played.
]]><![CDATA[Covid-19 Preseason Update (5-3-20)]]>Sun, 03 May 2020 14:01:48 GMThttps://www.mainewoodsbaseball.com/mwb-blog/covid-19-preseason-update-5-3-20I know June seems far off and we are all itching to get on the diamond, but I ask you to remain optimistic. It won't be long before we will be smelling fresh mowed grass and the leather of baseball gloves.

Below is the plan for opening day.

1. Opening day for Maine Woods 45 is tentatively scheduled for June 13/14th.

2. Opening day for Maine Woods 60 is tentatively scheduled for June 14th.

3. Scouting and rookie workout will be Saturday, June 6th

4. League wide outdoor practice will be June 7th for MW45 and MW60.
(MW45 - 10am to noon) - (MW60 - noon to 2pm).

5. Draft Day will be Wednesday, June 10th.
(unless players are assigned sight unseen before rookie camp on June 6th).

6. MW45 and MW60 schedules will be finalized by May 24th, if not sooner. The odds of playing the same number of games as last season is unlikely, but every effort will be made to play as many games as possible.

7. All MW45 & MW60 managers will communicate with their team to make sure players who committed to playing this season are still willing, and able to play. Things may have changed for some players given the current Covid-19 situation so we need an accurate head count.

8. Managers will discuss and formulate a comprehensive plan to help keep team players and equipment virus free and safe. More on that at a later date!
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