About Us

In late 2001, New England Collegiate Baseball League approached the Town of Sanford, Maine about the potential of having a team. Sanford's Parks and Recreation Director Marcel Blouin met with various officials and proposed Goodall Park, as the home field for a team. The group agreed to explore the idea and drew interest of many.

Local officials and business leaders were excited. Start-up funds were provided through the generosity of local businessmen Allen Mapes, Ron Woodward, and Geoff Titherington, as well as Neil Olson, a businessman from Bethel, Maine who had previously been involved in the Lowell All-Americans. In the second year, local investors Bob Hardison, Bob Gonyou, Joe Vitko, Gary Miller, and Curtis Jacks also joined the management team. After a few years of continued success, the Mainers' management group agreed the team should be operated by the true shareholders, and shifted ownership to a volunteer group of citizens of Sanford-Springvale and local communities. With the vibrant effort and commitment from this management group, the foundation was set for the future success of the Mainers in the NECBL.

NECBL teams are a true asset to their communities, where the players not only hone their skills looking to a future in the big leagues, but also are involved with their host families, who are kind enough to feed and house them as they play baseball and participate in other aspects of community service. Families in the greater Sanford area are encouraged to contact the Mainers if they are interested in welcoming a member of the team into their home.

The players and coaches also run a great summer camps and clinics for youth boys and girls ages right here in Sanford. All youngsters are encouraged to contact the Mainers for camp enrollment information. Host families and volunteers are the backbone of the Sanford Mainers organization. It is truly a family affair and we hope that you will bring your family to Sanford and continue the rich tradition of baseball that has existed in this town even before Babe Ruth stepped up to the plate at historic Goodall Park.

Please join us this season as the Mainers enter their 23rd season of bringing quality baseball and entertainment to the City of Sanford at Goodall Park!

The New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL), one of the country's premier wooden-bat summer leagues, was founded in 1993 by Joseph Costantino, a Renaissance man known for his baseball and as an Emmy Award-winning television producer and director. The summer of 1994 brought the inaugural season with Cincinnati Reds great George Foster as the league's first commissioner.

Initially the league was centered in Connecticut, but by 1996 it had expanded to three states. In 2002 the Sanford Mainers joined the fray followed by Vermont in 2003; this brought the league into all six New England states under then Commissioner Kevin MacIlvane, a strong hand who brought stability and order to the modern era of this summer league. There are 14 teams in the league throughout all six New England states. The NECBL looks forward to another competitive season, with record attendance and great diversity!

The NECBL is funded in part by Major League Baseball, and is a nonprofit organization that draws players to New England for the summer from NCAA Division I, II & III schools, including some junior colleges. The NECBL currently boasts several alumni in the major leagues, including a large number of minor league players. Sanford currently has players in both the major and minor leagues.