Build On a Legacy of Excellence
In 2024, two Husky Athletics legends retired: Director of Athletics Al Bean ’77, ’92G and Baseball Coach Ed Flaherty. Together they decided to celebrate this milestone by honoring the memory of one of their own Husky heroes — Vinnie Degifico ’94 , the only player in USM history to have his number retired. They launched a campaign to build a baseball and softball hitting facility on the Gorham athletics complex. The new hitting pavilion will support the training and development of our Husky athletes, continuing USM’s legacy of excellence on the field.
Our high-performing student-athletes deserve top-tier facilities
Hitting pavilions provide a dedicated, controlled, and technologically advanced space for baseball and softball players to develop and refine their hitting skills. Ultimately, this much-needed facility will contribute to improved performance on the field for our already high-achieving student-athletes, who ended their last season on a high note:
Your support for the hitting pavilion honors USM’s legendary athletics leaders
Vinnie Degifico ’94
Vinnie Degifico is the only player in USM history to have his number retired. A two-time baseball All-American who signed with the Boston Red Sox, he later became a beloved member of the USM Athletics staff. Degifico passed away in the summer of 2022 from cancer.
Coach Ed Flaherty
Coach Flaherty led USM’s baseball program for 39 seasons, amassing over 1,100 wins and impacting countless student-athletes. He became head coach in 1986, winning his first NCAA Division III National Championship in 1991–Maine’s first national title in any sport. His legacy spans decades of excellence and success.
Al Bean ’77, ’92G
Al Bean guided the growth of USM Athletics, expanding to 23 varsity sports with nearly 500 student-athletes. His efforts included an external review of facilities, resulting in construction of the Costello Sports Complex, USM Ice Arena, and soccer field. More recent upgrades include the USM Softball Stadium, Ed Flaherty Field, and Hannaford turf field.
Let’s continue the conversation.
Contact Bronley Luhrman, Major Gifts Officer:
Phone: 207.780.4741
Email: bronely.lurhman@maine.edu
Mail: Make your check payable to University of Southern Maine Foundation and addressed to Erin Macey, USM Foundation, P.O. Box 9300, Portland, ME 04101-9300
When planning to make a gift to USM, seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor.