Stump Merrill, Dick DeVarney, Ron Lanza and Edward Berube. Meet the first MLB draft class from the state of Maine, 50 years ago in 1965.

Back then, baseball had more than one draft each year.

In fact, Carl "Stump" Merrill(Brunswick,ME) was drafted three times between June '65 and June '66. Merrill, who was the catcher for UMaine's 1964 College World Series team, was selected in the 23rd round by the Twins in the June 1965. He was taken in January of 1966 by the Orioles in the 27th round. And, in June of '66 the Phillies drafted him in the 2nd round. Merrill signed and reported to their farm system.

Eventually Merrill got into the New York Yankee system. He managed NYY minor league teams for years. In 1990 and 1991, Merrill managed the New York Yankees.

Dick DeVarney, a UMaine shortstop and quarterback for the football team, was drafted three times as well. In June of '65 he was drafted by the Cardinals in the 40th round. In the January '66 draft he was taken in the 5th round by the Pirates and then DeVarney was selected in the 1st round by the Tigers.

The highest draft pick in the first MLB draft was 3B Edward Berube from Colby College. He was taken in the 4th round (#62 pick) by the Pirates.

UMaine OF Ron Lanza was drafted by the Orioles in the 27th round in 1965.

 

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