BANGOR, Maine — Trevor DeLaite’s high school baseball career has barely begun, but he has already decided where he wants to play in college.
The 16-year-old DeLaite, who was a freshman on the Bangor High School baseball team this season, has made a verbal commitment to play at the University of Maine.
“It was probably the best fit. It’s close to home,” said DeLaite, who will receive a partial scholarship. “I‘m really close to all the coaches up there for all the camps. Ever since I was little, I’ve been wanting to play there.”
UMaine head coach Steve Trimper is prevented by NCAA rules from commenting on DeLaite until he has signed a National Letter of Intent. The earliest that can happen for DeLaite is November 2014.
DeLaite, who moved with his family from Lincoln to Bangor two years ago, is a promising left-handed pitcher. He quickly worked his way into the mix for Bangor High coach Jeff Fahey last spring.
The 5-foot-10 DeLaite had a 2-1 record in four starts, including a one-hit, 1-0 win over Lawrence of Fairfield, a 2-1 loss to Brewer in which he allowed only two hits, and a 3-2, one-hit victory against Mt. Blue of Farmington.
“In the 13 years I’ve been the head coach, it’s the first time we’ve picked a freshman at tryouts,” said Fahey, who explained Kyle Stevenson also earned that distinction this year.
“He’s left-handed, keeps the ball down, has good velocity for a freshman,” he added. “He’s got a good off-speed pitch.”
DeLaite, who also is expected to be in the lineup for Bangor as an outfielder next year, is glad to have a concrete goal toward which he can work.
“I just want to get better for the next three years,” said DeLaite, who also plays hockey.
Players usually don’t commit to college programs this early, but DeLaite is comfortable with the UMaine staff after attending summer camps.
“Coach Trimper’s really enthusiastic and positive. We like that,” said David DeLaite, Trevor’s dad.
DeLaite also previously worked one-on-one on his skills with Black Bears pitching coach Jason Spaulding after moving to Bangor.
DeLaite plays extensively outside his school season. This summer, he is playing for the Bangor American Legion team and also is involved in Senior League.
Previously, he competed for the state champion 2012 Bangor Junior League team and played for the Eastern Maine Eagles, under Jim Moore, and the Titans, coached by Kevin Ireland. DeLaite also was a member of coach Tim Vallee’s Dirt Dogs, based in the Saco area.