BANGOR, Maine — Husson University gave Hall of Famer John Winkin an opportunity to continue coaching baseball when his contract wasn’t renewed by the University of Maine after the 1996 season.
Winkin was hired as an assistant coach at Husson and for a fellowship in sports leadership in 1996. He became the head baseball coach in 2003, and he remained head coach until 2007, when he suffered a paralyzing stroke while jogging.
He died in July at the age of 94.
Administrators at Husson University honored the late coach on Saturday morning by retiring his No. 5 jersey. His son David Winkin was going to spread his father’s ashes near the Winkin Baseball Complex in a private ceremony later.
He also was going to spread ashes at a later date at the University of Maine and Colby College, where his dad also had coached.
John Winkin, a member of several halls of fame, including the College Baseball Hall of Fame, finished with a record of 1,043-706-16. He led Maine to six College World Series appearances.
“Husson meant a lot to him,” said David Winkin, who received a large plaque with his father’s jersey in it. “Husson came along at a time when he needed something to do. He wasn’t ready to get done. Husson also gave him a few other things to do like the fellowship. It was a good fit for him.”
“Husson rescued him. He was unemployed,” said former University of Maine sports information director and longtime John Winkin friend Len Harlow.
David Winkin said the decision to spread his father’s ashes among the three schools is something his father would have wanted.
Jason Harvey, who succeeded John Winkin at Husson after playing for him and coaching under him, addressed the gathering and said Husson was “very, very fortunate” to have Winkin on their staff. He noted that Winkin had a major influence on him and that Winkin’s financial generosity and ability to attract philanthropists such as the late Harold Alfond enabled them to have a top-notch multi-sport artificial turf facility that bears his name.
“Without him, this field would have never happened,” said Harvey. “This has enabled us to do so much. Not just baseball, football and field hockey, it has also provided our students with the opportunity to do recreational stuff.”
“He always wanted the best for the players and for the schools he worked at,” said David Winkin.
“He spent his whole life on baseball,” said Harvey. “He was so knowledgable.”
Harvey talked about John Winkin’s thoroughness when it came to organizing his practices, especially the indoor practices, and in evaluating his players and teams.
“He knew in September what his pitching rotation was going to be the following spring,” said Harvey. “He knew everything about his players. He never forgot a name, and he left a lasting impact on Maine kids. He provided Maine kids with the opportunity to play at a high level.”
Harvey also talked about Winkin’s willingness to teach the game to all ages whenever he had time.
Harvey read a note sent by Husson baseball Hall of Famer Sandy McCuaig, who talked about how influential Winkin was during his career.
Harvey said Winkin’s No. 5 jersey will be placed somewhere on the field this spring.