ORONO, Maine — Scott Heath of Westbrook arrived at the University of Maine in 2011 with the dream of being a two-way standout for the Black Bear baseball team.
The grind of trying to be an everyday player and hitter along with a pitcher at the Division I level has proved too demanding for many athletes
Heath has proven that he is up to the task.
“It’s honestly been one of the best experiences of my life, just coming out and working every day with a great group of guys,” said Heath, a senior co-captain who leads UMaine into this week’s America East Baseball Championship at LeLacheur Park in Lowell, Massachusetts.
For the last two seasons, the resilient left-hander has been a mainstay of the pitching half while providing plenty of punch in the middle of the batting order for coach Steve Trimper’s ballclub.
“He’s been the catalyst to this team for the past two years,” Trimper said.
The third-seeded Black Bears (24-26) take on No. 2 Maryland Baltimore County (32-18) in Thursday’s 5 p.m. first-round game.
Heath is trying to cherish the moment as he tries to end his career on a positive note by helping UMaine win a league title.
“It’s a blessing to be here right now,” he said. “I’m so appreciative of it all and I just want to go out winning some games.”
Heath heads the UMaine pitching staff with a 6-3 record and a 3.86 earned run average. He has logged career highs with 79⅓ innings pitched and 60 strikeouts.
Despite a slow start with the bat, he is hitting .301 with a team-leading six home runs, 16 doubles and 29 walks along with a career-best 29 runs batted in.
“I think I’m pretty good at both,” Heath said of his dual role. “I enjoy it and I can help the team. I’m just trying to give the team the best chance to win.”
Heath, who was plagued by injuries during his first two seasons, joins Portland’s Sam Balzano as the only two Black Bears to play in all 50 games this season.
“It just shows his determination and perseverance and his will to play the game,” junior Brenden Geary said of Heath’s multiple contributions. “He loves the game and you can see that every day.”
It has taken some planning to keep the 6-foot, 185-pound Heath healthy and strong enough to handle the rigors of his double duty. The coaching staff has spelled him in the outfield by using him as the designated hitter at times, while his throwing is reduced during the week.
“It takes an athletic person and a mentally tough person to do that,” Trimper said. “He’s [Heath] probably one of the toughest players I’ve ever coached.”
Heath has enjoyed two outstanding seasons after overcoming Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery prior to his freshman year and having surgery on his non-throwing shoulder a year later.
“It’s work and work that can be a hassle to some people, but it’s work that I enjoy doing,” he said, crediting his commitment to weight training as a key in his ability to handle the physical demands.
However, he can be his own worst enemy because of his competitive nature.
“I think we did as good a job of managing him as he’d allow us,” said pitching coach J.P. Pyne. “The way he plays the game, you have to be that much more cognizant of it because he’s so competitive and he plays the game so hard and aggressively.”
It took more than two seasons before Heath fully overcame the elbow and shoulder injuries and became an effective Division I pitcher and everyday player.
Last season, he batted .361 (4 HR, 29 RBI) and went 3-3 with one save (4.86 ERA) on the mound. He was named an All-America East first-team DH and a second-team first baseman.
This spring, he continues to win by being a more accomplished pitcher who can negotiate occasional difficulties.
“I think the biggest difference I’ve seen from him in terms of his maturation as a pitcher is it doesn’t need to go perfectly for him to be successful,” Pyne said, referring to Heath’s gritty 3-2 win over Binghamton on May 8, during which he allowed 13 hits.
Heath also has excelled in his role as a team leader, both through his play and his quiet intensity.
“He’s your throwback, ‘I just want to play ball’ type of player,” Trimper said. “He has that aura about him.”
Heath will recall fondly his days wearing a UMaine uniform and representing his home state.
“I wasn’t really aware how much it was going to mean to me until I got here,” he said. “It’s an honor and I wouldn’t rather be anyplace else.”