Two-time All-America East selection Hernen Sardinas, who played first base and the outfield for the University of Maine, will not return for his extra year of eligibility.
He intends to transfer to Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, where he will be a graduate student. There, he would play for former UMaine head coach Steve Trimper, who left Orono in December 2016 when Sardinas was a freshman.
Sardinas said the details of his transfer have not been worked out.
UMaine head coach Nick Derba said he preferred not to comment on the development.
Sardinas, who graduates from UMaine next month, received the extra year from the NCAA after the spring season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Miami native submitted his name to the NCAA transfer portal which allows coaches to know he is open to looking at other options.
“Returning to Maine was my number one option, but I wanted to explore other options, and I got a call from [Trimper],” Sardinas said. “This makes sense. I will be closer to home, Stetson has a real good master’s program in business and it will be better for me financially.”
He praised the Stetson program, but said baseball was not the focus of his decision.
“I’m excited. I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Sardinas said.
He could be drafted in June and elect instead to sign a pro contract.
Stetson won an NCAA Regional two years ago but lost to North Carolina in a Super Regional for the right to go to the College World Series.
Sardinas enjoyed his four years at UMaine.
“It was a great experience and I am thankful to coach Derba and the staff for all they did for me,” he said.
Sardinas was UMaine’s leading hitter in 2019 when he batted .298 with team highs in hits (59), at-bats (198), home runs (11) and runs batted in (34). He was a first-team all-conference pick.
Two years ago, he hit .308 with seven homers and 37 RBIs and was a second-team choice.