Maine head coach Steve Trimper announced today that Joel Thorney has signed a NLI to join the Black Bears.

Aug. 4, 2006

ORONO, Maine-- University of Maine head baseball coach Steve Trimper announced today that his program has received a National Letter of Intent from Joel Thorney. Thorney is a 6-5, 215 pound right-handed pitcher from Stouffville, Ontario and will join the Black Bears in the fall of 2006.

"Joel will be a great addition to our pitching staff, and will add depth and experience," said Trimper. "He has pitched at a very successful junior college and has tremendous ability. We look forward to him joining our talented returning pitching staff."

Thorney, who will join the Black Bears as a junior, played two seasons at Texarkana Junior College in Texas where he led the Bulldogs to a fifth place finish in the 2005 Junior College World Series. He was drafted by the New York Mets in the June 2003 draft. He missed the 2006 season with an injury.

Thorney played for Leaside High School where his team came close to winning three Provincial Championships. He was a First Team All-Star in each of his last two seasons. Thorney also played for Team Ontario for where he received numerous honors and awards.

All National Letter of Intent signings are contingent upon admission to the University of Maine and compliance with all NCAA rules, including registration with the NCAA Clearing House.

-U-M-