Coach Phil Martin came to Scarborough in the early 1960s – a standout athlete in central Maine and a recent University of Maine graduate. He soon put his own  stamp on the Scarborough sports scene. Phil quickly became a part of the coaching staff, ably assisting Packy McFarland and Dick Plummer. He shared their passion for baseball, basketball and mentoring young people. Like them, he knew youngsters were best taught with enthusiasm, humor and great patience.

Packy and Dick had coached numerous teams to conference championships. A Babe Ruth team consisting largely of Scarborough boys won the state tournament in 1960 under the direction of Coach Plummer. In his book “Between Innings,” Coach McFarland praised talents of such players as Pete Haigis, Alan Plowman and Ken Lilley, all of whom contributed to that success and many others.

The town gave generously to support its teams. I remember how impressed my brother and I were when we first toured the Scarborough High School field. With its lush infield and dugouts, it reminded me of Fenway. The league, then called the Triple-C, was strong; teams from Gorham and Cape Elizabeth would vie with the Redskins from early spring to June, but no further as state title play was still a few years away. In 1970, the State Principals Association provided for a playoff for state-wide honors and the stage was set.

The class of 1986 boasted a bumper crop of superb athletes; a nucleus consisting of Jim Dillon, Ken Callahan, Matt Babine, Mark O’Donnell and Brian Johnson led the Redskins to a soccer showdown with Bonny Eagle that fall; a dramatic finish saw the Scots shade the boys from Scarborough in a hard-fought Western Maine final. The seniors, many of whom had played together since grade school, were hungry for a state title; at least one young man included that goal in his yearbook profile. Head Coach Phil Martin and assistant Bob Nutter had the skill, experience and enthusiasm to bring all the elements together.

The baseball season was spectacular. Opponents were no match for the superb pitching, fielding and mighty bats of Scarborough. Catcher Matt Martinelli brought his focused play to that position. Underclassmen played an important role, too, Eric Higgins, John Schneider, John Alcorn, Chris Brooks, Mike Mort and a young man with strong Scarborough ties, Billy Fielding, stepped up in key moments. Senior Brian Johnson was creating his own legacy on the track that spring; setting records in several running and field events.

 Undefeated in the regular season, the Redskins faced challenges from long-time rivals Gorham and Greely before meeting the Greyhounds of Lisbon in the Western Maine final. Lisbon had upset a heavily favored contingent from Wells, but were unable to complete the fairy tale and Scarborough prevailed 6-1 to clinch the Western Maine title and the chance to meet the Ellsworth High Eagles for the state championship.

The title game was delayed so students could complete final exams on June 17. A huge crowd of Scarborough supporters travelled to Orono to see the Redskins face the highly regarded Eastern Maine champs. It had been a team effort all the way, and this exciting contest was no exception. Jim Dillon had a magnificent game; backed by outstanding fielding and strategy. Strikeouts were the order of the day, as Dillion fanned one Ellsworth batter after another. It was a beautiful late spring day and fans’ spirits were high as they saw Billy Fielding score what would be the winning run in a total Redskin triumph. Mahaney diamond exploded as excited supporters rushed the field to congratulate the team and coaches.

Chaperoning the spectator bus, I joined in the happy business of planning the teams homecoming reception with fellow chaperone Rodney Morin. The buses were met by a noisy contingent of police, fire engines and hundreds of well-wishers for the joyful return trip to the high school. It was an unforgettable moment for players, parents and all of Scarborough.

The team had capped an undefeated season with its first state baseball championship; other notable statistics reflected the superlative character of the group: the outfield had not committed one error during the entire season, the team’s ERA was under 1.00, and the entire pitching staff averaged nearly ten strikeouts per game.

As a teacher, I would add that these young men were a joy to have in class; parents, the school and community could be justly proud of their sportsmanship and character. It was truly a championship in every respect.

Martha Williams is a former teacher at Scarborough High School and daughter of Packy McFarland who taught and coached at SHS for 26 years, and for whom the baseball field is named.