Mountaineers History
Mountaineer Profile 2003-2010
The Vermont Mountaineers, the Defending Champions of the Western Division of the NECBL joined the New England-wide league in 2003. The Montpelier-based collegiate baseball program and the Mountaineer organization have grown from a curiosity to a well-established summer event in central Vermont. The Mountaineers have participated in the league championship playoffs in six of the past seven years and played for the league championship in four of the past five years achieving back to back NECBL championships in 2006 and 2007.
Many collegiate players have moved on to professional baseball after completing their season with the Mountaineers and nearly two dozen are still playing at all levels in professional baseball.
The Mountaineers have established themselves as a credible attraction, averaging more than 1,500 fans during their 21-game seasons at the historic Montpelier Recreation Field.
Many noteworthy events have taken place at this baseball field over the past eight years both on the field and behind the scenes. In 2005, the Mountaineers retired two former legends who called Montpelier their home during the great run of the Northern League. Hall of Famer Robin Roberts’ #36 (Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, and Houston Astros (1948 – 1960), and Ray Fisher’s #44 (Cincinnati Reds 1919 – 1920). The Mountaineers also hosted the NECBL All-Star game in 2005, drawing 4,127, one of the largest crowds at Recreation Field in recent memory.
The Mountaineers have also invested several thousands of dollars in field improvements that make the historic field one of the best playing surfaces in the league – a site that has been described by NECBL officials as “a jewel” in the NECBL. Other improvements have focused on new fencing, paving, upgrades to the grandstand including protective screening, and an expansion of the press box to accommodate the burgeoning press corps.
The Mountaineers are a 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to serving the communities of central Vermont. Donations of $500 or more toward our capital improvement fund are tax deductible and will be recognized on our website and the granite plaque at the ballpark.
