When Mat Huff gets discouraged about his performance on the baseball diamond, he slides the soundtrack from “Rocky” into his Walkman, heads over to the University of Maine practice baseball field, and runs.

Whether it’s sprints, taking leads and stealing bases, or a taking a long jog, running serves as good medicine for the Black Bears’ promising freshman. Running is what Mat Huff does best.

Huff’s college career is off to a speedy start. The freshman outfielder from Portland is one of the offensive catalysts for this young Maine team.

After redshirting in 1993, Huff is already a budding star. The 5-foot-10, 180-pounder has set a North Atlantic Conference season record with 16 stolen bases. He has stolen 32 bases in 37 tries, an 86-percent success rate.

Chad White set the team record for most steals in a season with 35 last year.

Through 51 games, Huff leads the team in stolen bases, runs scored with 43, walks with 34, and triples with 2. Yet, he is hitting only .239 and has struck out 50 times, giving him an unconventional stat line for a leadoff hitter.

“I think I’ve done the impossible, striking out that many times and scoring so many runs,” admitted Huff, a non-scholarship player. “I think I definitely need to be more selective in my pitches.”

Maine coach John Winkin agreed with that assessment.

“I’ve been reluctant to put him in the leadoff spot because he’s been such a free-swinger and so undisciplined at times,” Winkin said. “I’d like to see him be a little more disciplined about hitting good pitches.”

Winkin said experience and a more patient approach at the plate could make Huff one of Maine’s all-time great players. That process will include hitting more line drives rather than going for the long ball.

For Huff, the temptation to swing at the first pitch or try to hit a home run has been tough to overcome.

“I like to get up there and swing at the first pitch if it’s there,” Huff said. “Sometimes I get in trouble because I think I can hit the long ball. It’s just mental discipline.”

Winkin hopes Huff will become a gap hitter by putting the ball in play and allowing his speed to take over. He has legged out two inside-the-park home runs this season.

“If he can just harness what he does with a little better judgment, he’s going to make himself a much better catalyst than he is now,” Winkin said. “He has really come along with experience.”

Once he gets on base, Huff has terrorized opponents, as Drexel coach Don Maines will attest.

“You’ve got to pitch to him,” Maines said. “He’s got to beat you with the bat, because if you walk him, that’s a double. That kid can flat-out fly. He’s fun to watch on the bases.”

Huff relishes his role as a base-stealer.

“I love to get the steal sign,” he said. “It feels great when the coaches show confidence in me and my ability.”

Speed has been a valuable defensive tool for Huff who covers plenty of ground in center field. He made a spectacular diving catch going away last weekend, robbing Drexel’s Carmin Quartapella of extra bases.

“That was one of the greatest catches we’ve had made on that field,” Winkin said of his 20 seasons as the Maine coach.

Huff also features a strong throwing arm, as evidenced by his eight outfield assists this season.

This summer, Huff hopes to refine his skills in the prestigious Cape Cod League. And, while running to “Rocky” might sound odd, Huff’s success is based on a simple philosophy: “If I don’t run,” he said, “I don’t feel good.”