Baseball America has tabbed the University of Maine as the preseason favorite to win the America East baseball title in 2003. Coach Paul Kostacopoulos’ 40-17 Black Bears won the league championship and played in the NCAA Los Angeles Regional.

Catcher Joe Drapeau of Biddeford, pitcher Mike MacDonald of Camden, outfielder Simon Williams of Portland, and second baseman Brett Ouellette all were named to the publication’s preseason all-conference team.