UMaine pitcher Labelle a key to recent success Former hockey player comfortable in relief role

Adam Labelle has always had a passion for hockey.

Growing up in Massachusetts as the youngest child of parents from Montreal, that isn’t too surprising.

It turns out Labelle, a former high school defenseman, is also a pretty good baseball player. His skills on the mound have made him a key member of the University of Maine pitching staff for the last four seasons.

The senior righthander hopes to utilize those skills again this weekend when the Black Bears play Binghamton in a four-game America East series at Mahaney Diamond.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder from Hudson, Mass., has been among the Bears’ most versatile pitchers in recent years. He has appeared in 13 games this spring, posting a 2-1 record with three saves. His 3.27 earned run average ranks second on the staff.

“He has always been there,” said UMaine coach Paul Kostacopoulos, who praised Labelle’s durability and dependability. “In four years of eligibility, not one time has he ever refused to take the ball or say ‘my arm’s sore’ or ‘I’m tired.'”

Labelle has made 59 appearances, 55 of them in relief, since making his debut in 2000. He has an 8-8 career record with eight saves. While he relished the thought of being a starter, Labelle has settled nicely into his role as a relief specialist.

“It was a little tough because you work for so many years to do something, but I had no problem doing it,” Labelle said of being a reliever. “I actually love doing it now. I love coming in and closing games or coming in in tight situations.”

Labelle knows he must be ready to perform when called upon. His efforts have been even more important this season because, behind a strong starting rotation, UMaine features a handful of young pitchers who lack college experience.

Whether it’s a three-inning stint in middle relief or one batter to close a game, Kostacopoulos knows Labelle can get the job done.

“He is our stabilizer,” Kostacopoulos said. “He’s the guy we’re going to [in relief] and he’s handled it very well. He’s having the best year he’s ever had.”

Labelle features a fastball in the mid-to-upper 80s, a curveball and cut fastball. He occasionally mixes in a changeup or a split-fingered fastball. Labelle said he also is fortunate to have a resilient arm that can bounce back on short notice.

“This year I have better confidence in my pitches,” Labelle said. “I want to be that guy out of the pen in a 3-2 game, a 2-2 game. I want the ball.”

Kostacopoulos said the increased confidence shown by Labelle has been a key in his ability to be more consistent this season.

“He’s incredibly invaluable,” Kostacopoulos said. “He has an internal belief that he can get people out. He has an air of confidence that has allowed him to be very successful.”

Labelle, who redshirted in 1999, will graduate in May with a degree in geology. He hopes to eventually attend graduate school and become a teacher.