Mark Sweeney is a proud alumnus of the University of Maine and its tradition-rich baseball program.

The former Black Bear All-American keeps tabs on UMaine’s progress and occasionally touches base with second-year coach Steve Trimper.

Earlier this week, the San Francisco Giants backup first baseman contacted Trimper in south Florida and issued an invitation to him and the Bears.

“He called to invite us to go on the field [Friday] for batting practice with the Giants, meet some of the guys, and watch them take infield,” said Trimper, whose UMaine ballclub will be in Tempe, Ariz., for a four-game series starting Friday at Arizona State.

Since San Francisco’s spring training facility is located in nearby Scottsdale, Sweeney thought it would be a great opportunity to give the Bears an up-close look at Barry Bonds and the Giants.

“It worked out perfect,” said Trimper, whose Bears play ASU Friday night. “He’s going to come watch us play.”

Sweeney, a 13-year veteran of the big leagues, also plans to talk to the UMaine team prior to the game.

“He’s one of the most down-to-earth, appreciative, nicest guys you’ll ever want to meet,” said Trimper, who talks to Sweeney about once a month either on the phone or via e-mail.

Sweeney, now 37, has played for six different major league teams. He is known for his prowess as a pinch hitter and is tied with Dave Hansen for fifth place all-time with 139 pinch hits.

Sweeney owns a .260 career batting average with 40 home runs and 232 RBIs. Last season, he batted .251 (5 HR, 31 RBIs) in 114 games.

He played at UMaine under former coach John Winkin from 1988-91 and helped the Bears make two NCAA Regional appearances before being drafted in the ninth round of the 2001 draft by the California Angels.

Sweeney still owns 21 school records, including career games played (238), hits (328), home runs (52), RBIs (211), and stolen bases (69).

“He really appreciates what Maine baseball did for him,” Trimper said.

Hopson to remain on defense

If the UMaine men’s hockey team receives an NCAA tournament berth, junior Keenan Hopson will remain a defenseman for the tourney.

Hopson, who has been a center throughout his career at Maine, was moved to defense for the Hockey East quarterfinal series against Massachusetts, which swept the Bears 3-2 and 5-2.

Hopson, who plays the point on the power play, had three shots on goal in the two games but didn’t register a point.

He was minus-four. A player receives a plus-one if he is on the ice for an even-strength or a shorthanded goal and minus-one if his team gives up an even-strength or shorthanded goal.

“He was very good the first night but not as strong the second night,” said Maine coach Tim Whitehead. “It was just his first weekend on defense.”

“I was very encouraged. He brought a lot of poise and composure with the puck,” added Whitehead. “He made a couple of mistakes, but overall, I thought he was a very positive influence on our defense corps and I think he’ll keep getting better.”

Whitehead said he may keep Hopson at center if junior Wes Clark doesn’t recover from a leg injury that kept him out of the lineup in Saturday’s game.

Whitehead felt the Bears needed help on defense and said switching Hopson back “was a natural move. He played some defense in Juniors. He made us stronger back there.”

He was paired with junior Travis Ramsey.

Hopson has seven goals and 15 assists in 37 games.

Maine is 21-14-2 and must hope the favorites win their conference tournaments to be assured of a ninth consecutive NCAA tournament berth.

Hilton All-America finalist

Ashley Hilton of the University of New Haven is among 35 finalists for the Kodak/WBCA Division II All-America Team for women’s basketball.

The senior from Skowhegan, a two-time East Coast Conference Player of the Year, recently completed her career with the Chargers, who lost to Southern Connecticut in the first round of the NCAA Division II Tournament.

Hilton, a 6-foot forward, averaged a team-high 18.6 points and 7.5 rebounds to lead New Haven to a 25-6 record and the ECC title. She is among five Region I All-Americans who will be considered for the 10-member national team, which will be announced March 20 at the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Banquet in Kearney, Neb.