John Schiffner was grinning ear to ear outside of the dugout before Thursday’s game at Hyannis. He had recently accepted a position with the University of Maine baseball team and the news had caught win with the team. He was being showered with “congratulations” and met them with his own gratuity. 

“It’s been a dream,” he said before his team beat the Harbor Hawks, 3-2, at McKeon Park. “If you ask me right now I’ve had a pretty good life, I’ve been pretty pretty fortunate. This just kind of caps things off. It’s been a pretty good career as an educator and as a coach, and I’ve always wanted to work with a D-I program on a major college campus.”

While Schiffner wasn’t entirely sure what his duties will entail with the Black Bears, he listed working with the offense and infield as probable jobs. He was ecstatic at the opportunity and cited his relationship with Maine head coach Steve Trimper as one of the main factors in creating it. Now the Anglers (15-20-1) will try and beat Brewster (12-23-1) and inch closer to a playoff spot, which would only add to Schiffner’s wave of happiness. P.J. Conlon (San Diego) will start for Chatham for the first time since June 19. 

“It’s all coming to fruition,” he said. “Im excited, I’m thrilled and I can’t wait to start.”

When Schiffner does head to Maine to start his new position, he’ll be met by a very familiar face. Current Anglers reliever Jeff Gelinas — who got two in the eighth on Thursday — plays for Maine and was excited when he heard the news. He said that Schiffner will fit in well with the coaching staff and that he’s glad his time with the head coach won’t end when the summer does.  

“No one can deny how great of a guy Schiff is,” Gelinas said before the game. “He’ll add to the staff wherever he goes and we’re lucky to have him coming in.”

Broadcast information

Broadcast coverage of the Anglers and Whitecaps begins at 6:40 p.m. with the Anglers Extra Pregame Show. Watch and listen on TRZ Teamline or listen by phone 1-800-846-4700, code 3481. Visit Broadcast Central for more information. 

Related content