ORONO, Maine - University of Maine head baseball coach Steve Trimper has announced the addition of assistant coach John Schiffner. Schiffner joins the Black Bears after most recently completing his 22nd year at the helm of the storied Chatham Anglers of the historic Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL).

"Having Coach Schiffner join our staff will be an excellent resource for players not only around the game of baseball, but through his expertise as a great mentor," said Trimper. "Coach Schiff is one of the most respected men in baseball, both at the college and professional level. Schiff and I have been close friends for years, and now I am extremely excited and fortunate to have a chance to work beside him and better the Black Bear Baseball program."

Schiffner has had the privilege of coaching over 100 major league players in his career while compiling 479 wins in the CCBL, ranking him as the all-time leader in wins among CCBL managers. Schiffner has dedicated over 30 years to the CCBL, beginning as an assistant coach in 1977.

Schiffner's extensive baseball coaching career began with an assistant role with the Harwich Mariners in 1977 before taking on the same role at Upsala College in 1978. From 1978-82, Schiffner served as an assistant for the Chatham Anglers before working as a scout with the Montreal Expos from 1983-1988. Following his time with the Expos, Schiffner became manager of the New Jersey A's in the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League in 1989 before taking on his most recent role at the helm of the Chatham A's in 1993.

Schiffner retired from his long-time history teaching tenure in 2012 and finished his high school baseball coaching at Plainfield (CT) in 2011. Schiffner, who served as the Plainfield high school head coach from 1978-2011, guided the team to state tournament appearances in 31 of his 33 years at the helm. In 2001, Schiffner was named American Baseball Coaches Association, District I, Division III National High School Coach of the Year. In 2000, Schiffner was honored as the Connecticut High School Baseball Coach of the Year and ranked sixth in head coaching wins in Connecticut high school baseball history by the end of his career.

Born in Dover, N.J., Schiffner graduated from Providence College in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in social studies education before achieving his Masters of Science in human relations at Eastern Connecticut State University in 1986. While at Providence College, Schiffner captained the baseball team before playing with the Harwich Mariners in the CCBL.

Schiffner and his wife Martha share their home with their dog Bailey.

-U-M-