University of Massachusets Athletics
Hall of Fame
Earl Lorden
- Induction:
- 1982
The father of UMass baseball, Earl Lorden roamed the dugouts at the University of Massachusetts for nearly two decades. From 1948-1966, the “gentleman coach” led the Redmen (the nickname Minutemen was not adopted until 1972) to three Yankee Conference titles, a New England College Championship in 1954, and four NCAA appearances (1954, 1955, 1956, 1966), including a trip to the 1954 College World Series in Omaha, Neb.
The Franklin, N.H., native was enshrined by the University of Massachusetts on two occasions. First he was honored when the UMass baseball field was dedicated in his name on April 24, 1971, and second, when he was inducted into the UMass Athletic Hall of Fame in 1982.
Lorden was also inducted into the Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1970 and the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Hall of Fame in 1971.
A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Lorden compiled a impressive record of 189-147-3 over his 19 years at UMass, ranking third on the all-time wins list behind the legendary Dick Bergquist and Mike Stone.
Lorden sent 10 players on to professional baseball, including former Major Leaguers Ralph Lumenti and Edward Connolly, and also served the University of Massachusetts as Assistant Athletic Director from 1953-1966, helping establish the outstanding overall athletic image UMass enjoys today.
Lorden impacted not only UMass, but also the collegiate baseball world, serving as the NCAA District I Representative on the Baseball Rules Committee from 1963-1966, and on the District I Committee for NCAA baseball playoffs for more than 10 years.
Following retirement in 1966, Lorden remained a fixture on the UMass scene as a fan and loyal supporter until his death at the age of 87 in 1984.
The Franklin, N.H., native was enshrined by the University of Massachusetts on two occasions. First he was honored when the UMass baseball field was dedicated in his name on April 24, 1971, and second, when he was inducted into the UMass Athletic Hall of Fame in 1982.
Lorden was also inducted into the Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1970 and the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Hall of Fame in 1971.
A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Lorden compiled a impressive record of 189-147-3 over his 19 years at UMass, ranking third on the all-time wins list behind the legendary Dick Bergquist and Mike Stone.
Lorden sent 10 players on to professional baseball, including former Major Leaguers Ralph Lumenti and Edward Connolly, and also served the University of Massachusetts as Assistant Athletic Director from 1953-1966, helping establish the outstanding overall athletic image UMass enjoys today.
Lorden impacted not only UMass, but also the collegiate baseball world, serving as the NCAA District I Representative on the Baseball Rules Committee from 1963-1966, and on the District I Committee for NCAA baseball playoffs for more than 10 years.
Following retirement in 1966, Lorden remained a fixture on the UMass scene as a fan and loyal supporter until his death at the age of 87 in 1984.
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