Former Major League Mets Pitcher John Maine Joins Lexington Flying Pigs as Pitching Coach

by Danny Kirkman

Lexington, NC - March 18, 2024 - The Lexington Flying Pigs are thrilled to announce the appointment of former Major League pitcher John Maine as their new Pitching Coach for the upcoming season. With a distinguished career in professional baseball, Maine brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Flying Pigs organization.

Maine, a former professional baseball pitcher who played for the Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, and Miami Marlins, made his Major League debut with the Orioles on July 23, 2004. He is particularly renowned for his impactful tenure with the New York Mets, where he played a pivotal role in the team's success.

His standout performance in the 2006 season, where he went 6-5 with a 3.60 ERA in 15 starts, was instrumental in the Mets winning the NL Eastern Division. Notably, in Game 6 of the NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals, Maine pitched 5 1/3 shutout innings, defeating defending NL Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter and forcing a Game 7.

Throughout his career, Maine accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience, drawing inspiration and insight from esteemed coaches such as Willie Randolph, Rick Peterson, Ray Miller, and Leo Mazzone. He also gleaned valuable lessons from former pitchers including Sandy Koufax, Orel Hershiser, and Pedro Martinez, among others.

Maine's dedication to mastering his craft extended beyond the physical aspect of the game. He avidly studied pitching-specific training programs and sought guidance from renowned professionals such as Dr. David Altcheck, Dr. James Andrews, and Jeff Cavaliere. Additionally, Maine delved into the mental aspect of baseball, learning from experts like Jeff Foote and Harvey Dorfman, a revered figure in sports psychology.

"I am honored to join the Lexington Flying Pigs as their Pitching Coach," said Maine. "My passion lies in helping players become complete pitchers, not just in terms of throwing mechanics but also in understanding the mental and strategic aspects of the game. I am committed to guiding our pitchers to reach their full potential and achieve success on and off the field."

"We are thrilled to welcome John Maine to the Lexington Flying Pigs family," said Danny Kirkman, Owner of the Flying Pigs. "His extensive knowledge of the game, coupled with his passion for coaching, makes him an ideal addition to our organization. We believe that his guidance, paired with the leadership of Head Coach Jason Beck, will be instrumental in helping our pitchers reach their full potential."

Maine's appointment underscores the Flying Pigs' commitment to excellence and player development. Fans can anticipate an exciting season ahead as Maine brings his wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team.

For more information about the Lexington Flying Pigs and to stay updated on the latest news and events, please visit www.lexingtonflyingpigs.com.

About Lexington Flying Pigs:

The Lexington Flying Pigs are a Collegiate Wood Bat Baseball Team proudly competing in the Old North State League. Established in 2019, the team has quickly become a beloved fixture in the Lexington community, providing top-tier baseball entertainment and fostering a strong sense of community pride.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Amber Kirkman
Lexington Flying Pigs
Email: amber@lexingtonflyingpigs.com
Phone: (336) 972-8134