FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Courtesy of Suffolk Athletics Communications

GNAC Hall of Fame Dinner
set for August 7 in Boston

WINTHROP, Mass. – In preparation for the 2019 Great Northeast Athletic Conference Hall of Fall Induction Wednesday, August 7, the GNAC is featuring each of the eight inductees leading up to the event. The next installment highlights Suffolk University baseball's record-setting slugger Mike Maguire '05.

Maguire is the second-ever Suffolk student-athlete to be enshrined into the conference's Hall of Fame as part of the eight-member Class of 2019. Suffolk softball's Katie Norton was the first-ever Ram to be inducted as part of the inaugural Class in 2010.

"I'm extremely honored to be a part of the 2019 GNAC Hall of Fame," Maguire said. "I will forever be grateful for the experiences and opportunities that Suffolk University and the GNAC gave me."

"This is a great accolade that showcases both Mike's individual and team accomplishments during his four-year career at Suffolk," said Maguire's teammate and current Suffolk baseball head coach Anthony Del Prete. "His statistical achievements showcase the type of player he was and his passion for the game of baseball brought out the best in his teammates." 

Maguire excelled in every aspect of the game. He could hit, field, run, throw and deliver in the clutch. He was a dream come true for the Rams and a nightmare for their competition.

"Mike established himself as a starter from day one on campus," Director of Athletics and former head baseball coach Cary McConnell said. "He continued to improve every year growing into a game changing offensive and defensive player. He would win games for Suffolk in multiple ways – with his bat, by stealing bases and stellar defense. He is one of, if not the best, all-around position player in Suffolk baseball history." 

An instant impact player, Maguire was a crucial ingredient to Suffolk's 2002 GNAC title and second-ever NCAA appearance as the starting centerfielder as a freshman. The Rams' rookie hit .309 to score 40 runs and knock in 23. He also struck for power with 11 doubles, three triples and one jack. His swift feet on the bags stole 23 bases and saw the first-year player become the first Suffolk baseball player to be tabbed GNAC Rookie of the Year.

In his sophomore season, the Rams did not claim GNAC glory, individually though, Maguire put together the most powerful performance of his career. The right-handed batter knocked a rousing .454, brought in 40 runners on 69 hits, 21 of which were for extra bags to finish with a .711 slugging percentage and 106 total bases to go along with 67 runs scored en route to ABCA/Rawlings All-America second-team honors. His run total sits atop the Rams' single-season record book and is good for the 13th highest total in a season in NCAA Division III history in runs per game (1.68) after leading the nation in 2003.

The story of his junior season came on the bases. His Rams' record holding 29 swipes in 2003 were upstaged in 2004 with 36 total. At the dish he batted .399 with 56 runs and 35 RBIs to help the blue-and-gold to a 29-12 record. 

Maguire ended his career with an exclamation point in 2005. He led the Rams to their second-ever 30-win season (30-12), the conference crown and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. At the dish he hit .356, knocked in 40 runs and rocketed nine out of the park to take home GNAC Player of the Year accolades.

The four-time All-GNAC selection, still ranks among Suffolk's top 10 in 10 statistical categories including runs scored (213 – first), total bases (359 – second), stolen bases (111 – first), triples (18 – second), hits (223 – third), homers (22 – third), RBI (138 – third), on base percentage (.481 – fifth), slugging percentage (.614 – eighth) and doubles (34 – ninth).

On top of his conference accolades, he was recognized with three ECAC New England All-Star nods and three New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association All-Region first-team nods. 

For his efforts on the diamond, Suffolk inducted Maguire into its Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2015.

Maguire is the first-ever baseball player to be inducted into the GNAC Hall of Fame, including multi-sport athletes.

The festivities on August 7 will begin at 6:00 PM with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner at 6:30 PM and the induction ceremony presentations running from approximately 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn. All eight inductees are expected to be in attendance. 

Throughout the month of July, the GNAC will spotlight eight Hall inductees on the following dates:
Tues 7/9: Ray Askew, Albertus Magnus College Men's Basketball
Thurs 7/11: Iman (Davis) Barbosa, Emmanuel College Women's Basketball
Tues 7/16: Lamonte Thomas, Johnson & Wales University (RI) Men's Basketball
Thurs 7/18: Jose Guitian, Lasell College Men's Basketball
Tues 7/23: Josh McElroy, Norwich University Men's Soccer
Thurs 7/25: Aaron Dufoe, Rivier University Men's Basketball/Men's Soccer
Tues 7/30: Michael Maguire, Suffolk University Baseball
Thurs 8/1: Jackie (Shedlock) Kapusta, Western New England University Softball

The Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) is an NCAA Division III association made up of 13 member institutions and over 3,000 student-athletes across the New England region. Founded in 1995, the GNAC annually sponsors and administers 22 championships, while balancing academic integrity, athletic opportunity and community involvement in an effort to enhance the student-athlete experience. 

– #TheGNAC –

2019 HALL of FAME INDUCTEE: Mike Maguire, Suffolk Baseball