The Montpelier-based collegiate baseball program and the Mountaineer organization have grown from a curiosity to a well-established summer event in central Vermont. Many collegiate players have moved on to professional baseball after completing their season with the Mountaineers and nearly two dozen are still playing at all levels in professional baseball.
The Mountaineers have been one of the winningest teams in the NECBL, winning two regular season titles, five division titles, and three NECBL championships. Ten former Vermont Mountaineers have made their Major League debut, with many more at all levels of professional baseball.
The Mountaineers have established themselves as a credible attraction, averaging more than 1,500 fans during their 21-game seasons at the historic Montpelier Recreation Field.
Many noteworthy events have taken place at this baseball field over the past dozen-plus years both on the field and behind the scenes. In 2005, the Mountaineers retired two former legends who called Montpelier their home during the great run of the Northern League. Hall of Famer Robin Roberts’ #36 (Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, and Houston Astros (1948 – 1960), and Ray Fisher’s #44 (Cincinnati Reds 1919 – 1920). The Mountaineers also hosted the NECBL All-Star game in 2005, drawing 4,127, one of the largest crowds at Recreation Field in recent memory.
The Mountaineers have made nearly $600,000 of improvements to the City of Montpelier's property since 2003 and continue to help maintain and improve the ballpark in addition to fees and expenses to use the facility. Improvements have focused on new fencing, paving, upgrades to the grandstand including protective screening, and an expansion of the press box to accommodate the burgeoning press corps. The team continues to raise funds for future ballpark improvements and as a 501-c-3, all donations are tax deductible.
