ORONO — Wednesday was opening day for the MLB, and two former Maine Black Bears have clinched roster spots in the big leagues to open the 2026 season.
Both Cody Lawyerson and Matt Pushard have been named to opening day rosters. Lawyerson will suit up for the Minnesota Twins, and Pushard for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Lawyerson was drafted in the 14th round of the 2019 MLB draft, and Pushard was an undrafted free agent in 2022 and signed with the Cardinals.
Both played under Maine head coach Nick Derba, who says he is incredibly proud of how far they have come.
“Behind their parents, I’m probably the third happiest person,” said Derba. “It’s mom and dad, and then it’s me. I can’t be more thankful or more appreciative of their time here, and those guys deserve everything they get.”
Lawyerson and Pushard are just two of the three former Black Bears to be placed on an active MLB roster. The third is Astros’ all star Jeremy Pena who won the World Series in 2022 and was the series MVP. Derba expressed not only how great it is to have three former players in the big leagues, but also how rare it is.
“There are not too many programs that have three MLB players in their history, let alone three in current standing,” said Derba. “For me personally, it’s just really exciting to see those guys go out their a live a real dream.”