Mike Stone is entering his 28th season as the head coach at his
alma mater, Massachusetts. He has recorded 648 victories with
the Minutemen and earned his 700th career win on May 11, 2014
against VCU.
Following graduation from the Taft School in Connecticut in
1974, Stone was a catcher in the St. Louis Cardinals' system for
three years and played in the Los Angeles Dodgers' system for
two seasons.
After his pro baseball career, Stone was a physical education
major at UMass and played football for three seasons from
1979-81. He was head coach at Vermont from 1983-87 before
returning to UMass in 1988.
Stone recently answered our questions about the upcoming Super
Bowl and about his New England Patriots.
First Inning – How long have you
been a Patriots fan? Who has been your favorite player to watch
over the years?
I have been a Patriots fan for 45 years, but since the Brady/Belichick
era, a more serious one.
Second Inning – Following your five-year professional
baseball career, how was the transition for you from pro
baseball to college at
Massachusetts?
It was an easy transition. I had the opportunity to play
football at UMass with some great people and coaches. My
roommates were all in my wedding and are lifelong friends.
Attending UMass as an undergraduate was a tremendous
life-shaping experience.
Third Inning – What position did you play for the UMass
football team?
I was a wide/slot receiver, returned kickoffs, and held for
extra points and field goals.
Fourth Inning – Which New England
player most impresses you?
Julian Edleman... tremendous desire, toughness, and improvement
during his time with the Pats!
Fifth Inning – Who on your team would make the best Patriot
and what position would he play?
Brandon Walsh..... tough as nails... Outside Linebacker, or
Andrew Grant.... Defensive End.
Sixth Inning – Who is the biggest
New England fan on your team/staff?
We have so many players who are Patriot fans, it would be
difficult to pick one. Pitching coach Mike Sweeney and I are
probably the biggest on the staff, although his wife is a big
Packer fan.
Seventh Inning – Which player from the
Seattle Seahawks most concerns you?
Their defensive line rush and blitzing linebackers. If Brady has
time to throw, he will carved them up!
Eighth Inning – Why will the Patriots win?
The Patriots need to keep the Seattle running game in check, put
some pressure on Wilson and give Brady time to throw. They also
need to have good balance between the passing game and the
running game.
Ninth Inning – What is your prediction on the final score?
34 - 21 Pats!
Extra Innings – What should we expect from the Minutemen this
season?
We have a great competitive attitude... we will play hard and
compete hard every day!
