PHOTO GALLERYOne of the most dominant pitchers in University of New Haven baseball history, Brian Stone ranks among the program’s best despite spending just three seasons with the Chargers from 1984 to 1986.
Prior to arriving at UNH, Stone was a two-time MVP at Portsmouth High School in Rhode Island. His high school career molded the way for him to emerge as a force on the mound in his first season. During the fall of his freshman year, Stone allowed just 17 hits in 30 innings. He followed the fall season with 10 appearances and six starts in the spring of 1984. He recorded a 3-3 record and two saves in 46 innings. The Chargers also made their first of three consecutive appearances in the College World Series in 1984.
As a sophomore, Stone teamed with Mark Hatje as one of the best 1-2 pitching combinations in the nation. Stone and Hatje combined for 19 wins and just three losses, guiding the Chargers to their 10th College World Series appearance. Stone posted a 10-2 record and three saves in 18 appearances. He pitched in 10 of the last 14 games and recorded two 10-strike outings. As a sophomore, Stone earned All-Conference and All-Region recognition. At the conclusion of the season, head coach Frank “Porky” Vieira coined Stone a “veteran in big money games,” which included five College World Series pitching appearances through his first two seasons.
In his final season with the Chargers, Stone once again guided the Chargers to the College World Series. He made 18 appearances and boasted career highs in winning percentage, complete games, strikeouts and innings pitched. Stone’s 2.39 earned run average during his junior season was also a career-best. Stone was named an All-American as a junior and quickly caught the eye of big league scouts.
As a result of his stellar collegiate career, Stone left one season early and entered the Major League Baseball draft. He was drafted in the fifth round by the Milwaukee Brewers and spent three seasons in the minor leagues. Stone then went on to play three and a half more seasons with the Cardinals and another three years for France in the European Cup.
Stone’s career numbers for a three-year pitcher are astounding; 23-6 record, 46 appearances, 244 1/3 innings pitched, 3.43 earned run average, 233 strikeouts and eight saves. At the time he left, Stone ranked in the top 10 in career innings pitched, wins and strikeouts, while his eight career saves still remains among the top five in program history.
During his tenure, the Chargers enjoyed an 81-18 overall record and a 14-7 postseason record. Stone’s three seasons helped set the stage for a remarkable seven-straight NCAA College World Series appearances by the Chargers.
