As the 2016 MLB draft begins later today, how about a walk down memory lane and the first draft 51 years ago. It was 1965 when Stump Merrill and three other players from Maine became part of baseball history.

The first player with a Maine connection was Ed Berube from Colby College in Waterville. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates as the #62 overall pick.

UMaine catcher Carl 'Stump' Merrill, UMaine outfielder Ron Lanza and UMaine shortstop Dick DeVarney.

Merrill had the most decorated baseball career - at one time the manager of the NY Yankees.

Since 1965 there have been several Maine college players and Maine high school players drafted. The highest ever pick was South Portland's Billy Swift. He was the second overall pick in 1984 by the Seattle Mariners.

Former Mt. Ararat HS pitcher Mark Rogers was drafted 5th overall by the Milwaukee Brewers.

Baseball America.com has no Mainer's in its pre-draft list of prospects for this year's draft. A player like USM shortstop Sam Dexter could be selected in a late round or get a chance to sign as a free agent after the 40-round draft.

1965 MLB AMATEUR DRAFT: MAINE PLAYERS

1st   Round #62 Pick By Pirates:  Ed Berube/3B (Colby College)

23rd Round #450 Pick  By Twins:  Carl 'Stump' Merrill/C (UMaine)

27th Round #523 Pick By Orioles:  Ron Lanza/OF (UMaine)

40th Round #700 Pick By St.Louis:  Dick DeVarney/SS (UMaine)

Bill Swift #26
Getty Images / M's Pitcher Billy Swift
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