University of Vermont Athletic Hall of Fame
One of the top baseball players in Catamount history, Mike Cole graduated in 2001 as Vermont’s all-time leader in runs batted in (143), games played (181) and doubles (44). His 181 games played were the most for any Catamount athlete in any sport, which included him playing in 123 straight games to end his career.
A native of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Cole began his Catamount career by playing in 46 of 47 games as a freshman, when he hit .338 and had a team-high 13-game hitting streak. He was the only player to play in all 50 games during his junior season as he hit .309 with 11 doubles, four home runs and 39 RBI (second on the team). That year he also led the team with 29 walks and was second with 56 hits.
Cole saved his best for last as he led Vermont as a senior with a .340 batting average, 40 RBI, 18 doubles, 53 hits and tied for the team lead with four home runs. The 18 doubles were a UVM single-season record and his 40 RBI were the fourth-most in a season and also twice as many as any other Catamount that season. Cole was named to the America East All-Conference Second Team following the year and was also the team MVP.
A shortstop and third baseman during his four years, Cole was a career .318 hitter who also finished second all-time in school history in hits (196) and was third in total bases (271). Following graduation he played professionally in Holland before coming back to be an assistant coach at his alma mater.
