PORTLAND – Having been an assistant baseball coach at Deering under head coach Mike Coutts for the past two seasons, Mark Sutton knew immediately that he wanted to replace his former college teammate after Coutts left to take the Scarborough job last September.

Sutton got the word Wednesday that he had been selected to be the next Deering baseball coach. It should be a seamless transition for Sutton, 50, and the team because his coaching style is similar to his predecessor’s.

“I didn’t really have to make a decision,” said Sutton. “I knew I wanted to do it.”

Sutton and Coutts were teammates at Maine, playing for John Winkin. Sutton played second base while Coutts was at third. Like Winkin and Coutts, Sutton is a stickler for fundamentals.

“Everything is fundamentals,” said Sutton, who works as a mortgage banker. “Wait for the other team to make mistakes. I’m going to keep the same philosophy I learned under Winkin. Having been an assistant at Deering makes it easier because I know the kids.

“We’re going to continue what we’ve been doing — pitching, defense and situational hitting.”

With several veterans back, including pitcher Jamie Ross, shortstop Nick Colucci and center fielder Sam Balzano, Deering has the potential to regain the state title it won in 2009.

“It’s a really good group,” said Sutton. “I’m excited about it.”

Sutton’s two years with Deering were his first as a coach, but he had experience conducting clinics over the years.

Sutton, a former Cony High of Augusta standout, was a member of the Black Bears’ College World Series teams his junior and senior seasons.

Following college, he played two seasons in the Texas Rangers’ minor league system.

“It made sense for Mike to go to Scarborough,” said Sutton.

“He wants to be able to coach his son in a few years.”

Coutts recommended Sutton for the job and Deering agreed.

“Mike wanted to make sure I wanted the job before he left,” said Sutton.

“He didn’t want to leave the kids high and dry.”

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be reached at 791-6419 or at:

tchard@pressherald.com