Sanford Mainers original board member Geoff Titherington, left, shares a moment with Chairperson Helen Hajny during a pregame ceremony in Titherington’s honor Monday. The organization dedicate the park’s concession stand to Titherington. (SAM BONSEY/Journal Tribune)

SANFORD — Geoff Titherington doesn’t like the spotlight.

If anything, the restaurant owner and one of the original board members of the Sanford Mainers  tries to avoid it. But when the Mainers honored him before Monday’s game against Upper Valley at Goodall Park for his guidance in getting the team to Sanford back in 2001, Titherington admitted it was a pleasant surprise. 

“I was pleased,” Titherington said. “I don’t do these things for the recognition, but to be rewarded was nice. I was very surprised.”

Prior to Sanford’s comeback 6-3 win over the Upper Valley Nighthawks, the organization dedicated the park’s concession stand to Titherington with his name on a large, black plaque.

In addition to his integral role in bringing the Mainers to Sanford, Vice Chairman Jacob Ouellette spoke about Tighterington’s humility and his service to the city. 

“(Geoff) often kind of shies away for being recognized for anything,” said Ouellette, who has been apart of the Mainers organization since 2004. “I think that was the most excitement I’ve seen out of him. There’s no more deserving person than him, and he’s put everything into this team.”

Titherington owns Bonanza Steakhouse in Sanford, which he purchased in 1984. In 2001, the NECBL (New England Collegiate Baseball League) approached Sanford in an effort to bring a team to play at Goodall Park. 

Titherington, along with local businessman Allen Mapes, Ron Woodward and Neil Olson, were interested in the idea and provided initial funds to help make that dream possible for Sanford.

Since the Mainers first stepped first on to the diamond, Titherington has been thrilled with the team’s success. But he’s most proud that the team’s mascot represents the state.

“I was telling someone (before the game) that they had a contest to name the team back then,” said Titherington. “I’m not exactly sure who ran the contest, but several people picked the ‘Sanford Mainers.’ I think that’s probably one of the best names in this league … When people see boxscore the following morning and see Maine in the name, it’s pretty special.”

Even though he retired in 2018, Titherington still volunteers at the concession stand for home games and has been doing so since the team started in 2001. 

Titherington lives and breathes baseball, said Ouellette but working concessions for most of the games can make it difficult to watch much of the game. When he is able to come out for a peek, most everybody in attendance knows his name. 

“Geoff is a special person in a sense that he isn’t just any other board member,” said Ouellette. “He served the team for 17 years … The city knows who Geoff is, they know the work he’s put into the city. He’s given so much to this team, so it’s only right to do something like this for him.”