Ed “Hooks” Mardigan gained that nom de diamond from the sharp benders he loosed from a variety of pitcher’s mounds on behalf of Deering High, Hew Hampton Prep and several semipro combines in the latter ‘40’s and well into the ‘50’s.
But the curve was only a part of the Mardigan equation.
Essential to the effect on batters was the Mardigan delivery, unique to say the least.
It was described as “quirky” by one writer. Another analogized “like shoveling the ball out of his shirt.” One way or another, the idiosyncratic launcher took its toll.
Mardigan capped a strong senior year at Deering – football guard and basketball forward as well – with selection to the All-Telegram Baseball team with a 5-1 record for the runner-up Rams.
Mardigan actually pitched the Purple into a Telly title tie with South Portland before the Red Riots edged the Rams in a playoff.
Two no-hitters were among the Mardigan Twilight League highlights. Ed shut down D.A. Fogg, 8-0, allowing 3 walks and striking out 11, in an 8-0 season opening win for Pallotta Oil’s eventual TWI champions. Hooks boosted his cushion with a home run.
Ed almost aped Johnny Van Der Meer with a one-hitter over Eastern Oil in his next start.
Next season, Mardigan was personally perfect for his seven-inning stint with Portland Copper in a 9-0 victory over Bar Mills. Ed didn’t walk a batter as errors accounted for the three base runners.
The Mardigan resume also includes a trophy as New Hampton Prep’s top athlete for the 1949-50 school year as a three-sport star.
Mardigan, flinging for Ames Furniture, shared the TWI victory pinnacle with Fogg’s Tony Hopkins at 9-2 in 1950.
Like many National Pastime veterans, Mardigan eventually turned to softball where he played third base and helped the Century Tire Club to City of Portland and state fast-pitch titles.
From Legacy guestbook Hobbs https://www.hobbsfuneralhome.com/obituary/5424227
Edward Lawrence Mardigan "Hall of Famer" Edward L. Mardigan of Portland died peacefully after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease on Tuesday, Nov 5, 2013 at the Maine Veterans' Home in Scarborough. Edward was born on May 5th, 1931, the son of Armenian Immigrants, Lucy Amergian Mardigan and Sooren Mardigan in Detroit Michigan. Raised in Portland, Me. Edward went to Deering High School and was an " All Letter All Sport Athlete" excelling in baseball as a pitcher, basketball and football. After high school, he went on to New Hampton Prep. School and attended Bates College where he was a star athlete at both schools.
Tom Legere from FL wrote on Nov. 16, 2013:
"My family grew up across the street from the Mardigan family. Ed "Mr. Mardigan" often played catch with us, coached us in baseball mechanics, and would throw some wicked curve balls and sinkers (not even his best stuff). He always had something new going on and had an interesting story to go with it. "
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