Conceptual drawings by Sperides Reiners Architects
ST. PETER, Minn. – Gustavus Adolphus College is beginning a complete renovation of the baseball facility, Athletics Director Tom Brown announced today. The $1.5 million project, which is completely donor funded, will begin immediately following the 2017 baseball season.
The renovation will be completed in two phases beginning with the installation of SPRINTURF Ultrablade DFE 42 on the entire field. The new field turf will be installed and ready for use before the start of the 2017-18 academic year.
The current diamond was constructed in the fall of 2006 as a part of the campus development plan that included the relocation of the football stadium and the development of intramural fields and soccer practice fields.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to add SPRINTURF to our baseball field,” Athletics Director Tom Brown said. “This improvement will allow us to start our season earlier and to be able to play through weather issues we couldn’t with a natural grass field.”
The multi-use surface will allow the soccer programs to practice on it in preparation for opponents who have a turf soccer field. Club sports and intramurals will be able to use it as well. In addition, the field will be available to rent for local baseball organizations.
The immediate impact the new field turf will have on the baseball program is highlighted by nearly zero maintenance and the ability to use the field early in the season, when most natural grass fields in Minnesota are dealing with soggy conditions after the snow melt. Being able to practice on the field turf during seasonal changes is viewed as a major improvement for Coach Brad Baker ’80 and his staff.
“We are committed to building a championship caliber baseball program at Gustavus,” Baker said. “In order to accomplish this goal, we need to attract the best and brightest student-athletes and have the facilities that allow us to put in the work necessary to build a successful program.”
Phase two of the baseball field renovation project, which is contingent on fundraising, includes a covered grandstand, press box, new scoreboard, dugouts, bullpens, and an elevated berm down the first base line for spectator viewing.
“When I think about Gustavus, I think about excellence in all areas – the classroom, fine arts, athletics, and alumni support. We strive to have our baseball program on that same level. I want to thank all those who share our vision and who have contributed the funds necessary to make phase one a reality for the fall of 2017,” Baker said.
