Murray State Unveils New Baseball Field

Murray State has unveiled its new baseball field which features a turf infield and a grass outfield. The project was completed in time for the start of the 2017 season.

Introduction

Murray State University has announced the completion of a brand new Baseball Field to be used by the school’s varsity baseball team The facility, which cost $4 million to construct, features a state-of-the-art irrigation system, new bleachers, and a press box.

“We are very excited to unveil our new Baseball Field ” said Murray State Athletic Director Allen Ward. “This is a top-notch facility that will provide our student-athletes with everything they need to compete at the highest level ”

The Murray State Racers Baseball Team is scheduled to play their first game at the new facility on February 15th, against the University of Louisville

History of Murray State Baseball

Murray State University has a long and storied history in Collegiate Baseball having fielded a team since 1927. The Racers have seen many Great players come through the program over the years, including future MLB stars like Albert Pujols and Adam Wainwright. In recent years Murray State has struggled to find success on the diamond, but the team is hopeful that its new ballpark will help turn things around.

The Racers play their home games at Reagan Field, which opened in 2019. The facility is named after former Racer baseball player and Coach Mike Reagan, who led the team to eight Ohio Valley conference championships in his 22 seasons at the helm. Reagan Field is located just off campus, making it easily accessible for students and alumni alike.

The team is coached by Rob McDonald, who is entering his fourth season at Murray State Under his leadership, the Racers have posted a record of 97-104 (.484). The team’s best season under McDonald came in 2019, when they went 29-27 (.518) and reached the semifinals of the OVC tournament.

Murray State will open its 2021 season on February 19th with a three-game series against Butler at Reagan Field.

The Need for a New Field

In 2015, Murray State Athletics Director Allen Ward felt it was time for a new Baseball Field The old facility, built in 1968, was showing its age. The grandstand had developed sinkholes, the dugouts were rotted and the stands were in danger of collapsing.

Ward knew that if Murray State was going to continue to compete at the Division I level, it needed a new facility.

“Our ability to attract quality student-athletes was hindered by the condition of our old field,” Ward said. “It was time for an upgrade.”

With the help of private donations and a $1 million gift from an anonymous donor, Ward was able to make his dream a reality. The new facility, which opened in 2018, includes a state-of-the-art clubhouse, new grandstands and improved training facilities.

“This new facility will help us recruiting,” Head Coach Kevin Minton said. “It’s something that our players can be proud of.”

The Design of the New Field

Murray State University recently announced the design of their new Baseball Field The field will feature a state-of-the-art turf system, a press box, and facility upgrades. The seating capacity will be increased to 3,500 and the dimensions of the field will be compliant with professional standards. The project is set to be completed in time for the 2020 season.

The Construction of the New Field

On January 22, Murray State University announced the construction of a new Baseball Field The project, which is set to be completed by the fall of 2020, is part of the university’s ongoing efforts to improve its athletics facilities.

The new field will be located on the north side of campus, near the existing racetrack. It will have a seating capacity of 1,500 and will feature a state-of-the-art lighting system and scoreboards. The project is estimated to cost $5 million.

Murray State President Tim Miller said the new Baseball Field will be a “great asset” for the university and its athletics programs. “It will provide our student-athletes with a top-notch facility in which to compete and practice,” he said. “It will also be a great venue for hosting games and other events.”

The announcement of the new baseball field comes just months after the completion of a $6 million renovation of Murray State’s football stadium. That project included the installation of new turf, additional seating, and improved lighting and sound systems.

The Opening of the New Field

Murray State University officials, staff, student-athletes and members of the community gathered Thursday afternoon for a formal dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony of the brand new MSU baseball field

The field, which is located behind the Cutchin Fieldhouse on Joe B. Preston Street, was made possible through a $1 million donation from Bill and Carol Sutton of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.

“This is a great day for Murray State University athletics,” said MSU Director of Athletics Robert Joos. “I want to thank Bill and Carol Sutton for their generous donation that has made this facility possible. This baseball field will be a great asset to our program and the university.”

The Future of Murray State Baseball

Murray State University has announced the construction of a new on-campus baseball stadium to be completed in time for the Fall 2020 season. The $5 million project will be paid for through private donations and university funds, and will be located near Stewart Stadium.

The new facility will seat 500 fans and will feature a press box, concessions area, and locker rooms for both home and visiting teams. Murray State’s baseball team currently plays its home games at Reese Smith Jr. Field, located off campus.

“This is a significant day for Murray State University and Racer Athletics,” said Murray State president Bob Davies in a press release. “This new facility gives our student-athletes a tremendous competitive advantage and enhances the game-day experience for our fans.”

The announcement comes as Murray State prepares to begin its first season in the Ohio Valley Conference which it joined earlier this year after leaving the Sun Belt Conference

The Impact of the New Field

On February 17, 2017, Murray State University (MSU) held a groundbreaking ceremony for a brand new baseball field This new field will replace the existing Reitzel Stadium, which has been home to MSU baseball since the early 1970s. The new facility will be located on the south end of campus and is expected to be completed in time for the 2018 season.

The impact of this new facility will be felt throughout the MSU community. First and foremost, it will provide an updated and improved home for the MSU baseball team The team has seen success in recent years winning the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) regular season title in 2016 and making an appearance in the NCAA Regional Tournament With a new facility, the team will have an even better chance of continues success in the future.

In addition to benefiting MSU baseball the new facility will also be used by other members of the MSU community. The field will be open for student recreational use, as well as for youth baseball and softball leagues in the area. This will provide additional exposure for MSU Athletics and help to build relationships with youth programs in the region.

The construction of this new facility is just one example of MSU’s commitment to providing its students with a world-class education. With state-of-the-art facilities like this one, students at MSU have everything they need to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom.

The Community Response

Murray State University recently unveiled their new baseball field and the community response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“It’s just a gorgeous facility,” said Mayor Pro Tem Rick Lott. “I think it’s going to be a great asset to the city.”

The new field is located on the campus of Murray State and it replace the previous field that was located off-campus. The new field is state of the art, with a seating capacity of 1,500 and a turf surface.

“I think it’s going to be great for recruiting,” said head coach Mike Schulze. “It’s going to be a Great Place for our team to play, and I think it will be a great asset for the community.”

The community has already started to rallied around the team, with numerous businesses donating money and materials to help with the construction of the new facility.

“We’re just so excited for the team and for the community,” said Lott. “This is going to be a great addition to Murray.”

Conclusion

The Murray State University Board of Regents on Friday approved the final design and location of a new Murray State Baseball Field

The facility, which is scheduled to open in spring 2022, will be located near Cutchin Field on the west side of campus. It will feature seating for 1,000 spectators, a press box, locker rooms, offices and team storage. The project will also include the construction of a new entry plaza and pedestrian bridge.

“This new facility will provide our student-athletes with a state-of-the-art facility that they deserve,” said Murray State President Bob Davies. “It also furthers our mission of providing an outstanding student-athlete experience. I want to thank the Board of Regents for their support of this important project.”

The project is expected to cost approximately $8 million, which will be funded through private donations and university reserves. Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2020.