The Lamar University baseball team finalized a contract to install new artificial grass to the entire field. Turf installations are scheduled to finish Jan. 15.
“The change from when I first started playing here is pretty significant,” Justin Eckols, former Lamar baseball player and current volunteer assistant, said. “The turf is in bad shape and it doesn’t play the same anymore. As one of the guys responsible for maintaining the field and keeping it in good condition, it was good to hear about the renovation because it was about time we got an upgrade.”
The coaching staff and players have been practicing at neighboring Port Neches-Groves high school in the fall in order to be ready for the new installation. Even though the size of the field is different, the high school’s turf is good preparation for what the Cardinals are going to face in the spring.
“Being able to practice here is great because it prepares us for what our field is going to play like,” Noah Sills, Hawaii senior, said. “Our infielders will get used to fielding ground balls off the turf, and the mound is going to be the same so pitchers will not need to make adjustments because the conditions will be the same. The only thing that will change is the location of the field.”
Another benefit of having a turf field, according to assistant coach Scott Hatten, is the fact that practices and games are not going to have to be cancelled or postponed because of inclement weather. The $1 million investment not only improves the playing surfaces, but also helps with recruiting potential future cardinals.
“One of the biggest advantages of having turf is probably going to have to be recruiting,” Hatten said. “When players come down and see how good it looks and how well it plays, they are going to want to come play here, because of the additional time we will have to develop them outdoors and not have to worry about inclement weather getting the dirt wet or decreasing playability. Those problems will not happen with the new turf.”
The team’s season opener is scheduled for Feb. 15, a month after the turf is installed. Tickets can be purchased on the Lamar University website or at Vincent-Beck stadium before game time. Students are able to get in for free if they show a valid student ID.
Story by Jorge Gutierrez, UP contributor