You may have noticed during fall term the dump trucks going in and out of the southwest parking lot carrying dirt out and carrying new dirt into the Linn-Benton baseball field. What was going on?
It turns out the old baseball infield turf was being replaced and new turf was extended to also cover the outfield. The stands for seating also were replaced.
To get the whole story, Director of Athletics Mark Majeski took time during spring break to answer some questions from the Commuter. Here’s what he had to say:
When did the idea for the renovation begin?
In 2023 we took a look at balances in our fundraising accounts. We had been putting aside money for several years, knowing that this project would have to happen at some point. Originally we were planning to just replace the infield (which was already turf, but at the end of its life). We knew we had enough money to replace the existing turf.
When we started talking with folks about the project, the question of doing the whole field came up and a few donors stepped up with sizable lead gifts to help make it a reality.
Did Coach Andy Peterson’s success, having won the last two NWAC championships, help jump start the need for this renovation?
Yes, and no. The excitement of winning two titles in a row helps with people’s awareness and excitement to be a part of a project like this. However, we were planning the renovation well before we won the two titles.
Who was involved in deciding what the design, material, and look of the ballfield’s turf was going to be?
Coach, myself, campus facilities.
What was the overall cost and where did the funding come from?
Not all is complete yet for total costs, but this is a $1 million project. It is all donor-funded in close cooperation with the LBCC Foundation.
What part of this project are you most proud of?
The ability to get it done and the positive impact it will have on our program, the student-athletes and also the community.
Who were the contractors and when will the project be completed?
We used local contractors. The field still has some infill to be installed. The organic infill we chose requires sustained dry weather to fully install properly, so the contractor will be back after the season to finish.The field is playable as is, but needs the additional infill for long-term use.
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The official grand opening for Dick McLain Field was a March 28 doubleheader against the Clackamas Community College baseball team. LBCC beat the Storm 13-5 in game one and 5-4 in extra innings in game two.
The turf infield is an organic material from GreenplayUSA, a Merrick, New York, company that works with institutions all over the country.
“Yes, it has been an absolute blessing to have the full turf field, being able to practice every day rain or shine is a blessing and we are truly grateful for the donors that made it possible for the one-of-a-kind facility upgrades for a junior college,” said sophomore infielder Bryant Starr. “This program and school is like no other and isn’t possible without the staff in our athletic department, and all the donors making sacrifices to see our program continue.
“Our individual and team growth is all due to the little details about the game,” Starr continued, “with this turf we can break down the game and really fine-tune the necessary problems to help push towards winning every pitch and game, to help lead to our overall goal of a three-peat NWAC title.”
This new turf technology replaces the commonly used rubber pellets and is more environmentally safe, according to LBCC’s website.
On its website, Greenplay notes: “Corkonut is blended using an exclusive, natural process utilizing only select pesticide-free coconut fibers and high-quality pure cork that is guaranteed to be environmentally friendly and human safe in every regard.”
Without the rubber pellets the field is more suited for baseball and does not have the “splash” often associated with rubber-filled fields.
“They love it, so they’re really enjoying it,” Majeski said. “And they had to suffer as the project went through the fall, which wasn’t anticipated.”
At a glance:
LBCC Athletics Website: https://athletics.linnbenton.edu/sports/bsb/index
Greenplay turf website: www.greenplayusa.com/greenplay-makes-difference
