Oestrike Stadium Undergoes Field Renovations

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YPSILANTI, Mich. – Thanks to the generosity of several donors, construction of a new infield is underway at Eastern Michigan University’s Oestrike Stadium, home field for EMU’s baseball team. The upgrades will feature replacement of the entire infield area with ProGrass, a synthetic surface supported by an extensive drainage system and sub base. The base paths, home plate area and pitchers mound also will be upgraded with brown-colored synthetic turf. With the improved sub base and drainage system, the infield can handle up to eight inches of rain an hour and still be playable.

“This project would not have been possible without the generosity of a large number of true EMU baseball faithful who believe in our championship dreams and made a financial commitment to this project, said head baseball coach Roger Coryell. “This field will give us a critical competitive advantage that we had to have to maintain our edge.”

“Our goal is to provide a facility that allows EMU baseball players to achieve their highest potential on the field, and ensures that the valuable lessons learned as a highly competitive NCAA Division I student-athlete remains an integral part of their overall educational experience,” said Director of Athletics Derrick Gragg. “In addition, we want to dramatically increase the number of youth groups and baseball organizations in Washtenaw County that utilize the field each year.”

The EMU baseball program has a rich tradition dating back to 1949 and an excellent record of achievement on the field, in the classroom, and producing graduates that make significant contributions to their families, communities and professions. On the field success includes: winning the 1971 NAIA National Championship; NCAA College World Series appearances in 1975 and 1976; Mid-American Conference Championships in 1975, 1976 and 2002; MAC Tournament Champions in 1981, 1982 and 2003. Eighty five former players have played baseball professionally. In addition, the team has posted the top GPA among all EMU athletic teams during the fall and winter of 2005-2006.

Oestrike Stadium, built in 1969 and named for former Baseball Head Coach Ron Oestrike, is the home of EMU baseball and also plays host to a large number of community related baseball events and tournaments each year. At the time it was built, it was one of the finest collegiate baseball facilities. While there have been several improvements through the years, the facility is in serious need of significant upgrades, the most important of which is the field.

The overall cost of the project is $300,000. To date, nearly $200,000 has been committed. Those making major commitments to the project include: Thomas Biggs, ’73, chief financial officer, University of Michigan Hospital and Health Centers, and his wife, Leah, ’74; Dr. Michael Bretting, associate dean, EMU College of Education; Kenneth Bruchanski, ’75, former EMU baseball player, E-Club Athletics Hall of Fame member, treasurer, EMU Foundation Board of Directors and chief financial officer, CIT Systems Leasing; William Clark, owner of Quadrants, Inc. construction firm; Roger Coryell, ’71, baseball head coach, E-Club Athletics Hall of Fame member; Kellie Dean, president of Dean Trailways and parent of current baseball player Patrick Dean; John C. Holman, ’72, former EMU baseball player, president and CEO of Greater Lansing Business Monthly, and his wife Louise Ann ’73; Virginia Kapla, grandparent of former EMU baseball player Scott Kapla; Jennifer (Coryell) Leach, ’92, former EMU softball player; Michael Markey, EMU ‘07, former player and representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial; Jim Mulchay, III, ’90.

Fundraising for the field upgrades continues. To make a gift, contact Athletics Development Director Craig Fink at 734.487.8236.

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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