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14 NCAA TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES
5 COLLEGE WORLD SERIES APPEARANCES
7
In the midst of a renaissance
that has included recent additions
and renovations to many of the
athletic department facilities on the
SIU campus, the athletic department
is now planning a major renovation
project at Abe Martin Field, home of
SIU baseball.
The plan includes a renovation of
the seating bowl, press box and dugouts
as well as the addition of stadium
lights, a synthetic grass playing surface
with a new drainage system and a
security fence around the facility.
In December 2012, the SIU Board
of Trustees approved the development
of the design and bid documents for the
renovation of Abe Martin Field.
Funds are still being raised for
the project, which is being funded
exclusively by private gifts. Once the
design is finalized, the project will
be bid and awarded by the Board of
Trustees. The construction phase is
anticipated to start following the 2013
baseball season.
To fund the project, former coach
Richard “Itch” Jones helped to form a
committee along with many baseball
alumni to begin the fund raising effort.
“The majority of former players
were interested in helping the univer-
sity,” Jones said.
Baseball alumni have driven the
campaign. Mark Newman, senior vice
president of baseball operations for
the NewYork Yankees, is one of many
baseball alumni who have contributed
to the project.
“My involvement in this project is
an expression of gratitude for all that
SIU and the Saluki baseball program
has given me,” Newman said. “My
time as an undergraduate student, a
law student and as a player and coach
with the Saluki baseball program has
had a deep and lasting effect on my
life. It is difficult for me to adequately
express my appreciation for all SIU
has done for me and so many others.
My contribution is a humble attempt
to say thank you.”
Abe Martin Field was built in 1964.
The last major changes prior to last
season’s locker room renovation were
the addition of a clubhouse in 1988
and a batting cage complex in 2000.
“Everyone is glad to see that this is
happening,”said former SIU outfielder
Steve Finley, a two-time major league
All-Star and Gold Glove winner. “This
will give Southern Illinois the facility
that it needs to compete. Not a whole
lot has changed since I was there, and
that’s a long time to go without any
change. I’m happy with the university.
They are really putting a strong effort
to make this happen, and we all want
to make it a reality.”
ABE MARTIN FIELD RENOVATION PROJECT
Renderings courtesy of 360 Architecture
The plans for the renovation of Abe Martin Field include upgrades to the seating bowl, press box and dugouts as well as the
addition of stadium lights, a synthetic grass playing surface with a new drainage system and a security fence around the facility.
ABE MARTIN FIELD