6:00: Morning News

Excitement abounds over new Marshall baseball stadium

— By David Walsh

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Saturday morning wasn’t the ideal time for a groundbreaking on a new $22 million baseball stadium. It was raining and overcast, prompting Marshall University officials to move that ceremony to the indoor facility at the Chris Cline Athletic Complex. 

It didn’t matter to the speakers or public.

The number that kept popping up was 17. That’s how many months it is until the Thundering Herd plays its first true “home, home” baseball game as former Herd and Major League pitcher Rick Reed said.

“What a pleasure to participate in the ceremonial groundbreaking for our baseball stadium. Just 17 short months until that first pitch. Thanks to all our donors and supporters for making this possible,” Marshall president Dr. Jerry Gilbert said.

Joining Gilbert and Reed on stage were former Herd pitcher and Major League standout Jeff Montgomery, athletic director Mike Hamrick, Huntington mayor Steve Williams, Reed, former Herd baseball coach Jack Cook, current baseball coach Jeff Waggoner and Jim Bailes, Chairman of the Marshall University Board of Governors.

Construction is expected to start in March of 2020 at the site at 24th Street and 5th Avenue, weather permitting, and open in March of 2021. 

Hamrick said the new stadium is being funded through private donations, and they, “are currently in the process of fundraising through the Big Green Scholarship Foundation.”

At the end of the first quarter of Saturday’s homecoming game against Western Kentucky at Joan C. Edwards Stadium, it was announced that $100 million of the $150 million goal already has been collected from private and public donations.

This venture is part of the “The Herd Rises” capital campaign. The four parts are the state-of-the-art, 3,500-seat baseball stadium, Gullickson Hall Improvements, Hal Greer Statue and Endowed Scholarship Program.

Hamrick had an interesting story on how Reed offered a $1 million contribution.

“On Thursday, Johnny Bench wrote us a check for $5,000,” Hamrick said of the former Cincinnati Reds catcher, who was in town as part of the Marshall Artist Series. “That’s great. Johnny Bench has no connection to Marshall. I told Rick Rèed about it and Rick said, ‘I can do better than that. I’m giving $1 million.’ ”

“My wife (Dee) and I discussed it,” said Reed, who starred at Huntington High before pitching at Marshall in the mid 1980s and then being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1986. 

“We always want to give back and we’re all onboard with this. Marshall has needed this stadium forever. I figured it up and Marshall has played about 3,000 games here. Well, not here at Marshall. That’s one hell of a road trip.”

Williams, who played football at Marshall, stressed again the city was vital to making this happen. The Huntington Municipal Development Authority had a role, too.

“There comes a point when you will things to happen,” Williams said. “Look at this crowd. Imagine what it will look like in 17 months.”

Cook, who knows all too well about not having a home facility, relished the moment.

“This is probably one of the happiest days of my life, really,” Cook said. “I’m 93. I’ve had a lot of days, but not too many like this. (Then Marshall A.D.) Whitey Wilson in ‘67 told me if I’d come to Marshall he’d get me a new field. He wanted to do it. He tried. He just didn’t have the (resources) to do it.”

The baseball program is one of the last at the school to have a true home. 

Marshall has played at several facilities since 1967, including St. Cloud Commons in the city’s west end, George Smailes Field at the YMCA Glenbrier off West Virginia 2, seven miles from campus (current home), University Heights, high school fields in Ohio and Kentucky, Appalachian Power Park in Charleston and Linda Epling Stadium in Beckley.

“Seeing this come to fruition, breaking ground today, is special,” Montgomery said.

Waggoner said the park will help the program recruit and develop players. 

Reed added the park will create more opportunities and stream of revenue. Possibilities include a minor league team and tournaments.

“This is one of the best times in the history of Marshall University,” Waggoner said. “What a beautiful location. This will make a small village for our athletes and fans. I’m very fortunate to have been here in the past and I’m excited for the future.”





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