Field of Dreams: Hiram College Baseball Edition

http://www.hiramterriers.com/facilities/fishel

What Exactly is on the Drawing Board?

Hiram, Ohio -- The Hiram College Terriers' baseball team is well in need for some new advancements in their facilities and technologies. When baseball prospects come on a visit to Hiram's campus, it only takes a few moments for them to notice something very strange and say, "Are you serious?". Yes, Hiram College's baseball facility is missing a fence. As a NCAA Division III school, this comes as a shock to most people since most high school players come from schools that have fences. In year's prior, the college has installed a temporary snow fence each Spring for the team, but stands as one of the most depressing fields in the NCAC. Although, rumors are circulating claiming that this may be coming to an end in the near future.

When asked about his opinion of Fishel Field, Hiram's baseball complex, Sophomore Outfielder/Pitcher Kyle Watson responded, "It could use some work. Obviously, the fence is an issue and new bullpens would be nice, but the location is what really sucks. With it being at the bottom of the hill, if it rains, it takes at least two days to dry out".

These are just a few of the problems with Fishel Field. Howard Jenter, who is currently in his twenty-fifth season as the Head Coach of Hiram's baseball team, said, "The playing surface is comparable to anywhere else inside and outside of our conference, especially since they started laser leveling the field. It's the surroundings of the field that needs some work".

During Jenter's time as a baseball player at Hiram and his twenty-five years as a coach, Jenter has seem some cosmetic renovations, such as new dugouts, a new tarp, a new scoreboard and bullpens that he put in himself, but nothing as major as the rumors that are circulating. Thus, he is very excited at the idea of some potential renovations to the field.

According to Hiram College's Athletic Director, Ellen Dempsey, the college has been looking into updating some aspects of Fishel Field. Some of the rumors floating around include a fence, a press box, live stats, Wi-Fi connectivity, a concession stand and batting cages. Even an all turf field has not been ruled out of the equation.

When asked about future advancements, Dempsey responded that "all of the programs here [Hiram College] have three different types of lists for their program. They have needs, wants and can't live withouts".

Thus, there is a hierarchical list of priorities regarding renovations to the field. One of the most important problems to fix is the fence. Although, the problem that had stalled any progress in the past was that the baseball field and grass soccer field overlap, which is why a permanent fence cannot be installed. The most innovative solution consists of a semi-permanent fence, that would have a dual purpose for the baseball field and grass soccer field.

According to Dempsey, the final numbers are still coming in, but one option that is being explored is to contract through the same company that just completed the fencing on the turf field. The fence would be eight feet high around the outfield and five or six feet high around the surroundings that would fully enclose the baseball field. The main feature includes connection pipes that would be installed in the ground along the outfield walls of right field and center field and the far side of the grass soccer field, making it dual-functioning so that it can be moved for both soccer and baseball. This project is estimated to cost $46,000.

Hiram College's Athletic Complex: Via Google Maps

Proposal Idea: Drawn by Corey Stamco

Funding is another topic that came up in conversation with both Dempsey and Jenter. Dempsey brought up a valid point, stating that funding is sometime difficult for donors because they want to help but may only have a few hundred dollars to contribute. As a result, rather than the funds sitting in an account that may not make progress for years, they prefer to have an immediate impact by taking the team out to dinner or donating various equipment.

When asked about a time table, Jenter responded that it is difficult to tell. Jenter said, "Once the athletic department decides to proceed with a plan, they will look for a lead donor who can cover about half of the cost. After a lead donor [expresses interest], others will see the progress and the closeness to the goal".

The entire baseball program of Hiram College is hoping that the "Field of Dreams" will happen sooner than later, but understand the difficulties that come with the process.

Jenter later added, "The facilities can definitely be a drawback [when recruiting], but I think that we match up extremely well with other schools for a small college. We are proud of what we have".

References

Personal interview with Ellen Dempsey (2016, March 21).
Personal interview with Howard Jenter (2016, March 22).
Personal interview with Kyle Watson (2016, March 21).
Robert O. Fishel Field. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2016, from http://www.hiramterriers.com/facilities/fishel