Worcester State Baseball Getting Its Field Of Dreams
By Nick Kotsopoulos, Staff Writer
December 2, 2010
Worcester, MA --- As successful as Worcester State University's baseball team has been over the years, that success came without the benefit of any kind of home field advantage enjoyed by most colleges.
Because the school does not have an on-campus baseball field, the team has had to play its "home" games at a variety of diamonds throughout the area.
"Name any field in this city, and we've probably played there," said Coach Dirk Baker.
But Worcester St ate's baseball team may finally have a home come April when the $2.5 million renovation of Rockwood Field, a city park located next to the school, is expected to be completed.
The two-phased project included the renovation of a baseball field in the rear of the park that has long been unusable because it has been plagued by drainage problems. The first phase of the project involved redoing and upgrading the softball field — that work was completed in April.
Robert C. Antonelli Jr., assistant commissioner of public works and parks, said work on the baseball field had a number of issues involving the original contractor.
He said there were problems with the outfield playing surface, which was uneven in many areas. Also, the mix for the diamond's infield dirt did not meet specifications and, as a result, has to be replaced.
Mr. Antonelli said the city intends to file claims against the old contractor to recoup those costs. He added that a new contractor has been hired to finish the project.
Beginning today, he said, the infield dirt will be removed and replaced with the proper mix, and the entire infield will be re-sodded.
"Weather permitting, we're hopeful this work can be completed within the next couple of weeks," Mr. Antonelli told the City Council Youth, Parks and Recreation Committee last night. "If this work can be done by then, we're hopeful the field will be ready for Worcester State in April."
Mr. Antonelli said when the field is completed, it will be comparable to Tivnan Field — considered the jewel among baseball fields in the city — with the exception that it will not have any lighting.
District 5 Councilor William J. Eddy, chairman of the Youth, Parks and Recreation Committee, said when the field is completed, it will serve as a "tremendous success story" involving the city and Worcester State.
"This will benefit both the city and Worcester State," Mr. Eddy said. "It's just a great story."
Rockwood Field, located off Chandler Street, is nearly 16 acres. It is home to the Jesse Burkett Little League, which uses three fields there. The softball field is used by Worcester State and other local youth and adult softball leagues, while the "big diamond" baseball field is in the rear of the park.
The city did the project in collaboration with Worcester State. The state and college picked up the tab for two-thirds of the project's cost, while the city was responsible for the remaining one-third.
When the baseball field is completed, it will be turned over to Worcester State, which will be responsible for its maintenance. The city will retain ownership of the field, however, and like the softball field, it will be also available for use by local baseball leagues.
Mr. Antonelli said Mr. Baker and his baseball team have also played an integral role in assisting in getting the field ready.
John Brissette, chairman of Worcester State's board of trustees, said the school is looking forward to the completion of the baseball field. He said finally having a home field will be a tremendous asset for the baseball program.
Robert L. Moylan Jr., commissioner of public works and parks, cautioned that the city will not turn over the field to Worcester State until it is satisfied that all specifications have been met. He said if there is a delay, the city will work with the college to find a field for it to practice and play on.
"We don't want to turn over a field that does not meet specifications because Worcester State will then be responsible for its maintenance," Mr. Moylan said. "We're shooting to turn the field over them in April; May 1 at the latest. If we have to, we will find a place for them to practice and play on until the field is ready."