Lawrence’s baseball team is re-locating their home field to the baseball field outside of the Alexander Gymnasium. Previously, the team used the Don Hawkins field, about three miles west of Lawrence off of College Avenue, as their home field. However, due to renovations that were done during the fall, it will not be ready for use until mid-May.
The team previously played at the Don Hawkins Field in order to utilize the lights as well as keep their start times in the evenings, which allowed the players to remain in class for the full day on game days. In addition, the field at Alex had no warning track, which posed a potential threat to outfielders, and the Hawkins field had better water retention when it rained.
Although the Viking baseball team will not be able to use the benefits of its previous home field this season, the team and coaching staff are pleased with the change. Head Baseball Coach and Assistant Football Coach Jason Anderson remarks, “I am excited for the change, especially because I do believe it will be easier for students to attend the games. We are in the process of renovating the baseball and softball facilities and are very excited to continue to improve our on-campus parks. Hopefully we will get the snow melted and are able to play at home soon.”
Senior captain Robert Rashid is also happy with the shift to a closer location noting, “I think moving the games to Alex will draw more fans and motivate us to play better when we see the people that we love in the stands.”
Viking fans also seem excited about the change. Senior baseball enthusiast Colin Vize states, “I’m excited because it makes it easier for us to make it to the games in the spring, and I think that more fans will come as a result of the move to Alex.”
All things considered, moving the home baseball field to Alex is a change welcomed by the Lawrence community. The closer proximity will make the games more accessible to Lawrence students and hopefully draw more fans. Be on the lookout for information regarding the men’s baseball home game schedule and come support Lawrence University baseball at Alexander Gymnasium this spring!