WAYNESBURG, Pa. (May 20) – The Waynesburg University Department of Athletics is proud to announce plans for extensive facility improvements that will positively affect both the Yellow Jacket baseball and softball teams. The major change to the athletic landscape involves not only improving the current Waynesburg baseball field, but transforming it into it a multi-purpose facility for both programs.
Plans for the current home of the Yellow Jacket baseball team include not only replacing the current Field Turf infield service, but converting the pitcher's mound and batter's box areas from dirt to an artificial surface. The current permanent mound will be taken out and replaced by a removable mound that can be taken off the infield for home softball games. Sportsfield Specialties has been contacted about providing the new mound.
The infield turf will also be extended from the green infield "grass" area and base lines to the front of the dugouts and backstop.
Moving beyond the field of play, improvements regarding fan safety are also part of the plans. Not only would the preexisting netting be extended, but additional netting would be added in front of the bleachers on the first base side. The addition is similar to measures taken by several Major League Baseball teams.
Another necessary addition to the field to facilitate the Jacket softball squad is a removable outfield fence by Grand Slam Safety Fencing.
"The baseball-softball field project has been a collaborative effort between the University Administration, Facilities Department and Athletic Department," said Waynesburg University Director of Athletics,
Adam Jack. "The upgrades to the current baseball field will enhance the experience for the student-athletes on both teams, while also providing safety upgrades for all those in attendance."
Construction is expected to begin this summer and will be completed before the fall of 2021. Though not in the initial plans for this summer, possible future additions to the facility include lights to allow for the playing of night games.
