VESTAL, N.Y. – Binghamton University today announced that an alumnus passionate about baseball has made an anonymous gift of $2.2 million to the Division of Athletics to upgrade the University’s baseball field.
Construction started yesterday to install a FieldTurf artificial surface throughout the field, including the baselines, home plate area and pitcher’s mound. Broadcast-quality lights will also be installed, allowing the baseball team to play at night for the first time, adding flexibility to its schedule. The addition of the FieldTurf surface will also significantly reduce maintenance needs due to the northeast climate and allow Binghamton to host post-season championship games in the future.
“Our donor loves baseball and we’re thankful he thinks enough of the program here to support it at this level. His gift will provide an exceptional facility for our baseball team, where our players can continue to excel,” said Patrick Elliott, director of athletics. “This gift will provide our baseball student-athletes with a state-of-the-art, weather-resistant and durable surface to play on. And with the ability to play at night, the renovated field will give us more flexibility in scheduling, while allowing us to host post-season tournaments in one of the top NCAA baseball facilities in the northeast.”
“This alumnus exemplifies the true spirit of philanthropy,” said Jim Broschart, vice president for advancement. “It’s gifts like this that demonstrates the value of our alumni base, and encourages others to step up.”
Under the direction of 25-year head coach Tim Sinicki, Binghamton’s baseball team has advanced to the NCAA Regionals in three of the last four years, and four times in the last eight years – the most NCAA bids of any America East program during that span. Last spring, the team captured both the America East regular-season and tournament titles.
“I’m overwhelmed by the fact that someone thinks enough of the Binghamton University baseball program to make this type of donation and humbled by the level of generosity,” Sinicki said. “A project of this magnitude will transform the landscape of Binghamton baseball for generations to come.”
The Bearcats begin their 2017 season Feb. 17 at New Mexico.
