NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State baseball program will have a new hitting facility to utilize at Duffy Bass Field this spring, as Illinois State Athletics announced plans for the construction of baseball-specific building to be completed before the start of the 2023 season.
"It's extremely exciting to be able to announce the construction of our very own baseball-specific indoor facility," ISU head coach Steve Holm said. "There's no doubt this will help us continue develop our players throughout the year. I would like to thank so many administrators who put in countless hours to help push this through. But more importantly, I'd like to thank our donors who made it possible including Paul DeJong, who made the lead gift as well as being the first person to invest in it. Seeing so many other Redbird Baseball alumni all willing to give back to the next generation tells you how special this place is."
The 88 feet long, 55 feet wide, and 18 feet high pre-engineered wood frame metal building will be constructed over the location of the current cages and bullpens down the right field line at Duffy Bass Field. The building will also have netting for three separate batting cages and will include two roll-up doors for field access. The facility will allow for the team to prepare for games on-site no matter the weather conditions outside, as opposed to currently having to travel back and forth between Horton Field House where the covered cages are now.Â
"We are grateful to all of our donors, supporters and alumni who have helped make this project a reality," ISU Director of Athletics Kyle Brennan said. "Our baseball program has continued to produce professional talent year after year, and this addition will only help in the development of our student-athletes who strive to get there someday. Adding this to Duffy Bass Field only adds to the functionality and quality of the facility, and we cannot wait to hear the sounds of batting practice coming from there this spring."
Construction on the project is set to begin in early November, with completion in early March prior to the first home baseball games for the Redbirds.
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