NORMAL, Ill. – The previously announced Illinois State baseball-specific hitting facility will be named the "Paul DeJong Baseball Training Facility" in recognition of DeJong's financial support of Redbird Athletics and Illinois State University.
Paul DeJong, a native of Antioch, Ill., is a 2015 graduate of the university and an alumnus of the Redbird Baseball program. While at Illinois State, DeJong hit .326 in 144 career games for the Redbirds, while hitting 23 home runs. He had a 3.76 GPA earning high honors in receiving a bachelor's degree in molecular biology-biochemistry, resulting in DeJong becoming a four-time recipient of the MVC Commissioner's Academic Excellence Award. DeJong was a fourth-round selection, 131st overall, by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2015 MLB Draft and an All-Star in 2019.
"I am very thankful for the opportunities I received at Illinois State University," DeJong said. "I was proud to be a student-athlete and found the academic and athletic staff enabled me to chase my dreams both on and off the field. In four short years, I made lifelong friends and countless memories. Illinois State was a crucial part of my journey to the Big Leagues, so I am honored to be able to give back. It is my sincere hope that this will help to propel our program to the next level."
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 and has already seen significant construction. (TWEET). 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.
"There's no doubt this will help us continue develop our players throughout the year," ISU head coach Steve Holm said. "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 project is expected to be completed in early March prior to the first home baseball games for the Redbirds.
"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."
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