Raven Baseball To Turf Don Brandon Field
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Anderson, Ind. — A new look is coming to Don Brandon Field. The home of Anderson University baseball will undergo a renovation in May that will see artificial turf cover much of the field.
“This project would not be possible without the generous donations from many baseball alumni and other supporters, including lead gifts from the estate of Frank Watkins and Jay and Nancy Ricker,” said Jen Hunt, vice president for advancement. “We anticipate these upgrades will help us attract many new student athletes, expanding the number of students with whom we can share the love of Christ as they live, learn, and grow at AU.”
“This project will have a positive impact on the continued growth and competitiveness of the AU baseball program,” said Marcie Taylor, director of athletics. “We are grateful for lead gifts from Jay and Nancy Ricker and the estate of Frank Watkins, and for significant contributions from Randy and Joy Loyd, Quinn and Julie Ricker, Hollie and Anna Sharpe, and the many contributions from alums and friends of the program that made this project a reality.”
The turf will be installed by Maumee Bay Turf and the project will be completed by the fall of 2023. The infield and all foul territory will be turf, leaving just the outfield as natural grass, which the program hopes to eventually turf. It’s the start of a larger project to transform the home of Raven baseball, which will include lights and a team clubhouse.
“Our AU baseball alumni, friends, and supporters have stepped up in a big way, and I could not be more grateful,” said Head Coach Matt Bair. “To be able to turf a large portion of Don Brandon Field is a great starting point toward helping us continue our tradition of excellence in developing young men within the game, while giving us the ability to expand our ministry. This program and this field have impacted the lives of many great men and their families for more than half a century. It is a privilege and a blessing to be a part of Anderson University and the AU baseball family.”
The turf will mean less maintenance and fewer weather delays/cancellations during the rainy season. Anderson University’s Don Brandon Field was renamed after the 2010 season to honor Hall of Famer Don Brandon, who led the Ravens from 1971 to 2010 and amassed 1,110 victories in 38 seasons. The Ravens open the 2023 season at home Feb. 25 at noon against Trine.
Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.