The Skidmore College Thoroughbreds will soon have a new baseball field.

Skidmore's Board of Trustees has approved a project to move Skidmore Baseball from its current location on Denton Road to a new field on Daniels Road for the team's spring 2025 season. The project is made possible by generous contributions from donors who will fund the bulk of the $3.4 million project, with the remainder covered by College capital reserves.

Utilizing College-owned land west of the Skidmore Equestian Center, the project moves the Thoroughbreds from an aging site to one that can safely accommodate larger crowds, allow for more cost-effective maintenance, and enhance the team and spectator experience.

It will also move the team from grass to turf, a Division III standard and essential surface for teams whose seasons overlap with spring snow and rain.

This aerial map shows the future field in the top left, the current field in the bottom left, and the main campus on the right. Image provided by The LA Group Landscape Architecture and Engineering.

"As we watch the McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center near completion, we are thrilled to announce another exciting project for Skidmore Athletics," said Gail Cummings-Danson, assistant vice president for student affairs and director of athletics. "Castle Diamond has been a wonderful home for our baseball team for many years, but between the expected aging of a well-loved facility, costs and challenges associated with renovating the current site, and the growth of both our program and Division III sports overall, it's time for a move."

"Our current field has a lot of history, a lot of memories," said Ron Plourde, head baseball coach. "At the same time, it's also brought a lot of challenges and we're grateful Skidmore and our fans see the value of this move for our program and Skidmore Athletics overall. The whole team appreciates the generous support of our alumni and donors past and present for whom, without their assistance, this project would not be possible."  

The College's 2022 Campus Master Plan explored numerous opportunities for Skidmore to support student health and wellness, including the student-athlete experience. Skidmore is also exploring the feasibility of other student experience projects for the future, including enhancements to both student living and social spaces as well as new and expanded programs.

"This is a great opportunity for the College to support our student-athletes, and the enthusiasm of our donors for the project makes it all possible," said Marc C. Conner, president. "It is one of many opportunities on the horizon that we're exploring to make our campus the most welcoming and sustaining place possible for our students."

Skidmore Baseball has won five Liberty League championships. The program has been honored several times with Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year awards under head coach Ron Plourde and recently graduated both players and staff to Major League Baseball, including the College's first-ever drafted player, Jackson Hornung.

Construction on the new field will begin immediately and will be complete in time for the spring 2025 season.