MOBILE, Ala. - The University of South Alabama department of athletics announced the beginning of a new era in Jaguar baseball and softball as Eddie Stanky Field will receive new turf and Jaguar Field will receive new turf along the foul territory.

 

"I think it's a very good thing for both the baseball and softball programs," said Director of Athletics Dr. Joel Erdmann. "It's something that is needed and has been needed for a while."

 

The project as a whole is priced out at $2 million dollars, with no additional funding required by the public. Both fields will require drainage installation as well as subsurface material installation. The turf installed on both fields is FieldTurf DoublePlay surfaces.

 

The entirety of Stanky Field will be turfed, including the warning track, the infield, the pitcher's mound, and both bullpens. 

 

"I know this is bittersweet for many, me included", South Alabama baseball head coach Mark Calvi commented. "Stanky Field has been home to legendary coaches, teams, and players. With that being said, our current players will benefit from less weather altered field and practice conditions, very few, if any, rainouts, fewer double headers, longer lasting balls and other vital equipment. Not to mention a much cleaner look aesthetically." 

 

The turf will feature a vertical stripe pattern, with the outfield displaying South Alabama Baseball's iconic interlocking S-A logo. Between the catcher's box and the backstop there will also be a white 'Jags' wordmark with a red border.

 

Softball's Jaguar Field will receive turf along the apron of the field, stretching from the backstop to the outfield wall on both sides. 

 

"I'm grateful for an administration that is committed to facility upgrades knowing those upgrades will improve our current student-athlete's experience while also helping recruit the best talent," said softball head coach Becky Clark. "Jaguar Field is one of the best softball facilities in the southeast and the work being done this Fall will only continue to build on that fact." 

 

Along both first and third base lines there will feature a red 'Jags' wordmark presenting towards the stands. Jaguar Field will remain a clay infield with a natural grass outfield, and a crushed brick warning track.

 

Dr. Erdmann invites visitation to the stadiums throughout the construction and installation process. "I would encourage people to, if the stadium is open, to see how it's going from the stands".

 

Construction on Stanky Field is set to begin on October 15th, with Jaguar Field's installation beginning in early November.

 

For complete coverage of University South Alabama baseball, follow the Jaguars on social media @SouthAlabamaBSB (Twitter), /SouthAlabamaAthletics (Facebook), @southalabamabsb on Instagram, or visit the official home of South Alabama athletics at USAJaguars.com.

For complete coverage of South Alabama Softball, follow the Jags on social media @SouthAlabamaSB (Twitter), /SouthAlabamaSB (Facebook), @SouthAlabamaSB (Instagram) or visit the official home of South Alabama athletics at usajaguars.com.