After the boys’ successful 2025 baseball season, renovations to their field have been approved. Mr. David Badamo, Athletic Director, worked with the school’s grounds director to create a proposal for field updates. After approval from the school board, renovations began in late August and were set to end in late September.
“We decided to redo the field because we had serious drainage issues. The infield and outfield were in poor condition. The whole thing needed to be redone,” Badamo said.
Last season, there were many conflicts regarding the field, causing multiple games to be rescheduled. Badamo hopes the renovation of the field will facilitate more home games and overall lead to fewer scheduling issues.
“Quality material should mean we get to use it more and be less reliant on practicing and playing elsewhere,” Head Couch Daniel O’Leary said.
The first step in the process of redoing the field was to regrade it. Both the infield and outfield were regraded to improve the drainage issues. Next, a crushed rubber base was put on the warning track. Afterwards, the mound and batter’s boxes in the infield were rebuilt. Following that, grass sod was laid throughout the outfield. Lastly, a fence was installed in addition to the repairs.
With the major changes in the new field, players began to question how their playing style will change depending on the renovations. Surrounding schools have been moving to a mostly turf field, so while they can have the chance to play on turf, it does not prepare them well for fields that are dirt. While the board approved the renovations because the field needed to be redone, it also helps the players learn how to navigate the game on a multitude of different terrains.
“I am really excited to get the chance to play on the new field. Since we’ve been playing on turf for a while, it is going to feel like a big change, but everyone will get used to it,” Boden Hilliard (12) said.
He feels the new field will have a large impact on the players and their strategies. The coach will have to work with the team to develop a new approach for the upcoming season.
“I think the new field will affect our playing drastically. There won’t be any more bad hops and I won’t have to worry about the bumps in the outfield,” Nicholas Fessler (10) stated.
Many of the players feel that the renovations to the field will improve their overall performance. They believe a level field will lead to smoother plays.
“I’m thrilled with the progress! The field will be a safer place to play with the lip and stones gone from the infield and no low spots and puddles in the outfield,” O’Leary said.
Not only does the field affect the players, but it also affects the fans. Many students travel with the baseball team to support them and watch them play. Fans that are unable to travel to other schools will have the opportunity to watch more games here at Freedom.
“A home field we can be proud of. Long overdue,” O’Leary said.