Our own Rus Livingood was able to join the Big Green/Athletic Department’s tour of the Baseball and Softball Complex on Saturday, January 27, and we’re certain the pictures do not do this site justice. Jack Cook Field is, of course, completely new for Marshall Baseball. However, the Marshall Softball team is having plenty of renovations completed simultaneously. What was originally speculated as a possible joint-use building between the two fields was actually shortsighted by us. Softball will have a dedicated building and baseball will have a dedicated building of their own. Marshall Athletics is handling this perfectly. Enjoy some photos of the tour below, with captions on each picture providing information associated with what is pictured.
The Softball Building
You just cannot believe how massive the indoor practice area will be. An entire infield with the same type of playing surface as The Dot will be in place, and batting cages are also available. This is invaluable for bad weather days and the team will no longer have to compete for time with other athletic programs using the Chris Cline Indoor Practice Facility.Another view of the indoor practice area.The film/meeting room is going to be first class and was sorely needed.There is plenty of room in this new building. There will be offices for the coaches; a Herd Vision room so those calling and producing the game can actually have a dedicated room on-site; a visiting team locker room; and a locker room for the officials.That’s right, fans, that is a concessions window in the new facility!Just another of the many different rooms and areas that are close to the finishing stages.
Improvements to “The Dot,” and a few photos of their current Clubhouse
The Dot has all new seats in the grandstand as seats were ordered simultaneously with the seats for The Jack.The new video board is a much needed upgrade over the old scoreboard, and was a requirement of the Sun Belt. The fence padding should be replaced soon as well.There are also lights for the first time, allowing for games and practices under the lights.Another satisfying look at the new seats in the grandstand.The current Softball clubhousehas plenty of cool plaques, photos, and murals.“The Dot” is named after the amazing Dorothy “Dot” Hicks.They ARE family, and this photo has some all-time greats!The locker room for The Herd remains in the current clubhouse. As the coaches’ offices will move next door to the new facility, a training table added in that area will be a welcome addition.
Jack Cook Field, “The Jack”
As soon as you walk up to the first base concourse, you fall in love with the striped field and the words “JACK COOK FIELD” in foul territory. The new Baseball Clubhouse looms in the background beyond left field.The grandstand will have a team store for Marshall as well as the minor league team that will call The Jack home. The entrance to the store is just to the left of the opening on the concourse behind home plate. Concessions and bathrooms are also along the concourse. Up top are suites, bathrooms, and rooms for Herd Vision/radio/public address/etc.There are three different types of seats in the various sections. These green hard back seats are behind the dugouts on each foul line. You can also see the grassy hill area for those in General Admission that want to sit there, and also the food and beverage rails on the concourse for those that want to stand and take in the game.There are high-back mesh chairs in the section directly behind home plate.They are extremely comfortable and will no doubt be welcome with the hotter days during the games.The sections to the left and right between the hardback and high-back mesh seats feature medium-back mesh seats. They are virtually identical in feel but the backrests are not nearly as tall.The backdrop of the Athletic Director’s Suitehas a very nice wood look.The view from inside a suite.And the view from outside the same suite.The same outdoor view from a suite but looking the other way.The President’s Suite is slightly further along toward the finished product.And it has a larger outdoor area right on the end of the first base line.The view from the seats outside the President’s Suite.Just look at this field!And this angle is even better. Absolutely cannot wait to take in a game here!
The Baseball Clubhouse (and more!)
From the entrance to the facility, Jack Cook Field is a stone’s throw away.These lockers will line every wall of the locker room area. There are two drawers at the bottom of every locker and electric/USB outlets in the main sections.Just like with Softball, the film/meeting room has the sweet Marshall chairs.The view from one of several offices is terrific. Can’t you imagine yourself having this view?The indoor practice area is going to house two batting cages that are retractable and a large area for mound throwing (also retractable). The playing surface here will not be able to house a full infield diamond due to the sheer size of the 90′ basepaths, so it will just have a more old school astroturf look and feel.Another angle showing the door for taking equipment in and out.The area is massive.
Final Thoughts. . .
Folks, you just will not believe the sheer size and scope of these facilities until you see them in person. For decades and decades, Marshall Baseball was without a true home. Lots of people argued this would never be built. Not every single aspect of this project will be ready on March 1 when the Baseball team takes the field at The Jack for the first time, but lots of this facility will be finished and operational.
Tickets to Baseball are currently open to Big Green members and will soon be available to the general public. Contact the Big Green and contact the Ticket Office to secure your tickets. You won’t want to miss taking in a game at such a breathtaking place. We’ll see you at The Jack.
