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D3baseball.com => Conferences by region => New England Region => Topic started by: Paul Heering on April 06, 2007, 05:19:29 PM

Title: BB: New England Region Baseball Fields
Post by: Paul Heering on April 06, 2007, 05:19:29 PM
Saw they started a thread about this in another region and was interested to see what people thought about Facilities in New England.

What are some of people favorite places in New England to watch/play a Div III game?  What are some of the least favorites (be nice)?

From my experience (and i haven't been to them all obviously)...

Favorites
Eastern Connecticut (although i got shelled)
Babson (except for the very short porch in right center)
Springfield (very high mound, very nice)

Least FavoritesAmherst/Trinity (both nice fields but personally i don't like the wide open / un-enclosed nature of the fields)
Any field with a backstop that was very close to the plate (i.e., right behind dirt cut out)
Salem State (not sure this is where they still play but it was quiet odd, circa 1998)

Heard Are Nice But Have Never BeenSouthern Maine
Wheaton
WNEC (Tralease park not old one)

others chime in, please
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: wordsmith on April 06, 2007, 07:01:47 PM
My favorites are:
So. Maine - nice complex, HOFEF knows how to build it so they will come
St. Joe's - Citizen Sanborn has built a quality field and complex
EConn- Quality park, but they are still the Evil Empire
Wheaton-Sidell is ideal
WNEC - Nice views as long it is dry

Least favorite:
UMBoston - do they even have a real field?
UMDartmouth-always windy always cold
Keene State -Awful site lines, also always windy and cold
Plymouth St- ahhh baseball in the 1950s
Amherst - Their indoor field is nicer than the outdoor field
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: DIII Dad on April 06, 2007, 07:20:23 PM
Haven't been to alot but Wheaton, Clark (although parking wasn't great) and WNEC are nice.
Endicott is terrible (no place to sit and watch except outfield or in the near by trees) same with Coast Gaurd as far as seating. They have a nice blue mesh on the fence to look through.
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: soxfan42585 on April 09, 2007, 11:26:57 PM
Saint Joe's played today at home!

Must be the only field in the state to play...
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: wordsmith on April 10, 2007, 08:49:58 AM
Quote from: soxfan42585 on April 09, 2007, 11:26:57 PM
Saint Joe's played today at home!

Must be the only field in the state to play...

St. Joe's you say? I'd say Divine Intervention.  ;)
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: RedDevils36 on April 10, 2007, 12:02:44 PM
St. Sanborn more likely.  That guy is amazing.  He gets his players out on the field shoveling and removing snow on a flat bed.  One year he had a helicopter come in and dry the field by flying over it. 
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: Stump on April 11, 2007, 12:26:38 AM
St Joe's played Monday and Tuesday home. Hosting Husson Wednesday also. Field is looking great and seems to be holding up beautifully. Great facilities crew and the team has put in a lot of time to get it ready. It's a must see to believe after all the recent weather. They had about 12 to 14 inches of snow in last week's storm(Wednesday into Thursday) and playing on it Monday when the temps haven't gotten above 45 yet.
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: 363dp on April 11, 2007, 11:41:03 AM
I watched the Colby/St. Joes game yesterday while standing in ~ 8-9" of snow and the field looked to be in great shape.  What an amazing job getting that field in that condition! The St. Joes "team" should be proud that they are playing at home this week! Grounds crew, coaches, team members congratulations on  your dedication and hard work, if you put this same effort into baseball, your season will continue to be very succesful.
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: soxfan42585 on April 17, 2007, 08:14:57 PM
Apparently Hurricane April took down a row of lights at Saint Joe's...  I hope that isn't devine intervention....


anyone see a forecast for next weekend? Doesn't look bad!  I heard "Seasonable temperatures!!!!!!!!!!"
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: Stump on April 17, 2007, 09:07:40 PM
How nice will seasonable feel?!
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: wordsmith on April 17, 2007, 09:19:31 PM
Quote from: soxfan42585 on April 17, 2007, 08:14:57 PM
Apparently Hurricane April took down a row of lights at Saint Joe's...  I hope that isn't devine intervention....


anyone see a forecast for next weekend? Doesn't look bad!  I heard "Seasonable temperatures!!!!!!!!!!"

Sorry to hear this news as Will Sanborn and St. Joe's have worked really hard to build a great field and a quality program.

Caddyshack
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: Stump on April 17, 2007, 09:31:30 PM
Here's hoping it's easily fixed because Mahaney Diamond is a marvelous field. Great place to watch a quality program.
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: soxfan42585 on April 17, 2007, 11:03:29 PM
Aside from the fields that are in rough shape because of Hurricane Month of April, are there any fields that tend to dry/maintain/drain well and can be expected to be played on quicker than others?
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: hockeyfan77 on April 27, 2007, 05:44:28 PM
Best fields

USM: a nice venue to play in and the infield is really nice, very few bad hops
ECSU: Never played there but loved watching the games there
ST Joes: The could be best and worst fields: great place to watch a game but as a player I didn't enjoy playing on it...Why??? Hard to explain but I always had trouble picking up the ball and the hops aren't always true...

Worst: Well U-Mass Boston and BC high field...There probably isn't anyting nice to say about it...
The field in Harwich were the regional is held: played 2 years of Babe Ruth(won the title in Maine) and I hated it...fog rolls in around 8 , can't see a thing and then the OF is very hillly, horrible on the legs...
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: dgilblair on April 27, 2007, 09:28:15 PM
The worst I have seen and they are not as good as a lot of high school fields.  RIC and WCONN.
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: Paul Heering on April 28, 2007, 09:32:36 AM
WestConn is bad.  funny you would say there are much better high school fields.  I grew up in the next town over and i can actually attest to the fact that there are a handful of high school fields nearby that are better than WestConn's field.

DGilblair,

what are some of your favorites?

also wanted an Eastern guy to chime in on this, we were talking about pronounciations of schools on another board.  I grew up in CT and in my neck of the woods and from everyone i talk to there are two conn state schools in the LEC.  WestConn and Eastern.  doe you ever hear people call it EastConn?  Do you want to slap them?  maybe it is just me and the people i have been around but eastconn is not acceptable, there is no such place, but maybe i am wrong.  straighten me out.
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: ECSUalum on April 28, 2007, 07:21:43 PM
Eastern Connecticut State
ECSU

Then this year I learned "the Evil Empire"

I have not seen Southern Maine's field other than pics on thier web site, But Eastern's facility is Number 1 in my view ;D,  Nice sitting areas, scoreboard, bull pens, concession stand, press box, even a small practice infield.

EastConn for those outside the NE region who do not know better, a derivative of UConn.

I see USM will be playing UMaine.

Wonder why the big boys up Rt 195 from Storrs never want to give ECSU a shot.  Whimps >:(

Back in the old days Easter played a bunch of what are now D-I and D-II schools. Used to beat up on SCSU now a pretty good D-II school.

Split a double header with UNC in Willimantic back in the late 70's early 80's, cannot remember

Big rivelry back in early 70's was St Johns U and CCSU
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: hockeyfan77 on April 28, 2007, 08:25:24 PM
Quote from: ECSUalum on April 28, 2007, 07:21:43 PM




I see USM will be playing UMaine.



USM beat U-Maine in the last meeting 6-2 on May 11 1999...U-Maine has nothing to gian by playing USM...If the win, the they should have if they lose, well than how does that look...
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: ECSUalum on April 28, 2007, 08:34:35 PM
U Minnesota plays St Thomas MN at the Metrodome every year.
UM does'nt seem to mind!

I respect UMaine in offering to play USM.  Class outfits -  UME and UMN

I remember when UMaine was making regular appearances in the NCAA D-I
CWS

ECSU and UConn are 15 miles away from each other!

Give me a break, A loss to ECSU would not be such an awful thing.

Title: Re: Fields
Post by: dgilblair on April 29, 2007, 10:04:37 AM
Quote from: don mattingly on April 28, 2007, 09:32:36 AM
WestConn is bad.  funny you would say there are much better high school fields.  I grew up in the next town over and i can actually attest to the fact that there are a handful of high school fields nearby that are better than WestConn's field.

DGilblair,

what are some of your favorites?

also wanted an Eastern guy to chime in on this, we were talking about pronounciations of schools on another board.  I grew up in CT and in my neck of the woods and from everyone i talk to there are two conn state schools in the LEC.  WestConn and Eastern.  doe you ever hear people call it EastConn?  Do you want to slap them?  maybe it is just me and the people i have been around but eastconn is not acceptable, there is no such place, but maybe i am wrong.  straighten me out.
ECSU is my favorite without a doubt.
S. Maine has a nice place.
Wesleyan U (CT) has a real nice setting in the middle of all those old buildings but no dugouts.
Wheaton is an accident waiting to happen with a major road right beside the field.  A foul ball could cause a wreck at that place.
Have not seen Keene yet but will get a taste this coming weekend.

Eastconn, ECSU, Eastern, Evil Empire......don't really care what they call us.
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: Catch08 on April 30, 2007, 11:42:30 AM
ECSU is by far the nicest D3 field ive played on/seen. Ive heard Wesleyan had a great feel to it beacuse of everyone that comes out when you play there.  WestConn is a waste because it has one of the worst of outfields in the history of baseball its on a huge slope. WNEC isnt that bad as far as D3 fields go but nothing beats Eastern
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: kscer on April 30, 2007, 08:14:15 PM
ECSU is great for the fan, as is USM. Wheaton looked great for the players but I didn't like watching a game there. RIC has done a good job but you feel closed in as a fan.
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: dgilblair on April 30, 2007, 10:08:34 PM
Quote from: kscer on April 30, 2007, 08:14:15 PM
ECSU is great for the fan, as is USM. Wheaton looked great for the players but I didn't like watching a game there. RIC has done a good job but you feel closed in as a fan.

RIC is errorville........It's way to closed in to. Cordosa for RIC is a player to bad he has to field there half his games. 
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: Bob Maxwell on May 01, 2007, 11:59:17 AM
looks like you are having some good discussion on the quality of fields and complex's in the New England area.  After some brief debates about it on the SUNYAC board in the New York region... no one has put their opinion forward on the facilities thread I opened.

Must be they want to save that discussion for the winter hot stove time.

Interesting...

;)
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: MSG77 on May 01, 2007, 02:32:38 PM
OK, my $.02 here as well

I have been to every field in the LE except KSU. I think UMB has a field now as well, but never went there in the past.  Just from a fan perspective, never played on them, I would say

1 ECSU - First class facilty all around - Stands, press box, etc.  The field drains really well (have heard the drainage alone cost hundreds of thousands of dollars).  Pro lighting.  Haven't seen a lot, but would be willing to bet that it is the best (if not, at least top 5) of all the college baseball facilities in NE (I know some teams might play at MiLB facilities, I'm not counting them)

2.  USM - Very Nice.  The new stand with the full seats and bricks is nice.  Not a whole lot of places to stand down the lines and could use some lights to really make it great.  Field itself seems good.

3. RIC - don't know why everyone is so hard on this one.  Its not that bad.  Could be a little better infield and it has no foul territory, but it has gotten better in the last few years I would say.  The infield is more level now and they've added some new stuff down the LF line for the home team (redid the BP and Cage I think).  Plenty of seating around the plate and a real press box.

4 UMD- Nothing remarkable.  Kind of like a good HS field.  Field seems in good enough condition.  No press box and I don't like the evergreens behind the plate.  Only place to sit is those little HS portable bleachers down the line.

5 - PSU - Both times I have been there it has been gray and cloudy and cold.  The dirt is like a gray gravel.  And the grass is not smooth, its clumpy and splotchy and ususally a brownish color.  So instead of green grass and brown dirt and blue sky, its gray dirt and brown grass and gray sky.  Just kind of a depressing field.  Only made more depressing for the home fans when they look at the scoreboard. (Thank you, thank you, I'll be here all week.  Don't forget to tip your waitress!)

6 - An absolute abomination.  The worst field I have ever seen HS or college baseball played on.  They couldn't have even spent the money to at least cut and fill so the field is level.  Just a shame.  I guess they used every cent they had for the football field (which is awesome).  Should have cut a corner here and there with the FB field to at least make the BB field playable.

Other than that, I can't think of any really great fields in NE.  Wheaton is good, but I would agree that it doesn't have the best vantage points for fans.  Tufts isn't that bad.  Neither is Babson.  Springfield I would say isn't that bad either.  Never been to WNEC.   Have driven past MIT, which looks OK, looks like they have done some work on.  I don't think anyone other that USM or ECSU has a "stadium" feel to it though.  I don't know how Trinity gets recruits with their field.  It is sub HS level.  Hate how it is so open.  Didn't even know you were allowed to have a college field without dugouts.

RE - WestConn and Eastern.  Would agree that no one calls it EastConn.  In fact, I call WCSU "Western" most of the time and ECSU "Eastern" all of the time.  Its UConn and Eastern.

Agree that DI teams don't want to play Eastern (and I would guess vice versa).  For the DI teams, it doesn't help them.  If they lose, it hurts their image and if they win they were supposed to.  I also think that now with 40 game limits on DIII and the criteria used to select teams for the NCAAs, it doesn't help Eastern.  Most of the time they would lose (maybe not so in the past, but UConn has been pretty good the last few years) and wins against DIII teams helps them.  In the past, things were a bit more wide open.  But now with conference games and "Quality Wins" to get, it is harder for DI teams to play DIII teams.  FWIW - Eastern used to play UMass in the fall before there were tighter regulations on fallball and they usually held their own, even winning a few.
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: quailman on May 22, 2007, 10:51:22 AM
Fortunatley, I have had the privledge to see every field in the nescac, lec, njac, most in ny and just many D1 fields in the northeast.  As far a strictly a college field (no minor league or independent team) ECSU has the best facility in the region.  St John's (used to be minor league) is a close rival but i enjoyed Eastern's more.  Actually, Eastern old field (almuni field) would probably still be the best in the  northeast.  NJAC fields are nice but the good one's are all pro parks. NESCAC fields have a nice setting but the surfaces are awful except for amherst on a good year. Wesleyns (sp) field is actually a football field/parking lot in the fall and plays like it too.  UMaine has a great facility but the surface is below avg.  Southern Maine has done a nice job but the field is very uneven, but they have done a nice job. Sorry to jump around alot, but thats what ive seen.
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: Bostonian on May 24, 2007, 10:37:28 AM
Williams' field is on par with the best. I think Steinbrenner actually had the Yankee groundscrew do alot of the infield installations. The landscape is gorgeous, too.
Middlebury also has a great field.
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: soxfan42585 on March 12, 2008, 08:57:15 PM
Anyone think they'll have a field ready to play on in March or even April?  I'm not a scientist but I believe Maine's got 416 meters of snow which is something like 5,280 feet.


How do the likes of Eastern or RIC show now a days?  Mud? Frozen Tundra? Snow?
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: ECSUalum on March 12, 2008, 09:38:53 PM
Quote from: soxfan42585 on March 12, 2008, 08:57:15 PM
Anyone think they'll have a field ready to play on in March or even April?  I'm not a scientist but I believe Maine's got 416 meters of snow which is something like 5,280 feet.


How do the likes of Eastern or RIC show now a days?  Mud? Frozen Tundra? Snow?

All is clear of snow in Southern NE since last weeks rain deluge.  Temps slowly moving higher as the good ol sun moves higher from the horizon.  ECSU has a week and a half in California, so hopefully when they return, the Eastern's baseball complex will be in good shape.  They typically cover the infield with a tarp. if they predict rain.
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: wordsmith on March 13, 2008, 09:48:22 PM
Keene State field is under 2-3 feet of snow. Their access road from the campus is a sea of mud; even the paved access roads along the third and first base sides are under a couple of feet of snow. The west access road has large drifts of snow from the snow being blown off the turf field for Lax teams.

Keene State Staff was on a local radio sports talk show last Saturday. The Franklin Pierce SID called in to talk about Pierce's Basketball team success; the subject of Keene using the turf baseball field at Pierce came up and the Pierce SID laughed at the notion. No love loss between Pierce and KSC. Too bad hope they can work something out.
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: soxfan42585 on March 16, 2008, 11:39:35 AM
Well, without a doubt, FPC is God's Gift to Baseball.

(unfortunately, despite that attitude, they have played that way in d2 ball for a few years running now.)


Where did Keene State play their home games earlier on last year?  I remember talk about them playing elsewhere... Anyone else out there this weekend with a shovel?
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: wordsmith on March 16, 2008, 02:09:05 PM
Last year Keene State moved a number of home games to the opponents field. I believe they ended up playing 3 home games. A DH vs The Evil Empire, and a single game against Plywood State.

The problem with the KSC field is drainage. The entire Owl Complex was built on/in wetlands; the field is about 150 yards from the Ashuelot River which is notorious for flooding. So once the snow melts, the drainage becomes an issue.

I was on the field this morning. It has about a foot of snow/ice/slush on it. The tarp over the pitching mound has just started to poke throught the snow. This field was never cleared this year and I'd venture to say, barring an extented warm and dry spell, KSC will not play a home game until late April.
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: KSCfan on March 16, 2008, 08:50:56 PM
word keene played six home games last year, thier three dh against western,eastern, and southern maine.  As someone that played on that field for four years, you are 100 percent word that field doesnt drain for anything.  unless it gets tropical soon you will see the samething again happen this year like last year.
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: wordsmith on March 17, 2008, 11:01:15 AM
KSCFan - You mean 9 games. Your memory is better than mine, but my math is better than yours, together we make a great team ;D

There first home game was not until late April. KSC even played a "home game" vs Plywood State in Manachester NH.

I see the boys took one on the chin yesterday but managed a split. Tough opp today in Johns Hopkins.   (I'll bet that's what the customers for the Emperor Escort Club are doing about now). Spitzer notwithstanding. 8)
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: LEC Fan on March 17, 2008, 04:46:12 PM
Boy I hope that you both dont enter any contests together!!! Word- KSC played 6 home games last year. I do not know where you got 9 from...must be KSCFans math as well!!!!!I would not count the Plywood St. game as a home game either...Manchester was a great park but def. not a home game for either team.

It should be interesting again this year to see if KSC can get to play at home for more then 3 days or 6 games. Home field advantage is important, especially in the LEC and come tournament time. The Owls looked sharp on their first day sweeping TCNJ. It was TCNJ last couple of games but KSC at the end of the day has the W's. Good test today against Johns Hopkins who have alwasy been a tough team for KSC. Goodluck!
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: wordsmith on March 17, 2008, 07:48:56 PM
New Hampshire Math 3x2+1=9.  ???
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: wordsmith on April 03, 2008, 10:08:25 AM
Field Update:

Eye See where Keene State College is playing an LEC Conference HOME Game vs Plywood State---> in Belmont Mass, at a High School field no less.

A home game, in another state, 2 hours/80+ miles away, on a high school field. YIKES.
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: Ralph Turner on April 04, 2008, 06:44:38 PM
Quote from: wordsmith on March 17, 2008, 07:48:56 PM
New Hampshire Math 3x2+1=9.  ???
3 x (2+1) = 9.  :)     :D

Title: Re: Fields
Post by: wordsmith on April 04, 2008, 09:39:25 PM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on April 04, 2008, 06:44:38 PM
Quote from: wordsmith on March 17, 2008, 07:48:56 PM
New Hampshire Math 3x2+1=9.  ???
3 x (2+1) = 9.  :)     :D



Not in New Hampshire 3 x 2 + 1= 9 every time; (  ) are too confusing for Hill-Billy math. :P

Actually the formula is 3 inches of snow x 2 baseball teams +1 game = 9 innings of freezing fun.

But then I wouldn't want to go too Polynomial on you tonight.
x 2 + (a+b)x + AB = (x + a)(x + b)  ??? :o  ;)

Word
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: KSCfan on April 11, 2008, 09:46:41 AM
We always talk about good fields give me the top worst fields in NE.  Here is mine in particular order

1. Western Connecticut, down hill in left from home plate, and uphill in right.  Also the grass is cut wierd in the infield, just a terrible place to play
2. Curry- Infield slopes down to the right side
3. Becker-(or wherever keene played Becker last year) with sheds for dugouts, and and infield that had more mole hills than Caddyshack

Honorable Mention: Keene State, the darn thing is underwater for half the season, when its dry its a very nice field, to bad its only dry for the last week of the season.
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: wordsmith on April 11, 2008, 10:31:34 AM
1) Keene State - has to be the #1 worst field in New England; sure it is a good field when it is dry and playable, but how many college teams can say, year after year that much of their home schedule is cancelled due to unplayable field ions? The field is in a wet lands areas and never drys. I have coached games in the middle of July on this field and had my outfielders have wet shoes and socks from standing in soggy ground.

Recent Events:
April/May 2004- KSC moves several home games to Keene's Alumni Field due to field conditions;
May 2006-         KSC hosts the ECACs only they never get played due to the field conditions;
October 2006  - KSC field under 5 feet of water during the most recent 100 Year Flood
                         (The last of which took place in 1987 and in 1984 before that);
2007 Season-   KSC plays 6 home games --> remainder of home schedule played elsewhere
2008 Season    To date zero home games played at KSC Complex- 4/11/08.

I guess I'd rather see a Poll on Who has the Best Home Field Advantage with factors given for weather, crowd involvement, etc.

My vote

1) TEE - Coach HolyWater and the student section top my list for Best Home Field Advantage



Title: Re: Fields
Post by: KSCfan on April 11, 2008, 03:42:11 PM
Sorry word have to really disagree with you on that one.  I think that keene has more of a home field advantage.  Anyone at the keene southernmaine game last year will vouch for that.  Down the left field line was the best baseball fans in the LEC bar none.  The left field line was packed with kids that where hammering on Southern Maine to the point where a player through a ball at them.  And going into the 9th in tha game the fans where chanting players names, and the place was absurd once Darak hit hte walk off.  All the times that i have been to Eastern and played there i havent been that impressed with thier fans, facilities wise its the best in NE but fan wise not so much, peolpe get intiminated playing there with 4 national titles flags, but i will take keene over eastern
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: wordsmith on April 11, 2008, 04:28:28 PM
Quote from: KSCfan on April 11, 2008, 03:42:11 PM
Sorry word have to really disagree with you on that one.  I think that keene has more of a home field advantage.  Anyone at the keene southernmaine game last year will vouch for that.  Down the left field line was the best baseball fans in the LEC bar none.  The left field line was packed with kids that where hammering on Southern Maine to the point where a player through a ball at them.  And going into the 9th in tha game the fans where chanting players names, and the place was absurd once Darak hit hte walk off.  All the times that i have been to Eastern and played there i havent been that impressed with thier fans, facilities wise its the best in NE but fan wise not so much, peolpe get intiminated playing there with 4 national titles flags, but i will take keene over eastern

I agree with all that you said, However, Keene State seldom gets to play in front of their home fans due to the swamp. Therefore I must give the edge to TEE.
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: Ralph Turner on April 12, 2008, 06:51:01 AM
"Fields", and specifically, playing condition of the field to provide an acceptable surface for the game are one issue.

Fan support and team tradition that contribute to home field advantage are another issue.

This discussion has highlighted the fact that the KSC venue is not necessarily the most reliable venue for quality field conditions in New England.
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: wordsmith on December 23, 2008, 01:20:35 PM

"Home of the Monks" Gains National Recognition

A nice and deserving award for St. Joe's of Maine.

I have said it hear before and will say it again. Coach Will is the "Hardest Workin' Man in D-III baseball". Way to go Coach Will you make James Brown proud.

http://www.d3baseball.com/pressreleases/St.%20Joseph's%20(Maine)/2008/12/01/"Home-of-the-Monks"-Gains-National-Recognition/3480

To all You others. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year.

Word
Title: Re: Fields
Post by: ECSUalum on December 24, 2008, 10:52:32 AM
Word and all LEC posters,

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannakah and a Happy New year to all.

Looking forward to another active LEC thread for 2009.

Any thoughts on LEC and or New England  preseason poll?

Any new studs moving to LEC baseballclubs this year?
Title: Re: BB: New England Region Baseball Fields
Post by: wordsmith on December 24, 2008, 06:01:35 PM
The pre-season poll for D-III came out yesterday. I meant to post the link but, have been busy with power, or lack of power issues. Ahhh New England.

http://www.baseballnews.com/polls/divIII/currentpolldiviii.htm

Anyway, for what it is worth here be my impressions. The Muskies of Southern Maine are, as always, O-V-E-R-R-A-T-E-D. Cortland State??? Come on Man

TEE (ECorn) - underrated (I cannot believe I just said that, but Word is in a giving mood)

The OHIO teams appear strong this year with 3 in the top 15. Be still my heart.

Keene State is probably not a top 25 team this year. I wish they were, but they just lost far too much talent. Next year (2010) they could be a Top 10 team though.

And where is Wheaton?

More later, look forward to your comments.

Word
Title: Re: BB: New England Region Baseball Fields
Post by: KSCfan on December 25, 2008, 01:35:48 PM
Word my opinions for what they are worth.  Southern Maine is not a top 5 team im sorry.  Who is there big gun pitchers that make them a top 5 team.  No one is a top 5 team without some pitching, and i saw USM pitching last year not impressed.  Keene was ranked 28 becuase they were strong last year.  I dont know if they are a top 30 team right now.  They need to prove themselves in the first weeks of the season to make me a believer.  Word you are right where is wheaton?  Eastern is right about where they need to be.  Gilblair is back and healthy and if they bring Jags back they are going to be a top 30 team all year long.  Its funny how wrong pre-season polls are, If you look back at the last five years preseason polls and compare them to the final end of the year results they are always pretty off.  Just my thoughts, TWO MONTHS TILL PRACTICE STARTS!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: BB: New England Region Baseball Fields
Post by: keenONkeene on February 11, 2009, 10:39:26 AM
Slumdog Maine is WAY overrated--no pitching, avg. fielding--good hitting but always seem to have no chemistry--team thats ready to implode.........ECON with pitching will be very good and yes, Keene will be the "sleeper" this year...........Wheaton will always win--pitching and defense.
Title: Re: BB: New England Region Baseball Fields
Post by: EasternCtFan on February 11, 2009, 12:41:46 PM
I think you posted in the wrong section KeeneonKeene this topic is about the baseball fields in the New England Region
Title: Re: BB: New England Region Baseball Fields
Post by: KSCfan on February 11, 2009, 01:33:19 PM
KoK im curious about your opinions and i love how you dont sit on the fence either.  Keep posting on the LEC board.  Just curious Kok what are you feelings on the swamp that they play on in Keene
Title: Re: BB: New England Region Baseball Fields
Post by: keenONkeene on February 11, 2009, 01:55:33 PM
Unfortunate that a program like Keene--Nationally recognized--has to play on that field---aside from the obvious issues there are lips all over the cut outs and drop offs behind 2nd and 3rd--amazes me that they get the quality of player they do--must show recruits the field in the winter.
Title: Re: BB: New England Region Baseball Fields
Post by: wordsmith on February 15, 2009, 09:19:32 AM
A Day in the Life of Word :D

Went on a road trip yesterday (2/14). Left the Keene area after having done my run through the KSC athletic facility. Baseball field is still buried by 2-3 feet of ice and snow.

Now the interesting part. Headed off to Patriots Place in Foxboro. (Great place to visit, a must see is the Pats Hall of Shame, err Fame, and of course the GIANT Pro Bass Outlet. More dead critters in that store than I have ever seen in one place; also recommended is Bar Louies for those of you old enough. The, err, how should I say, the scenery is out-friggin'-standing.) ;)

Anyway, I digress, the snow cover begins to disappear near the Route 2 corridor. Several fields I drove past had a couple of inches of snow, did I mention the scenery at Bar Louies was amazing??? ::) ::) Once in Foxyboro, I realized there is no snow pack... lucky are all ya'll south of the Mass Pike.

Even talked to a certain coach from WNEC who mentioned the boys have been able to get outside and practice.

More melting today.  ;D ;D ;D

Daytona 500 this PM; Varitek back with the Red Sox. We all knew he couldn't leave galpal Heidi Watney; and best or worst of all The Evil Empire opens there quest for another National Title, in 13 days!!! (In my book they, and Texas-Tyler are odds on favs.)

Word

Title: Re: BB: New England Region Baseball Fields
Post by: wordsmith on March 19, 2009, 08:36:05 AM
Field Update

To all those KSC Fans enjoying the fun and sun in 'zona.

Went over to the KSC field last night. It is --> surprise<--- completely clear of snow. The infield and mound are naturally muddy but the outfield is firm and thawed (except for right field).

Barring a major rain event today or God forbid snow, we could see games there in late March. Weather forecast for the area is favorable to dry after today.

Word ;D
Title: Re: BB: New England Region Baseball Fields
Post by: KSCfan on March 19, 2009, 09:25:10 AM
Right field is always sloggy.  That seems to be the true problem area in that field.  I cant believe that it is completely clear of snow, that is some good news to behold.
Title: Re: BB: New England Region Baseball Fields
Post by: 363dp on March 19, 2009, 03:07:43 PM
Scheduled match up between the LEC (RIC) and NEWMAC (Wheaton) scheduled for today has been postponed til Saturday. RIC was able to open up on Tuesday but the field was not playable today.