As the calendar flips to summer, Ohio Northern University is inviting alumni, friends, and fans to “Step up to the Plate” in support of Polar Bear Baseball. The newly-launched fundraising campaign aims to transform the University’s baseball field into a premier facility within the Ohio Athletic Conference.
“Step up to the Plate: The Campaign for ONU Baseball” represents the next initiative in the University’s ongoing commitment to investing in the west campus athletics complex. Following game-changing renovations to the football, soccer, and softball facilities, ONU President Melissa Baumann says it is now baseball’s turn at bat.
Baseball has the distinction of being the first sport played at ONU in the late 1800s, with the first diamond carved out of a cow pasture donated by ONU founder Henry Solomon Lehr.
“Baseball is woven into the very fabric of ONU,” Dr. Baumann said. “Today, the program has an elite coaching staff, more than 50 dedicated student-athletes, and a culture of winning, in the classroom and on the field. Our players already have the talent and grit. We just need a facility that matches the excellence they bring to the field. That is our mission with this campaign.”
This spring, the University broke ground on a $2.4 million Phase I project, which is expected to be completed in time for next spring’s season. The vital upgrades include reorienting the field to minimize sun glare for batters; crucial irrigation and drainage upgrades; a new artificial turf infield, dugouts, professional-grade batting cages, and bullpens; and a state-of-the-art scoreboard.
“The Polar Bear spirit remains unmatched, but our facilities have fallen behind,” said Shannon Spencer, vice president for University Advancement. “These upgrades will enable our student-athletes to remain competitive, and it will significantly aid our efforts to recruit top-tier talent to our baseball program.”
The campaign officially kicked off on June 22 at Comerica Park in Detroit, where friends of ONU Baseball gathered before the Detroit Tigers faced off against the New York Yankees.
ONU baseball head coach Gene Stechschulte shared his excitement about the program’s future at the event.
“Every single day, our guys impress me with the heart, soul, and sheer determination they bring to the field and to their academic studies,” Coach Stechschulte said. “They already play at an elite level. This new facility is finally going to give them the stage they deserve to compete for championships. Thank you all for believing in this team and helping us build something truly special.”
Several meaningful naming opportunities are available to honor your family or business while providing essential support to ONU Baseball. Contact us to learn how you can leave a lasting legacy on the field.
To support The Campaign for ONU Baseball, visit our giving site or contact the Office of University Advancement at 419-772-2035, or email: advancement@onu.edu.