Support ONU Baseball

Graphic rendering of future baseball field

Step up to the Plate

Now is the time to step up for the future of ONU Baseball. Together, we can transform our field into a premier facility in the Ohio Athletic Conference, ensuring a championship-caliber environment for generations of Polar Bear student-athletes.

A legacy worth protecting

Baseball holds the distinction of being Ohio Northern University’s first organized sport, dating back to the late 1800s. From our first diamond—carved out of a cow pasture donated by founder Henry Solomon Lehr, to a historic 1974 College World Series appearance, to the legendary 31-season tenure of Coach Herb Strayer, baseball enjoys a long and storied history at ONU.

Today, the bases are loaded for continued success. With an elite coaching sta° and a roster of more than 50 dedicated student-athletes, ONU Baseball has secured the second-most OAC wins in the conference over the past decade. While they continue to shatter program records for strikeouts, saves, doubles, and RBIs, the “wins” also happen in the classroom, where the team recently set a program record for GPA.

The Vision

The Polar Bear spirit remains unmatched, but our facilities have fallen behind. Currently ranking among the lowest in the OAC, the stadium’s condition limits our student-athletes’ potential and hinders our ability to recruit top-tier talent.

This spring, we’re launching a $2.1 million renovation to be completed by the 2027 season. We seek to raise $1.6 million toward the project. This transformation includes:

Infrastructure: Crucial irrigation and drainage upgrades.
Performance: Artificial turf infield, new dugouts, professional-grade batting cages, and renovated bullpens.
Experience: A state-of-the-art scoreboard to engage families and fans.
Reorientation: A turn of the field to minimize sun glare for batters.

Your role in our Future

ONU Baseball has thrived for over a century because of our commitment to excellence and relationships. Today, we have a coaching staff and student-athletes with passion and grit; we just need a field to match.

We are calling on our alumni, parents, and fans to step up to the plate with generosity. Help us build a better future for ONU Baseball—one at-bat, one inning, one gift at a time.

Our coaches and players work extremely hard to compete at a high level every year. Upgrading our stadium will allow us to maximize the quality and safety of our performance, and encourage more community members to attend games. The generous donations toward this project mean the world to our players, coaches, and the campus community.

Kyle Callahan, Baseball Student-Athlete, Mechanical Engineering Major

“I’m thrilled to see our baseball
student-athletes gain a home that matches their dedication. Over the last decade, we have systemically transformed our west campus athletic complex into a premier hub within the OAC. Now, the time has come for ONU Baseball. We need to ensure our baseball facilities reﬂect the excellence of our program.”

Tom Simmons, BSBA ’85, BA ’86
ONU Athletics Director

“The teamwork and perseverance of our players never cease to amaze me. This upgraded facility will be a tribute to their hard work and a clear sign that the entire Polar Bear community is rooting for their success.”

Gene Stechschulte Head Coach

Photo from a baseball game of ONU student athlete hitting a ball

Double your Impact

We are thrilled to announce a $250,000 matching gift challenge from Chris Goﬀ, BSBA ’85. For every dollar you give toward the stadium renovation, Chris will match it to eﬀectively double your impact on ONU Baseball. Don’t miss the opportunity to have your gift go twice as far!

To support the Campaign for ONU Baseball, contact the Office of University Advancement:
Call: 419-772-2035
Email: advancement@onu.edu

Support ONU Baseball

Step up to the Plate

Your role in our Future

Double your Impact

Information for: