Torrance Terrell
Staff Writer
ST. LOUIS, MO — Washington University and the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Director of Athletics, Anthony J. Azama, have announced plans to renovate the WashU home baseball field, Kelly Field at Irv Utz Stadium.
The project features multiple components which will enhance the student-athlete experience at WashU:
1. The Field: The field will be outfitted with new synthetic turf and the surrounding areas will feature landscape turf. The turf will honor St. Louis with a depiction of the Arch.
2. Safety: Work will be done to the structure of the field to make the playing surface more level. There will also be a new backstop, new spectator safety netting and new dugout safety netting.
3. Player Development Area: New batting cages and a new bullpen area to further develop our baseball Scholar-Champions.
4. A new press box.
“The momentum for Washington University Baseball continues with the University’s approval for the renovation of Kelly Field at Irv Stadium,” said Azama. “These comprehensive set of improvements will help the baseball program continue its trajectory toward being a consistent nationally-competitive program. We appreciate University Leadership for trusting our vision and commitment toward developing talented student-athletes into Scholar-Champions. What an exciting time to be a Bear.”
Kelly Field was built in 1984 and has only had minimal upgrades since, including a resurfaced infield in 2015 and a new press box in 2005. The renovation comes on the heels of the 2020 season, in which the Bears reached the World Series for the first time in program history.
Last summer, WashU purchased a HitTrax batting cage for the baseball and softball programs, marking the start of the improvements for both programs. The HitTrax allows for interactive play and real-time competition. HitTrax helps with hitting, catching and pitching and is able to measure pitch location, point of impact and exit speed to help improve a student-athlete’s overall game.
“On behalf of our baseball program, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Anthony Azama, Dr. Anna Gonzalez, and all of the University leadership who have supported and approved this project,” said WashU head coach Pat Bloom. “Without a doubt, these improvements to our facility will have a significantly positive impact on WashU Baseball for years to come. As coaches, we are always striving to maximize the experience, development and performance of our hard-working student-athletes. Our quest for uncompromised excellence took a huge step forward today – I hope all of our former and current Bears are as excited as I am to share in this momentous occasion!”
The field renovation will begin at the end of this month and is projected to be completed by the end of the 2022 calendar year.
“We’re thrilled for the transformational impact this project will have on our Scholar-Champions and the ways these renovations will enhance their experience,” said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Dr. Anna Gonzalez. “Having great playing facilities helps not only our athletes, but also the hundreds of new athletes and fans who come to our campus every year to compete.”
What people are saying:
“The new field is a huge upgrade for the baseball program. Having a turf field will allow for outdoor practice and games when a natural field is unplayable – improving player development and giving WashU the opportunity to be even more competitive and build on past success. The new facilities will be a great recruiting tool for future classes as well.” – Caleb Durbin, former WashU shortstop, drafted by Atlanta Braves in 2021.
“The new field highlights how far the program has come in recent years as well as where it plans to go in the future. This huge upgrade allows all players to spend more time on what matters most. I couldn’t be more excited for the program and all future players to get benefit from this.” – Ryan Loutos ’21, pitcher for the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds, part of the St. Louis Cardinals Organization.