By Joe Kleinsasser and Bruce Erickson

WSU is on target to have its baseball stadium completely renovated in time for the opening of the year 2000 season if it raises the next $3 million as quickly as it raised the first $3 million of the project.

University officials announced recently that they will work feverishly to raise $3 million before the end of the year when President Eugene Hughes retires. If successful, actual construction on the $6 million renovation of Tyler Field and Eck Stadium will begin next summer.

Former Shocker baseball player Phil Stephenson will head a committee of alumni baseball players to help the fund-raising effort.

"We raised the first $3 million in only four months." said Hughes. "I would like to see the fund raising for this project completed before I leave office Dec. 31 so that the university can move quickly ahead with the renovations. As soon as we have the commitments in hand we'll be ready to move forward. We're halfway there, thanks to the very strong showing of support from our friends and alumni.

The renovations will include the addition of skyboxes, box seats and chairback seats in a new concrete grandstand, replacing the existing steel and aluminum grandstand sections. New public restrooms and concession areas will be added, and a revamped public entrance will feature an art exhibition and a "walk of fame" honoring former Shocker student athletes who made extraordinary contributions to the university's baseball history.

The plaza will be named in honor of H.D. "Hap" Bledsoe who made an early commitment of $500,000 to the project.

Above the new grandstand seating, two upper levels will feature skybox suites, the Virginia H. Farah All American Club with exterior seating, a new state-of-the art press box, and restrooms. On Tyler Field, the infield turf will be replaced and the outfield warning track will be repaired.

WSU Director of Athletics Bill Belknap said the university wants to have a top-notch field and stadium to accommodate its top-flight baseball program.

Baseball coach Gene Stephenson said the renovated stadium will help attract top-quality recruits. "With the support of our fans and a top-notch facility, we will have an even better opportunity to recruit the kind of student athletes we need to compete with any team in the country," said Stephenson.

Eck Stadium and Tyler Field were first constructed in 1978 and have been steadily improved over time, primarily using private gifts and athletic department revenues.

Faculty and staff who would like to contribute to the project should contact Rick Smith, associate vice president for university advancement, ext. 3808. There are different giving levels from which to choose; contributions may be payroll deducted.

Link to: Future Shox campaign.