Work is officially underway on the first phase of a three-stage upgrade to baseball facilities at Millsaps College.
Donors and trustees of the college gathered on August 23 with college officials and head baseball coach Jim Page to break ground on a new 6,000 square-foot facility for indoor hitting, pitching and fielding practice. In addition, space in the existing Hall Activities Center will be converted into a 1,000 square-foot player lounge.
“This project is an important step in the upgrade of our baseball facilities,” said Page, who has served as head baseball coach since 1989. “Not only will we be able to utilize protected practice space, but the player lounge gives us a place to strengthen team unity.”
Through the generosity of alumni, parents and friends of the college and the baseball program, approximately $1.5 million of the $1.8 million cost of the project has already been raised.
“Jim Page has had an impact on his players that lasts well beyond their time on the field here at Millsaps,” said Dr. Rob Pearigen, president of the college. “He has earned the respect and admiration of so many student-athletes and parents, and we are grateful for their support in this project that will benefit our baseball program for years to come.”
Page has led Millsaps baseball teams to unprecedented success, including nearly 800 wins. He and his players have claimed multiple conference championships and NCAA regional berths, including a spot in the 2013 NCAA D-III College World Series.
The new facility is designed by Michael Boerner and Jack Allin of Weir Boerner Allin, who also designed the upgrades to the college’s softball and tennis facilities. Boerner is a 1998 graduate of Millsaps.
AnderCorp is the contractor for the project.