A New Backstop for Freeman Field

Freeman Field is one of the most beautiful collegiate ballparks in the nation. Overlooking Cayuga Lake and located on IC's gorgeous campus, the facility has welcomed Bombers and competitors alike since 1958.

Many improvements have been made through the years to maintain the quality of the field, and now, thanks to the generous support of alumni, families, and friends, we've made one more: a new backstop.

The new backstop dramatically enhances Freeman Field and gives it a stadium-like look that the Bomber baseball family can be proud of. We hope you'll come see the backstop for yourself. 

The New Backstop

The new backstop features the following:

  • A 4-foot wall stretching from one dugout to the other, with 25-foot-high netting running the length of the wall
  • Padding on the field side of the wall for player safety
  • Elevated bleachers capable of seating 200 and offering an enhanced view of the action, particularly in the right- and left-field corners

Pole banners with photos of former players will soon be installed, further improving the new addition.

Phase Two

Now that the backstop has been built, we've decided to add a second phase to the project. We want to install fencing in front of the home and visitor dugouts as well as a halo around home plate, which will include the Ithaca College logo. This will complete the look and functionality of the backstop.

The estimated cost for both the fencing and halo is $13,000, funds that must be raised from alumni, families, and friends. If you haven't yet made a gift to the backstop project, here's an opportunity to do so. Make your gift online (select "Baseball Backstop Phase Two" underneath the gift designation field), or mail a check, payable to Ithaca College, to Ithaca College Gift Processing, Alumni Hall, 953 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.

If you're interested in a more significant commitment, annual gifts of $1,000 or more may be spread over multiple years -- and you can choose from a list of naming opportunities.

Questions?

Contact Paul Hesler '87, director of athletics fund-raising, at phesler@ithaca.edu or at (607) 274-3826 if you would like more information.