University Dedicates New Loyola Park Dugouts, Backstop

“I’ve always wanted to say this — play ball!”

Those were the words of University President the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., just after blessing the new dugouts and backstop at the Loyola Park baseball field and just before the first pitch in a doubleheader between the Hawks and the Maryville University Saints Saturday afternoon on the Rockhurst campus.

Alumni from a number of different generations gathered with current students, faculty and staff and community members at the field to cheer the team to two wins and to dedicate the first in a significant two-phase improvement to the baseball facility that was first opened in 2004. Funded by donations, the first phase replaced the chain-link dugouts with 80-foot-long lighted, heated concrete dugouts and a new backstop with a 30-foot safety net that provides a better view of the field.

Longtime men’s baseball head coach and Athletic Director Gary Burns thanked some of the biggest supporters of the project — the Kaminski family and Jim Myers, ’68, who helped envision a promising future for the baseball program at Rockhurst.

“Obviously, none of this would happen without them, their generosity and the generosity of others who have been donors for us and are with us today,” Burns said. “It’s a proud day for Rockhurst and a prideful day for the program — many of you out there know that you are family to us here.”

Joe, Donna and Taylor Skala, ’15, in honor of the Kaminski family, together threw out the ceremonial first pitch for Saturday’s game, along with Myers.

Three commemorative bronze plaques, installed on the third-base dugout, also honor the contributions of Kaminski, Myers, and Burns.

Fr. Curran, before blessing the new additions, thanked Burns for his leadership both as head coach and commitment to growing Rockhurst University athletics.

“This is the house that Burns built,” he said, referring to the famous moniker for Yankee Stadium, “the house that Ruth built.”

The second phase of the project at Loyola Park’s baseball field will add stadium seating, restrooms, and a press box.