CSUSM Baseball Plays First Home Game on Campus, New Field

Kicking off its fifth season, the California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) baseball team will play its first home game opener on the university's new baseball field on Friday, January 28 at 2:00 p.m. against Vanguard University. The free game is open to the public and will include a pre-game catered tailgate at 1:30 p.m. sponsored by University Student Union Advisory Board. CSUSM President Karen Haynes, along with the four key individuals who made the project possible, will throw the first pitch."We've had an entire class of athletes graduate that were never able to step foot on their own field," CSUSM Athletics Director Tom Seitz said. "We're glad to finally bring the games and practices to campus and give our students a field to call home."Since the baseball program's inception in 2007, the team has had to rely on alternative offsite facilities for practice and games. This season, the team will play about 50 games, of which more than half will be played on CSUSM's new home field. The process of transforming the formerly weeded field into a collegiate baseball park was made possible through the generous support of private donors, many of whom are parents of current players. Plumbing contractor John Omahen, general contractor Henry Coleman, and Richard Hunter, president and CEO of a local irrigation manufacturer, donated labor and materials to expedite the project."The field would not have become a reality without their support," Seitz explained. "They donated their time, labor, and resources to help bring the team and their games to campus and their expertise was exactly what we needed to make this happen."With the first phase of the baseball diamond completed, plans are in the works for the second phase of development, which include more fan-friendly amenities. Among the plans is permanent stadium seating, restrooms, concession stands, a press box, and outdoor sports lighting. Naming opportunities are available for the baseball field and the planned amenities, as well as signage and advertising space on the outfield fence and scoreboard."To finally be on campus and have the home field advantage is everything," said Seitz. "We hope our campus and surrounding community will come out to support our players, see the new field, and celebrate the incredible growth and momentum of CSUSM."With limited seating at the opening game, fans are encouraged to bring a chair. Free guest parking, provided by CSUSM Athletics, will be available in Lot Z, which is located off Twin Oaks Valley Road across the street from the Campus Marketplace shopping center.Upcoming Home Games at CSUSM:          Friday, January 28 -- 2:00 p.m. vs. Vanguard          Tuesday, February 1 at -- 2:00 p.m. vs. Point Loma          Saturday, February 5 -- 11:00 a.m. vs. SD Christian (Double-Header)          Friday, February 11 -- 2:00 p.m. vs. Cal Baptist          Friday, February 18 -- 2:00 p.m. vs. Azusa Pacific          Friday, February 25 -- 11:00 p.m. vs. La Sierra (Double-Header)          Monday, February 28 -- 2:00 p.m. vs. Biola          Monday, March 7 -- 2:00 p.m. vs. Concordia          Tuesday, March 8 -- 2:00 p.m. vs. SD Christian          Saturday, March 12 -- 11:00 a.m. vs. Pacifica College (Double-Header)          Sunday, March 20 -- 12:00 p.m. vs. Sioux Falls (Double-Header)          Wednesday, March 23 -- 1:00 p.m. vs. Sioux Falls          Friday, March 25 -- 12:00 p.m. vs. SW College (AZ) (Double-Header)          Saturday, March 26 -- 12:00 p.m. vs. SW College (AZ) (Double-Header)          Monday, March 28 -- 2:30 p.m. vs. Concordia          Tuesday, April 19 -- 12:00 p.m. vs. Masters (Double-Header)          Thursday, April 21 -- 3:00 p.m. vs. Westmont College          Saturday, April 23 -- 11:00 a.m. vs. Chapman (Double-Header)          Monday, April 25 -- 3:00 p.m. vs. Azusa PacificDirections and Parking for the Home GameCSUSM is located at 333 South Twin Oaks Valley Road in San Marcos. Free guest parking, compliments of CSUSM Athletics, will be available in Lot Z, which is off Twin Oaks Valley Road across the street from the Campus Marketplace shopping center. For directions to the campus, visit www.csusm.edu/guide.About California State University San MarcosCalifornia State University San Marcos combines the ambiance of a mid-sized, personal, modern campus with the unequaled value of the California State University. Since its founding in 1989, the campus has distinguished itself. Students benefit from the latest facilities and equipment, a superb faculty that enjoys teaching, and a rigorous academic program that prepares students for a successful life in and out of the workplace. A recent survey reported that our annual spending in the region was $161 million, generating a total impact of $307 million on the regional economy. 85 percent of CSUSM's alumni stay in the region. CSU San Marcos is located on a 304-acre hillside overlooking the city of San Marcos. It is fifteen miles east of the ocean; just thirty miles north of downtown San Diego.