Reagan Field Explained

Reagan Field
Fullname:Johnny Reagan Field
Location:Gilbert Graves Circle, Murray, Kentucky, USA
Coordinates:36.6227°N -88.3179°W
Broke Ground:1988
Opened:March 11, 1989
Renovated:2006
Owner:Murray State University
Operator:Murray State University
Surface:Natural grass
Scoreboard:Electronic
Capacity:800
Dimensions:330 ft. (LF)
375 ft. (LCF)
400 ft. (CF)
375 ft. (RCF)
330 ft. (RF)
Tenants:Murray State Racers baseball (NCAA DI OVC/MVC) (1989–present)

Johnny Reagan Field is a baseball venue in Murray, Kentucky, United States. It is home to the Murray State Racers baseball team of the NCAA Division I Missouri Valley Conference. The venue is named for Murray State alumnus and former baseball coach Johnny Reagan. Built in 1989, it has a capacity of 800 spectators.[1] [2]

History

The field was built in 1988–1989 and hosted its first game on March 11, 1989, in which Murray State lost to Eastern Illinois 13–11.

Naming

Johnny Reagan won his 700th career game in a game played at the field on March 30, 1989. The field was formally dedicated to Reagan on April 15, 1989. The field's predecessor had also been named Johnny Reagan Field, since 1969.[3] Reagan coached the program from prior to the 1958 season to after the 1993 season.[4]

Features

The field features an electronic scoreboard, natural grass surface, press box, and dugouts. In 2006, a new PA system and backstop were installed. Further upgrades included the installation of lights and a permanent grandstand in 2014, and a more spacious press box was added the following year. The outfield fence stands at 10 feet in most areas, but rises to 16 feet in center field[5]

Reagan Field lies next to Roy Stewart Stadium and the CFSB Center, the university's football and basketball venues, respectively.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Reagan Field. GoRacers.com. 26 May 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120505141941/http://goracers.com/sports/2005/12/13/9307265.aspx?id=30. live. 2012-05-05.
  2. Web site: 2011 Murray State Baseball Quick Facts. OVCSports.com. 26 May 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20170320054243/http://www.ovcsports.com/pdf8/735069.pdf?DB_OEM_ID=6200. live. 2017-03-20.
  3. News: Johnny L. Reagan: Coach's Name on Murray Field. 26 May 2012. Hopkinsville Kentucky New Era. 3 June 1969. 8.
  4. Web site: 2012 Murray State Baseball Media Guide. Issuu.com. 26 May 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120616124800/http://issuu.com/murraystate/docs/12_baseball_guide_-_locker?mode=window&viewMode=doublePage. live. 2012-06-16.
  5. http://www.goracers.com/facilities Murray State University athletics facilities