MISSION STATEMENT
The Rutgers baseball program debuted a new field in 2007. Thanks to the $1.25 million donation - the single largest one-time cash gift by a living donor to Rutgers Athletics - Ron and Pat Bainton gave to the program to use on a brand new state-of-the-art FieldTurf playing surface. FieldTurf, a synthetic surface used in professional and collegiate baseball, football and soccer stadiums across the country, allows the Scarlet Knights to practice on the field year-round without the worries of a frozen surface during the winter months. Dugouts and seating for 1,500 accentuate the field. The generous donation also provides for continued enhancements to the complex in the future. A new outfield wall was constructed prior to this season complete with new padding for the outfield fence.
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On March, 24, 2007, Rutgers christened its brand new field with a doubleheader sweep of Georgetown. Ron Bainton was on hand for the first game and threw out the ceremonial first pitch with Senior Associate Athletic Director Jason Kroll (left), Head Coach Fred Hill, and Rutgers University President Dr. Richard L. McCormick (right) on hand to view the festivities at the new Bainton Field. |
The on-field facilities include a practice diamond and three full length batting cages as well as five practice pitching mounds.
RU baseball also features indoor practice facilities that include three 70-foot batting cages and pitching mounds. The Louis Brown Athletic Center, aka the RAC, is also home to a 3,500 square foot weight room in which the baseball team trains with strength and conditioning coach Mike Johansen. This facility features state-of-the-art equipment that includes free weights, cardiovascular and rehabilitation machines.
In addition, the RAC is home to the team’s clubhouse which serves as the team’s home away from home. The clubhouse features couches, televisions and an entertainment center as well as a full-time equipment staff that maintains the players' uniforms and equipment to help keep the team properly outfitted. The team locker room was recently renovated with new carpet, furniture and oak lockers for each player.
The baseball team also utilizes a 120-yard indoor facility known as “The Bubble”. “The Bubble” includes a full-length football field, made out of the same FieldTurf surface as Bainton Field, with 100-foot high ceilings that allow for game-like simulation. The bubble is a vital component of the preseason practice schedule when weather prohibits outdoor activity.
The complex is located across from the Athletic Center on Hospital Road on the Livingston Campus.
