Waukesha, Wis. -- The Carroll University baseball program's 2021 season will feature many changes and upgrades to their historical home field, Frame Park, on the banks of the Fox River in downtown Waukesha. The team is scheduled to host its home opener on April 2 versus Elmhurst University, in a noon doubleheader on Good Friday.
On Tuesday, July 21, the agreement was finalized and construction has already commenced on the long time baseball field that has hosted games since the 1920s. The $1.5 million dollar project is a joint venture between the University and longtime partner, the City of Waukesha.
The facility upgrades will include an all-artificial turf field, new dugouts, six bullpen mounds, two full-length batting cages, and new fencing. The new fence will be moved back and feature a sixteen-foot fence from left to left-center field.
"I am very excited for the university and the community for the upgrades being made to Frame Park," according to Head Baseball Coach Stein Rear.
Rear added, "The history and location of Frame Park have always made it an exceptional setting for baseball. These upgrades will create one of the best baseball experiences in the Midwest. Our program is very thankful for the hard work and financial support from Ron Grall and the City of Waukesha, Dr. Gnadinger, Mike Schulist, and Carroll University. This is a very exciting time for Pioneer baseball."
"I'm thrilled for Coach Rear, our baseball alumni, and current student-athletes to be able to finalize the enhancements at Frame Park," said Director of Athletics Michael Schulist. "We will be transitioning from an underdeveloped facility to one of the best in the region. The ability to enjoy baseball overlooking the Fox River has always been a great setting, but to now add a first-class facility in front of it will be tremendous. I look forward to ushering in a new era of Carroll baseball this spring."
Waukesha Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director Ron Grall was elated with the latest joint project between the University and the City, "We are very pleased to continue our partnership with Carroll University and extremely excited to move forward in this new chapter of baseball at historic Frame Park! Considerable effort was jointly put into developing a "first-class" field and crafting an agreement that met both the needs of the University and the Waukesha Community. With the advent of an all-turf field, our scheduling capabilities are significantly expanded and enhanced, in particular during the spring season. Kudos to all at Carroll for their outstanding efforts to help make the new Frame Park Baseball Field a reality!"
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Gallery: (7-22-2020) Frame Park Renovations