The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
YOUNG MEMORIAL FIELD
2/10/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 10, 2006
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Jerry D. Young Memorial Field, the on-campus home of the UAB Blazers, is in its 24th season of use in 2006.
The field was dedicated in honor of Dr. Jerry D. Young on April 18, 1985. A host of dignitaries, including Baseball Hall of Fame third baseman and former Baltimore Oriole great Brooks Robinson, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch, were present for the dedication.
One of the finest baseball surfaces in the South, Young Field is equipped with an underground sprinkler and drainage system which helps to keep the playing surface in excellent condition throughout the year. The facility got a major overhaul in 1999, as the infield was regraded and resodded and a new sound system was installed.
Prior to the 2000 season, new fencing was added to the park in the bullpen areas and a new artificial turf apron was placed around the home plate area. The concession area and umpires' room also were renovated.
A major cosmetic change was made in 2001. A new wood outfield fence -- painted Blazer Green -- was completed just before the beginning of the season, replacing the chain-link fencing that had enclosed the field since 1984. The ballpark now has slightly larger dimensions, going 330 feet down the lines, 370 feet to the left center power alley, 400 feet to dead center field, and 360 feet to the right center power alley.
In addition, the large "hitter's eye" in center field (also now green) has been fused with the fence (it was previously behind the outfield fence and a ball striking it was considered a home run) and is now in play. The "Green Monster" stands 30 feet high and 100 feet wide.
The first game in the new facility was February 26, 1984, a 14-8 victory over Vanderbilt. Joey Cora of Vanderbilt got the first hit at Young Field while Mike Goff of UAB got the first Blazer hit and homer at the new field. Current UAB assistant coach Frank Walton picked up the save for the Blazers.
UAB has 20 .500 or better seasons in 21 years of play at the facility, with a school record 30-7 mark at home in 1992. UAB is 376-236-1 (.613) all-time at Young Memorial Field.
Young Memorial Field was the host of the first Great Midwest Conference Championship (1992), as the Blazers won the league title on their home field.
Lights were installed at Young Memorial Field in 1993, with the first night game a 6-4 victory over Southern Miss on March 23, 1993.
Other additions to Young Memorial Field were the construction of the Harry "The Hat" Walker Press Box, dedicated March 4, 1997, which houses media members and game operations staff; and picnic tables and grills placed along the right field fence and along the outside of the field on the first base side.
A new scoreboard equipped with a message center was added in 2003. In addition, the UAB baseball locker room was newly renovated in December 2002.
