| Springfield College

Project Overview

One-of-a-kind Intercollegiate and Adaptive Baseball Park

Springfield College is building a one-of-a-kind intercollegiate and adaptive baseball park to replace Berry-Allen Field. The adaptive baseball park will include a custom-designed field with a cushioned, rubberized surface that makes it accessible for players with special needs to get from base to base.

First of its Kind

The first of its kind, this project will incorporate the new adaptive field within a new traditional field. The new facilities will include an artificial turf field, bullpens, and batting cages; installation of a new grandstand and press box; and a new scoreboard, sound system, and sports lighting system. Renovations will also include broadcasting capabilities and landscaping.

Renderings / Gallery

Archie Allen Field Rendering 1

The adaptive field will allow players of all abilities to experience the joy of baseball.

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Archie Allen Field Rendering 2

Stadium seating and world-class facilities will raise the profile of baseball at Springfield College.

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Archie Allen Field Rendering 3

Professional stadium lighting will create a more flexible schedule for game times.

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Archie Allen Field Rendering 4

The "Springfield Model" is a one-of-a-kind intercollegiate and adaptive baseball park.

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Construction Begins

Dr. Poisson and Coach Simeone take a little bit of Berry-Alllen dirt with them before construction begins. (April 2017)

Building a New Archie Allen Field

The old Berry-Allen Field we knew is gone and we start the process of building a new Berry-Allen Field. (May 2017)

Out In Left Field

If you hit a ball out to left field at the old Berry-Allen, look at what you’ll have to hit over now. (May 2017)

Walkway for the New Adaptive Feld

The walkway for the new adaptive field is poured and ready. (June 2017)

Knee Wall, Dugouts and Field Base Fabric

Knee wall, dugouts and field base fabric are being installed. (7/13/17)

Before the Turf Goes Down

A view of the field before the turf is laid.

The Turf Is Laid

The first section of turf is laid.

Field Turf Takes Shape

More field turf covers the field.

Partnerships

Miracle League / Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation

Springfield College has partnered with Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation to jointly design and build this one-of-a-kind intercollegiate and adaptive baseball park to replace Berry-Allen Field. The foundations has referred to the project as “The Springfield Model.”

The project fits with both the mission of Springfield College to educate students in spirit, mind, and body to serve others, and the mission of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation to build character and teach critical life lessons to at-risk young people through sports-themed programs.

“As a foundation, we are always striving to create opportunities for youth to excel not just on the playing field, but in the game of life. We are proud to work together with Springfield College to develop a multifunctional field that will not only benefit its student-athletes, but provide a safe place for local community members of all abilities to play, learn and grow,”said foundation board chair Mark Butler.

Springfield College will collaborate with local organizations to complete the project, including the Miracle League of Western Massachusetts.

“We are obviously very excited about this great opportunity and the impact it will have on the local community,” said Miracle League of Western Massachusetts co-founder Ernie Fitzell. “This facility will help the Miracle League and its continued growth, and we are very thankful to both Springfield College and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation for this partnership.”

Groundbreaking for the new adaptive field started on April 24, 2017, with completion anticipated for September 1, 2017, the opportunity for all individuals to play will be that much more convenient. Youth athletes from the Miracle League, Special Olympics, and local baseball programs are all expected to benefit from the renovation.

Phase I & II

Through our partnership with the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, Springfield College is able to rebuild Berry-Allen Field. Support from the foundation has made Phase I possible. The major work for Phase I of this project includes the installation of the Adaptive Field with seating and dugouts; replacement of the existing baseball diamond and outfield with a synthetic turf field; along with creating new bullpens, and batting cages. With a total Phase I cost of $2.5M, the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation and Springfield College have made everything “inside the fence” a reality.

We are seeking support from alumni, families and friends to complete Phase II of the reconstruction project, which includes:

Video scoreboard
production quality lighting
expanded grandstands
broadcast capabilities
contest management box
landscaping

We consider these items to be “outside the fence” options to enhance the facility. Springfield College, the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, corporate partners and foundations will be providing resources needed to complete construction of the “inside the fence” portion (turf, adaptive field, dugouts, bullpens, etc.)

What People Are Saying

Eric Chase, number 27, and the team pose for a photograph — The Place to Play in New England

"I am proud to support the Berry-Allen Field Renovation project because I think this is a huge step forward in the development of the program. This is a great opportunity to attract talented young players, re-engage alums to support the program and create an excitement about watching the team play, and promote Springfield College as the place to play in New England. With this new facility, I see the program being able to develop into a powerhouse in the Northeast for many years to come." Eric Chase '14

Finest Intercollegiate Baseball Facility

Student-athletes will be competing on one of the finest intercollegiate baseball facilities in our region,” said Head Baseball Coach Mark Simeone.

Paul Marchetti '89, speaks about the new Berry-Allen field project. — Investment in Our Student athletes and the Greater Community

"I always cherished my years, experiences and relationships and being a part of the Springfield College Baseball family. This project represents an investment in our Baseball student athletes and the greater community. I feel honored to help support such a transformative initiative." Paul Marchetti '89

A Great Advantage

“It has got the team talking and excited,” he said. “I think the turf will give us an advantage because we will be able to get on the field earlier than most schools. In past years our first practice on the field is the day before our first game,” said infielder Mark Joao ‘18.