Villanova University

Aug. 23, 2002

VILLANOVA, PA. - The Villanova baseball program will have a new home beginning this fall as its brand-new baseball complex in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., is well on its way to completion. The facility, which is located just off Germantown Pike within Plymouth Township, will give the Wildcats one of the finest facilities in the Big East Conference.

The Villanova baseball program had been playing its home games at Richie Ashburn Field in Philadelphia since 1998 when the Wildcats' field on campus was leveled to make room for new residence halls.

Villanova's new field in Plymouth is approximately six to seven miles and just a 10-15 minute drive from the Villanova campus. The complex is located on Walton Road right off of Germantown Pike, just under one mile past the Plymouth Meeting Mall.

The Wildcats' new facility will be completely enclosed by a 10-foot fence. Batting cages and a bullpen comprised of two pitching mounds are also enclosed and are located down each of the lines. Behind the plate is a 10 foot-high wall over which will stand the press box and permanent stands which span from behind the plate all the way to each dugout. The field dimensions are 330 down each of the lines, 375 to the gaps and 405 to straight-away center. The field contains a blue grass infield and an outfield made from a Pennsylvania rye blend.

"Getting into the new park has many positives," said Villanova head baseball coach Joe Godri. "The facility has already made an impact amongst prospective athletes and has aided us dramatically in future recruiting. Secondly, it will certainly cut down the travel time and wear and tear on the players. Playing and practicing in our own ballpark will pay immediate dividends."

"Plymouth will be a place that we will be happy to call home. We will always enjoy going to the ballpark."

Villanova will open up its new facility on March 7th, as the Wildcats open up the Villanova Classic against Niagara at 3:00 p.m.