Construction crews finished laying down new sod at Jackie Robinson Stadium on Wednesday that will provide the facility with a major-league quality surface.
The new sod is the latest of a series of upgrades to the stadium since coach John Savage took over the Bruin baseball program.
“We needed to put a brand new surface into the facility,” Savage said. “We expect it to be playing as well as one of the best ballparks in the country.”
The condition of the 1,250-seat stadium is very important to the baseball program.
The team hopes to be able to host a Super Regional at the stadium, which would give the Bruins a huge advantage in reaching the College World Series.
“(The new sod) really changes the whole complexion for us in terms of recruiting, scheduling and (hosting) a Super Regional,” Savage said.
Savage expects the field to be as true and flat as any major league park.
The new grass is similar to the grass at Dodger Stadium, and the dirt mix is the exact same as that of Petco Park in San Diego.
While the surface should be a little bit quicker this season, Savage does not expect his infielders to struggle with the adjustment.
Before the renovation of the field, a new net was installed behind home plate in December 2006, replacing a chain-link fence that had stood behind home plate for years.
Earlier in 2006, before the baseball season began, there were several other upgrades.
Those included new batting cages and major renovations of the coaches offices at the field.
More renovations are planned to take place in the near future, including a new clubhouse.
“College baseball has gotten big,” Savage said. “With the exposure of ESPN and the excitement of (the NCAA Tournament), you’re seeing unbelievable facilities popping up everywhere.”
The field will be ready for the Bruin baseball team’s alumni game on Feb. 2 and the Bruins will play their first home series on Feb. 22 against Oklahoma.
This will be the 27th season that the Bruins have played at the stadium, which was originally constructed in 1984.
CRAWFORD-WATCH: Brandon Crawford, the Bruins’ star shortstop, has already started to accumulate awards in 2008.
The junior was named a third-team All-American by Louisville Slugger. He was also a part of the third team of All-Americans chosen by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers of America.
Crawford has been the UCLA team’s MVP in each of his two seasons as a Bruin. He has a career average of .327.
In December, Crawford was named All-Pac-10 by rivals.com along with fellow Bruins, second baseman Alden Carrithers and left fielder Gabe Cohen.
After reaching the Super Regional last year for the first time in years, Savage’s program will surely receive more attention and exposure this season.
“There’s going to be a lot of expectations, and there is a lot of hype,” Savage said. “It’s nice to have those, but it’s all preseason stuff. It’s all about what you do on the field and where you are at the end of the year.”