The baseball program here at Gulf Coast State College has launched a campaign to fund a new covered hitting facility.

The plan would significantly upgrade the current open-air batting cages adjacent to the playing field. A new facility would bring several unique advantages, such as providing a place to train during inclement weather and would accommodate more personnel at one time. Another benefit would be in the showcase for prospective recruits.

Thursday evening, I visited the current batting cages to see if I could get some thoughts on the facility upgrade. Commodore baseball player Jacob McGovern was at the cages preparing to partake in some batting time and kindly agreed to a video interview. Due to operator error, unfortunately, I did not get the video, but I did get a great photo of him at the scene. Jacob did share his thoughts about a new facility “It would be an asset that would get a ton of use and a place he would be able to unload at the end of the day.” When asked if he believed it would help benefit in recruiting, he said, “Oh, absolutely!

The hitting facility will be 40 feet wide by 80 feet long and 14 feet high. It will be equipped with two pitching/batting cages, a metal roof, artificial batting turf, fans, lighting, and retractable perimeter netting.

In the announcement letter, retired head coach and current athletic director Mike Kandler asked, “Will your gift make a difference? YES indeed. Every gift, regardless of size, matters. Imagine the impact these gifts will have if we ALL give something…WOW!!” Currently, the new hitting facility’s estimated cost is $100,000 and has already been receiving donations. If you are interested in donating, you can copy and paste the following link into your browser:

https://dynamicforms.ngwebsolutions.com/Submit/Page?form=8e7842e1-5fe0-453d-871f-9f4336db9077&page=308049&token=LjRRaLtJXPX2_r8hB_lpN3MYYxHf1Fo1GoaKgEU7TgU

About the Author

Joseph Nobles

Student Author - Fall 2021