The Millikin University softball team opened its new home, the Workman Family Softball Field, in impressive fashion by sweeping MacMurray College in a doubleheader on March 26 in Decatur, Ill., in front of a standing-room only crowd.
Prior to the start of the first game, a dedication ceremony was held as Dr. Craig White, director of Athletics at Millikin, and Millikin President Dr. Patrick White honored Millikin Trustee Gary Workman '65 and his wife, Judy, whose $2 million contribution made the new facility possible.
"When we started this, it was important to have a collegiate look," Dr. White said. "We wanted a special look, and because of the Workman's kindness we have that. Every day these coaches teach these kids what will prepare them for life, how to be a good teammate, how to handle adversity, and how to handle success. I thank you for your gift to Millikin Athletics."
The Workman Family Softball Field features an artificial turf infield and outfield surface, lights, chair back and bleacher seating, dugouts, batting cages, restrooms, concessions area, and press box.
The field is located on Oakland Avenue in the west portion of Millikin's campus. Home plate is located in the southeast corner of the field with batters facing northwest. The field is 200 feet down the right and left field lines and 220 feet to straight away center field.
Big Blue softball player Justice Miller, a senior athletic training major from Alsip, Ill., also provided a few words at the ceremony.
"The seniors can assure you that where we are standing right now far exceeds our hopes and dreams when we came in as freshmen," Miller said. "Mr. and Mrs. Workman, you have cemented your place as leading members of the Millikin family."
Construction on the Workman Family Softball Field began in summer 2016. The contractor for the turf field itself was St. Louis-based Byrne & Jones Sports, a division of Byrne & Jones Construction Inc. Byrne & Jones Sports was the contractor for the new turf field at Millikin's Frank M. Lindsay Field in 2014. The architectural partner of the project was Decatur firm BLDD, who designed the grandstands, dugouts, and other parts of the field.
"This is a wonderful day for the Big Blue. It's extraordinary for Millikin, for Millikin Athletics, for the entire university, and for the community," President White said.
In the first game, the Big Blue scored eight runs in the bottom of the first inning and went on to win 10-2 in five innings. In game two, Millikin won 8-0 in five innings behind the shutout pitching of freshman Gracie Brookens. Brookens held MacMurray to two hits over five innings while striking out four.
