East Michigan News

YPSILANTI, Mich. — Eastern Michigan University's baseball program is set to receive significant upgrades at Oestrike Stadium with the installation of a full synthetic turf playing surface. The new field is scheduled for completion before the team's 2025 fall practices.

The all-turf surface will cover the entire field, including infield, outfield, pitcher's mound, and batter's boxes. Center field will feature the Eastern Michigan script "E," connecting modern updates with tradition.

"These upgrades represent a major step forward for EMU Baseball and demonstrate our continued investment in the student-athlete experience," said EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee. "By improving field conditions and reducing weather-related disruptions, we're providing our team and the community with a top-tier playing environment."

Eastern Michigan becomes the fourth NCAA Division I program in Michigan to transition to a fully synthetic surface and joins seven other stadiums in the Mid-American Conference with similar enhancements. This follows previous turf renovations in 2007 and 2017. The new surface will also benefit high school and youth teams using Oestrike Stadium.

"Anything of significance requires a compelling vision, creativity, collaboration, and unprecedented commitment," added Head Coach Robbie Britt. "This project is the next step in our program's progress... These upgrades not only benefit our players but elevate the experience for fans, families, and community members who make Oestrike such a special place."

Additional improvements include new wall padding in the outfield and updated batting cages with new turf and netting.

Recent facility investments have been made to enhance EMU Baseball:

- TrackMan Stadium V3 for advanced pitch and hit data tracking.

- AWRE six-camera system for player development support.

- Expanded press box with radio spaces and fiber-optic connections.

- Graded concourse with improved fan entryway.

The upgrades follow a successful season:

- Seven-win improvement over 2024.

- First road win over Power 4 opponent since 2018.

- First postseason win since 2017.

- Double All-MAC selections compared to last season.

- First All-MAC Tournament Team selection since 2017.