HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Saturday was a special day at Wallace State’s James C. Bailey Stadium. Coaches, players, former players, administrators and more gathered to celebrate the newest athletics upgrade on campus, a new turf playing surface for the baseball field. The field is part of nearly $5 million in investments in athletic facilities at the college this year, including more than $2 million in baseball and softball.
“It’s a great day to be a Lion. We’ve always had a culture of winning here at Wallace State given our winningest head coach in the state of Alabama. With the competitiveness and quality of our baseball team, we’re going to Grand Junction this year so go Lions!” Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics said. “Thank you everyone for being here today, this is a special day for us. We want only the best for our students and for our athletes.”
Wallace State Head Baseball Coach Randy Putman is grateful for the newest addition to the Lions’ baseball program.
“From my heart I want to thank Dr. Karolewics for this day at this at this stadium on this field. I don’t have to cut grass anymore,” Putman joked. “It’s a beautiful setting; it’s a beautiful place and we’ll take good care of it. We’re just excited for everyone here to be involved. From our team to the administration, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Former Wallace State standout Chris Browning, who played on the 1997 World Series team threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Lions’ doubleheader against Northeast Mississippi Community College.
Wallace State will host another ribbon-cutting on Saturday, March 8, at 11:30 a.m., for the new turf playing surface on the softball field. Everyone is invited to attend, with a special invitation to former Wallace State softball players. There will be free admission and free popcorn for everyone. After the ribbon-cutting, the No. 11-ranked Lions will take on Gadsden State Community College in their first home game of the season.
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