One of the largest individual donations in Santana High School’s history has resulted in major upgrades to the school’s baseball program.
The donor, who requested to remain anonymous, contributed $150,000, which is being utilized for a complete revamping of the school’s baseball facilities, plus some assistance to the fastpitch program.
One of the largest individual donations in Santana High School’s history has resulted in major upgrades to the school’s baseball program.
The donor, who requested to remain anonymous, contributed $150,000, which is being utilized for a complete revamping of the school’s baseball facilities, plus some assistance to the fastpitch program.
“We couldn’t be more excited about the donation,” said Sultans baseball coach Tim Barry. “Then we stretched the money out as far as we could to make best use of the funds,” he added.
The benchmark of the renovated facility is a clubhouse, which is already the envy of most Grossmont Conference schools, matching similar structures recently installed at Grossmont and Granite Hills high schools through private donations.
“The new clubhouse even has all wood, professional-style lockers,” noted Barry. “These will be something our players will take pride in,” he added.
Reworked batting cages include a pair of pitching-dedicated tunnels, including one which can be used by the softball team. The cages include lightning for night practice — something often missing at on-school facilities — plus a new artificial turf surface.
As for the baseball diamond, the uneven surface — believed to be a safety risk — has been completely altered.
“We laser-leveled the entire ballpark — both the infield and the outfield,” added Barry. “And the old green windscreen has been replaced with a black one, which looks much sharper,” he said.
In addition, holes in the fencing have been patched.
Off the field, the press box/announcer’s booth has been replaced.
“We were afraid someone might fall through the upper level, that’s how dilapidated it had become,” the coach added.
The first official home game for the Sultans varsity baseball team in their new digs is slated for March 8 when they will be hosting the Mission Hills Grizzlies of San Marcos. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.
