With renovations in progress at Eagle Field, TCC reschedules North Florida Baseball Showcase for September 29-30
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (August 15, 2012) – Due to renovations at Eagle Field, Tallahassee Community College's North Florida Baseball Showcase has been rescheduled for Saturday and Sunday, September 29 and 30.
The event was originally planned for Friday and Saturday, August 18 and 19.
Work at Eagle Field began in late July and the finished product was slated for an August 18 debut, however, extremely wet weather over the past two weeks delayed work, forcing Tallahassee head coach Mike McLeod to look for an alternative date.
Aside from the obvious, McLeod believes adjusting the date will have a positive impact on the Showcase.
"We're excited about the opportunity to showcase great high school talent," said McLeod, "and now we have the opportunity to do it while showcasing a top notch facility, which we're extremely excited about.
"It was one of those situations we couldn't control, but, in the end, the participants will have a first-class experience, and that's what we're most proud of."
Last month, TCC's athletic department launched a renovation project at Eagle Field, the first major work on the facility since it was built in 1991.
Installation of approximately 13,000 square feet of artificial turf highlights the project, which also features a rebuilt infield, complete with new sod, including tilling the diamond, installing stabilizer to the clay area and rebuilding the pitcher's mound.
"It (the field) is going to play perfectly, it will be like a major league infield," added McLeod.
The artificial turf will be installed on the hips behind home plate, along both foul lines and in both bullpens. To aid in the field's drainage, 500 feet of drain tile has been added and the whole area is being laser-graded.
When finished, TCC will boast one of the top playing surfaces in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
"This is a game changer for our baseball program," said athletic director Rob Chaney. "From a facilities standpoint, this elevates us into the upper echelon of NJCAA schools and arms our coaches with a powerful recruiting tool."
The project is led by Southeastern Field Construction, who has worked on numerous athletic facilities in the Southeast, including Florida State University's Mike Martin Field.
Photos of the Eagle Field renovations are available on TCC Athletics' Facebook page, www.facebook.com/TCCeagles.
About the North Florida Baseball Showcase
- When: Saturday, September 29 and Sunday, September 30, 8:30 a.m.
- Where: Tallahassee Community College's Eagle Field
- Who: Rising high school juniors (Class of 2014) and seniors (Class of 2013)
- Cost: $100 per player
The North Florida Baseball Showcase has been recognized for the past 18 years as one of the best opportunities for a high school player to gain the exposure needed to play at the next level. At the North Florida Baseball Showcase, rising high school juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to showcase their abilities while being evaluated by both college and professional scouts.
TCC is accepting 75 registrations for each day of the Showcase. Spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The registration deadline is September 25.
To register for the North Florida Baseball Showcase or for more information, contact Mike McLeod at (850) 558-3600, e-mail mcleodm@tcc.fl.edu or visit www.MikeMcLeodCCBS.com.