Allie Tseng

Preparing for the next pitch, senior varsity first baseman Evan Daly watches the batter. The varsity baseball team competed in the Central Texas First Pitch Classic Tournament, where they played against L.D. Bell on Feb. 21, ending the game with a score of 7-6. “Seeing the new turf field finally finished after watching the old dirt field get torn down and leveled was a really exciting feeling because it was something we’d known was going to happen for over a year,” Daly said. “Having a field that we were able to practice on during the offseason and preseason gives us a much better opportunity to build a solid base that will help carry us through the season and that feels good to know.”

The baseball teams opened play with renewed confidence as the season officially got underway. Each team played in their first tournaments of the season on a fully renovated field, complete with upgraded equipment and numerous exterior renovations. 

With all of these improvements, the baseball teams have been able to start their season off with a fresh new look. Last year, the teams were unable to use their field for the first six weeks of the season due to field renovations. Now, with all systems up and running, they are able to start their season at full force. 

“Seeing the new turf field finally finished after watching the old dirt field get torn down and leveled was a really exciting feeling because it was something we’d known was going to happen for over a year,” senior varsity first baseman Evan Daly said. “Having a field that we were able to practice on during the offseason and preseason gives us a much better opportunity to build a solid base that will help carry us through the season, and that feels good to know.”

Seniors like Daly that have played on both the grass and turf fields feel that having the turf field before district better prepared them for their season. JV players, like sophomore shortstop Robbie Everett, haven’t played on the grass field as long as the varsity players, but agree that the field has benefited them.

“Being able to use the new turf is amazing because we got to practice and get ready to play on a field that looks and feels great,” Everett said. “I hope this field and all of the new equipment the program got will help future players develop and help us win a state title”

While the turf field may be the star of the show, many other renovations were conducted through this process. According to Baseball Booster Club Vice President Melanie Norris, the booster club was also able to update various parts of the batting cages. In addition to these renovations, a roofing company is donating material and labor valued at $12,000 to replace the batting cage roofing in exchange for a two year sponsorship.

“The booster club also funds and completes ballpark enhancements to maximize the fan experience,” Norris said. “This includes painting the bleachers, signage such as team and player banners, renovating the grill area and buying a new grill.”

The booster club also plans to renovate the press box carpeting and windows, with both services being donated by companies in exchange for promotional benefits. Some ways the booster club has fundraised for other benefits are the cornhole tournament, spirit wear sales, mulch delivery and more. Because of these fundraisers, the booster club has been able to purchase substantially more for the program. This includes more amenities, new varsity jerseys and dugout improvements.

“The booster club is able to provide these things by fundraising and partnerships and sponsorships with local companies,” Norris said. “The booster club board is proud of the enhancements it has made. It works to offer a polished environment and well-organized experiences.”

According to the team and booster club, despite the advantageous enhancements, it hasn’t been an easy process. Without a field during the off-season and scrimmage season last year, all three baseball teams had to practice in other facilities like the football field, the Cedar Park Youth League Fields and D-BAT, a local batting cage. All facilities graciously donated time, some in exchange for sponsorship.

“Last season was a struggle on all fronts for the team because we had so much we had to live up to with so many unknowns in our way,” Daly said. “By working through the pain with pretty much the same guys as last year, we’ve learned how to keep moving forward when there isn’t a clear path.”

The field was finished in time for the beginning of district play, where they hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Mar. 3, 2025. Now, having been able to start their season with a completely refreshed program, the teams are feeling hopeful that the baseball program will have a prosperous future.

“I think the new field, cages and equipment sets up the younger guys to develop into better players,” Daly said. “I have hope that the program will continue to play to its high standard long after we’re gone.”