If you have not driven by Estes Field and the Cox softball complex in the last month, you have missed the destruction and early construction process of the two structures that will completely change the look of the Central Methodist sports landscape.

With a substantial donation from an anonymous donor, the Central Methodist athletic department has been able to start a multi-million-dollar project to replace the baseball and softball playing fields with artificial surfaces that will allow much more use and will virtually eliminate rainouts.

“It’s an exciting time,” said CMU head coach Nate Breland. “I can’t wait for the players to see the changes when they return to campus.

“When this is all finished, this will be the best complex in the NAIA and arguably in all the Midwest,” said Breland. “This will make a big difference to our players, our recruits, and the community.”

The improvements will include the complete stripping of both fields of their natural surfaces, the installation of drainage systems, and artificial surfaces.

The scoreboard of the baseball field will be moved to left-center field and new outfield walls will be constructed. In addition, the outfield will be extended to 310 feet at the first- and third-base lines, and 400 feet at center field. This will allow the field to host teams from virtually every level.

Central expects to host camps and tournaments nearly every weekend next summer.

The baseball field is expected to be completed by June 26, with a grand opening on September 10.

Phase 2 of the project will include a digital scoreboard and sunken, Major League-style dugouts with a home clubhouse. Funds have not yet been procured for this portion of the upgrades, therefore no completion date has been set.

“The partnership opportunities for this endeavor will serve as another cornerstone for the CMU and Fayette relationship,” said Dr. Joe Parisi, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Athletics. ‘These facilities will provide meaningful engagement opportunities with our local and campus community throughout the academic year and summer. The dynamics of continuing to further our cherished local relationships create exciting possibilities that prioritize community, wellness, and value-added connection with students, faculty, staff, and alumni from both institutions.”

The facility updates will allow CMU to host summer tournaments for teams of all ages as well as to consistently allow CMU and the Fayette High School baseball teams to share the facility. Prior to the change, the Falcons and Eagles had to attempt to balance practice and game schedules which did not just mean putting dates on a calendar. Natural surfaces need to have time to breathe between games to allow the grass to grow, making it difficult to allow ample time for the two teams to have field time.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to continue the partnership between CMU Baseball and Fayette baseball,” said Fayette head baseball coach Andy Oeth. “This field project represents the shared commitment to baseball in our community. Nate Breland and I are working hard, not just for the growth of our own programs, but for the strength of a strong baseball culture in Fayette. When this project is completed, Fayette High School baseball, as well as generations of future baseball players, will have the opportunity to play on not only a field they can be proud of, but one of the nicest facilities in the country.”