Several Radford Baseball facilities will receive their own identity on Saturday, April 29 as a part of the inaugural Highlander Pride Weekend. The baseball complex, home dugout and newly built indoor practice facility will be named in a special pregame ceremony before the Highlanders matchup with Commonwealth foe VMI.
“The people who these facilities are being dedicated to have changed the trajectory of Radford Baseball and Radford Athletics. Their leadership has been transformational for us and we are forever grateful for their incredible contributions,” said Director of Athletics Robert Lineburg. “Their philanthropy has truly made a difference in the lives of our student-athletes and coaches, while continuing to impact our athletic program in such a significant way.”
Radford University transformed its baseball program in April of 2011 by opening a brand-new stadium and making the first significant adjustment to its home park since opening in 1986.
Six years later, the stadium will now be forever known as Sherman Carter Memorial Stadium. In addition to the stadium receiving a name, the field will be named in honor of Abie Williams, combining to don the name of Williams Field at Carter Memorial Stadium.
Branding of the newly named field and stadium will be shown in a variety places throughout the complex such as the videoboard, press box and campus signs located at each entrance.
The Highlanders’ dugout will also be named in honor of Don Just, receiving a plaque on the side of the dugout.
Rounding out the naming ceremonies will be the newly built indoor practice facility, which was completed in January 2016, includes up to six batting cages, with the necessary equipment and amenities for live pitching, machine pitching, pitchers’ bullpens and defensive drills.
The facility will be named the Sioros Center in honor of Paul Sioros, which will receive branding throughout the facility.
“It’s a most deserved recognition for these families. These wonderful people have been so vital to the growth of not only Radford Baseball, but Radford Athletics in general. They have been so generous not only in the capital improvements cosmetically, but in their love and support of Radford Baseball,” said head coach Joe Raccuia. “I am honored and very humbled on behalf of Radford Baseball to have the support of people that believe in the vision of Radford University and the program.”
— Courtesy of RU Athletics
