Newly installed lights will bring a new atmosphere to baseball, softball games
By Justin Gray | Sports writer
Things will look slightly different on the Forest Hills campus, as Augusta University had Musco Sports Lighting install lights at the Jaguar baseball and softball fields.
Having lighting on the fields is a significant deal because of the impact they have on both programs.
With no lights, it is hard for the coaches to schedule practices around players’ academic schedules and before it gets dark.
Softball Coach Melissa Brocato raved about the possibilities.
“I think the biggest impact that the lights will make is that we'll have more options for practice times,” she said. “Now, if needed, we can practice later in the day and be able to have our whole team present.”
Being able to practice with the whole group of players and coaches does a number on team morale.
Another difference coming for the programs is the scheduling. With the lights, there will be a plethora of 6 p.m. games, which brings many things to the table, including larger crowds, more games and cooler temperatures. In the past, both teams had to play in the afternoon.
The installation of lights will also benefit the university community, since both teams will be able to draw bigger crowds to play games after the typical workday is over.
AU baseball Coach Chris Howell is ecstatic about night games.
“I’m just excited about the atmosphere,” said the veteran Jaguar coach, who played at the University of Tennessee and in the Los Angeles Angels’ organization. “It’s what baseball should be, and we're excited to have it.”
The Jaguar baseball team had their first winning season since 2016 this past year, and the softball team had their best out-of-conference record in eight years, so this move will help to take both programs to the next level.
Both coaches thankedAU President Brooks A. Keel and Athletic Director Ryan Erlacher for their “investment into the programs,” and that they “look forward to the first game under the lights.”
There is more anticipation for this season to get on the field and under the lights by both the coaches and players. Baseball and softball were meant to be played under the lights, and it will be fun to watch these teams take the field in that setting.
Athletics will host Jags Under the Lights on Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m. The event will include live music, children’s activities, games, food and photo opportunities with AU baseball and softball players. The Jaguar baseball and softball teams will also host alumni games on their fields.
The event is open to the public and free.
Contact Justin Gray at JUSGRAY@augusta.edu.
Lights have been added to the AU Softball Field. Above, new lights have also been added to the baseball field. (photos by Paula Toole, AU Athletics/DCM)
