Ralph McKinzie Field
41°56′07″N 88°46′48″W / 41.935262°N 88.779938°W / 41.935262; -88.779938Owner Northern Illinois University Operator Northern Illinois University Capacity 1,500 Field size 312 ft. (LF)
368 ft. (LCF)
395 ft. (CF)
368 ft. (RCF)
322 ft. (RF)
8 ft. (outfield fence) Surface Natural grass Scoreboard Electronic Construction Built 1965 Opened April 10, 1965 Renovated 1993, 1994, 2011, 2022 Tenants Northern Illinois Huskies (NCAA) (1965–present) Academics Campus Athletics Media Miscellaneous
368 ft. (LCF)
395 ft. (CF)
368 ft. (RCF)
322 ft. (RF)
8 ft. (outfield fence)
Ralph McKinzie Field is a baseball venue in DeKalb, Illinois, United States, on the campus of Northern Illinois University (NIU). It is home to the NIU Huskies baseball team of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I as a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The field is named for Ralph McKinzie, former head coach of the program. Built in 1965, it has a capacity of 1,500 spectators.[2]
History
The field was constructed in 1965 and hosted its first game on April 10, 1965, in which NIU was defeated by Wisconsin 13–1. NIU won its first game at the venue on April 30, 1965, defeating Central Michigan 10–5.[2]
On May 8, 1993, the field was dedicated to Ralph McKinzie, who coached the program in 1945 and 1949 from 1956. McKinzie led the program to Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) titles in 1950 and 1951.[2]
Renovations
In 1993, a new press box and grandstand were installed. In 1994, new fencing was added.[2] Prior to the 2011 season, the playing surface and bullpens were improved.[1]
Other uses
In addition to NIU baseball, the field has hosted high school baseball prospect camps.[3]
See also
References
- ^ a b Peters, Zach (20 April 2011). "Ralph McKinzie Field's Facelift". CSTV.CollegeSports.com. Archived from the original on 2012-05-26. Retrieved 26 May 2012.
- ^ a b c d "Ralph McKinzie Field". NIUHuskies.com. Archived from the original on 2012-10-16. Retrieved 26 May 2012.
- ^ "NIU Baseball Prospect Camp Brochure" (PDF). CSTV.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 26 May 2012.
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Northern Illinois University
Located in: DeKalb, Illinois
- College of Business
- College of Education
- College of Engineering and Engineering Technology
- College of Health and Human Sciences
- College of Law
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- College of Visual and Performing Arts
- Huskie Stadium
- NIU Convocation Center
- Chick Evans Field House
- Ralph McKinzie Field
- NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex
- Northern Star
- Northern Illinois University Press
- Northern Public Radio
Founded: 1895
