Turks to Get New Stadium?

In June of 2006, when James Madison University (JMU) purchased the old Harrisonburg High School buildings and grounds, some wondered what would happen to Memorial Stadium, and by extension, the Harrisonburg Turks.  In Tuesday's local Harrisonburg paper, the Daily News Record, Mike Barber reported that JMU is planning to build a baseball stadium on Memorial Stadium's site.  The JMU Board of Visitors has asked for $5 million from the state budget to complete the project.  If the request is granted, JMU hopes to begin construction within 2 1/2 years.  The new stadium would clearly help elevate JMU's baseball program, helping with recruiting especially.  A larger venue with lights would also mean that JMU could potentially host NCAA regional play.

Charlie King, JMU vice president, stated that the Turks will be welcome to play in the new stadium.  Bob Wease, the owner of the Turks, said, "The Turks will always be there.  I think it's great, I really do.  I'm sure they're going to build a state-of-the-art stadium.  It's going to be great for James Madison University and it's certainly going to help the Turks."

Memorial Stadium was built in 1948 for the Turks, so much of the field could use improvements.  The bathrooms and concession area, for example, could use an extensive face-lift.  Wease said, "The stadium is starting to get old.  Part of me, I hate to see it go.  But it's for the best."   

A new stadium may be a boon for the Turks.  A new stadium, with new clubhouses and dugouts, will only make recruiting easier for Wease. 

Comments

[David Troyer]

What sort of potential would there be to draw a Low Single-A team? Before the Neff Ave/Port Republic complex was rejected a year ago or so, I remember talk of using JMU's stadium for such purposes. The major drawback being JMU's current facility does not, and cannot have lights due to the proximity to I-81. Would seasons line up?

[JohnLL]

You know, the same thought crossed my mind- why not an Appalachian League team? The Appy League starts after the first-year draft in June, so JMU's schedule would not interfere with the short-season team.

However, the Harrisonburg Turks play from June to the beginning of August; there is no way that I can see that both the Valley League AND the Appy League could co-exist in the same stadium. The other problem would be that Harrisonburg would be the farthest team north in the Appy League, making travel, while not impossible, uncomfortable.

JMU has promised that the Turks will be able to play at Memorial Stadium, whether the old one or a new one, so a minor league affiliate seems unlikely.