BB: LEC: Little East Conference

ECSUalum · January 08, 2011, 06:11:48 PM

For those who have not checked d3baseball.com home page, theNCAA has announced 7 of the 8 sites for 2011 NCAA Regional Baseball tournaments:

The Regional Sites for the 2011 D-III baseball playoffs

New England Regional: Whitehouse Field (hosted by the Eastern College Athletic Conference)

New York Regional: Falcon Park (hosted by Cortland State)

Mid-Atlantic Regional: FirstEnergy Park (hosted by Kean)

South Regional: TBA

Mideast Regional: Don Schaly Stadium (hosted by Marietta)

Central Regional: Horenberger Field (hosted by Illinois Wesleyan)

Midwest Regional: Prucha Field (hosted by Wisc.-Whitewater)

West Regional: Walt Driggers Field (hosted by McMurry)

KSCfan · January 10, 2011, 08:03:11 AM

Whitehouse field is back on the Cape right? Why the shift back to the Cape. While i like the idea of the regionals being at a neutral field, honestly the Death Star is better facility then that field. You can hit right at the field at Eastern, at Whitehouse field you have to hit at what is it Cape Cod Tech? Then get back on the bus and drive to the field. The Seating is a little more spectator friendly at Eastern, the lights are higher and brighter, and to be honest the whole facility is better to host the regionals.

Isnt there some other field around New England that might be a neutral sight, and better conditions than Whitehouse field. I am in no way shape saying i dont like the cape field, here are just some other ideas to explore

Umass-Lowell Old Lowell Spinners stadium- I know that the Spinners moved into the new stadium not that long ago, and Umas Lowell plays there now. A decent stadium located in pretty much central New England. Stadium is a little bit older these days but it still is in really good shape. Umass Lowell is usually in thier conference tournament, or regionals at this time and that means that the field would be available. I guess you could run into a potential problem with that.

Dodd Stadium Norwich CT- 2 years ago the Double A Giants moved out of the stadium and re-located. Now a short season A ball team is there and they dont start until June. I know that local high schools play on the field when the "Norwich Sound Tigers" are not in season so the field should not be that hard to get. Last year Uconn hosted a Division I regional at the site that included Central CT and i think Florida State and Oregon State. This would be my pick for the site as its a Double A stadium that lets local teams play on it. There are plenty of hotels that are cheap in Norwich and plenty to eat as well. Good enough for a D1 regional prob good enough for a D3 one.

Newport baseball stadium- The stadium in downtown Newport where the Gulls play. It is located in downtown Newport and would probably attract a lot of fans as it is in a high traffic area. The stadium is pretty nice and would be sort of a differant place to play. Teams staying in Newport might be expensive, might have to stay outside of Newport for the tournament.

I was trying to pick one stadium in every state of New England but i dont know of anywhere in Maine other than that god-awful i still have nightmares Stephen King field, or UMaine, Vermont i have no clue.

Where did I miss. If you could move the regional to anysite in New England where would you go. I know that it costs money to "rent" the site for the tournament and the NCAA is all about saving money. I personally like the Norwich CT site, the Uconn regional last year was a sucess and its a Double A stadium that is not used now until June. This means the regional would not run into any schedule problem and the stadium is friendly to the idea of teams playing in it when the A ball team is not in season

keenONkeene · January 10, 2011, 10:27:48 AM

Just back from the ABCA convention.............things I heard from a prominent Little East Coach............"this is Keenes year." "Bats will make more of a difference than most think." "Regionals back on the Cape. (beaten to that one)" "One little east school could be jumping to D II fairly soon." Interesting........

ECSUalum · January 10, 2011, 04:32:49 PM

KSCFan,

Good thoughts!! The weather, Eastern SID, the LEC, Bridgewater TV and the ECSU Athletics Dept really make for a wonderful NCAA NE Regional in Mansfield, especially from the Live Streaming/Broadcast standpoint. Soooo why back to Cape Cod other than its close to some NCAA officials/coaches residence or something

Of course, no prejudice from my side.

USM, and Babson, have great BB facilities, but you are right Dodd Stadium would be a great venue for the NE Regionals.

WOW Keeneon Keene, +k, a LEC going D-II!!!!!!!!!!!! Who could that be?

? Who might the LEC bring into the conference to replace. A MASCAC team I would bet, Worcester or Westfield State would be my guess.

Hobbesy · January 10, 2011, 05:55:27 PM

KSCfan,

I totally agree with your thoughts. I don't have much time to respond thoughtfully right now but I will soon. I have good memories from that place but it does lack some amenities other facilities in New England could provide.

And this talk from the college baseball version of the Winter Meetings is exciting! I am going to try and find out more.

hockeyfan77 · January 10, 2011, 06:10:11 PM

Quote from: keenONkeene on January 10, 2011, 10:27:48 AM
Just back from the ABCA convention.............things I heard from a prominent Little East Coach............"this is Keenes year." "Bats will make more of a difference than most think." "Regionals back on the Cape. (beaten to that one)" "One little east school could be jumping to D II fairly soon." Interesting........

Very interesting: does this school have a hockey team?

? D II are in limbo in hockey so it doesn't make sense for one of them to move...

hockeyfan77 · January 10, 2011, 06:13:48 PM

Quote from: KSCfan on January 10, 2011, 08:03:11 AM
Whitehouse field is back on the Cape right? Why the shift back to the Cape. While i like the idea of the regionals being at a neutral field, honestly the Death Star is better facility then that field. You can hit right at the field at Eastern, at Whitehouse field you have to hit at what is it Cape Cod Tech? Then get back on the bus and drive to the field. The Seating is a little more spectator friendly at Eastern, the lights are higher and brighter, and to be honest the whole facility is better to host the regionals.

Isnt there some other field around New England that might be a neutral sight, and better conditions than Whitehouse field. I am in no way shape saying i dont like the cape field, here are just some other ideas to explore

Umass-Lowell Old Lowell Spinners stadium- I know that the Spinners moved into the new stadium not that long ago, and Umas Lowell plays there now. A decent stadium located in pretty much central New England. Stadium is a little bit older these days but it still is in really good shape. Umass Lowell is usually in thier conference tournament, or regionals at this time and that means that the field would be available. I guess you could run into a potential problem with that.

Dodd Stadium Norwich CT- 2 years ago the Double A Giants moved out of the stadium and re-located. Now a short season A ball team is there and they dont start until June. I know that local high schools play on the field when the "Norwich Sound Tigers" are not in season so the field should not be that hard to get. Last year Uconn hosted a Division I regional at the site that included Central CT and i think Florida State and Oregon State. This would be my pick for the site as its a Double A stadium that lets local teams play on it. There are plenty of hotels that are cheap in Norwich and plenty to eat as well. Good enough for a D1 regional prob good enough for a D3 one.

Newport baseball stadium- The stadium in downtown Newport where the Gulls play. It is located in downtown Newport and would probably attract a lot of fans as it is in a high traffic area. The stadium is pretty nice and would be sort of a differant place to play. Teams staying in Newport might be expensive, might have to stay outside of Newport for the tournament.

I was trying to pick one stadium in every state of New England but i dont know of anywhere in Maine other than that god-awful i still have nightmares Stephen King field, or UMaine, Vermont i have no clue.

Where did I miss. If you could move the regional to anysite in New England where would you go. I know that it costs money to "rent" the site for the tournament and the NCAA is all about saving money. I personally like the Norwich CT site, the Uconn regional last year was a sucess and its a Double A stadium that is not used now until June. This means the regional would not run into any schedule problem and the stadium is friendly to the idea of teams playing in it when the A ball team is not in season

In Maine you could add ST Joes: I know it's not neutral but it's a nice field with lights and not to far away from Portland...Or try the Stadium in Sanford that the team in the NECBL uses...Nice field, played in it in high school but it's kind of in the middle of nowhere...Anywhere but the Cape, I have nightmares of playing ball down there...

Hobbesy · January 11, 2011, 10:34:34 AM

With more time here are some thoughts on NE Regional site:

ECSU was a great site for many reasons. The playing surface, while not what it used to be when first built, is still one of the better ones in New England. The field crew assembled to make it look great was also top notch. The dimensions are great for college baseball and provide an equal advantage for all teams.

Other amenities for the players include onsite batting cages, full length dugouts and bathroom in those dugouts!

As for the fans, seating at Mansfield is more than plentiful and provides great views of the action. And if you want that old school feel, you can sit down one of the foul lines on the hill. Also a nice concession area and two big bathrooms and good sized parking lot right by the field.

And for the media, the amenities are very nice! A big press box that allows maneuverability without interference and allows many media entities cover the game and complete their work from the field.

Looking at Harwich, the field just isn't the same when its not summer time. Over the summer it is in great shape but before then there is not much done to it. Bad lips around the infield and an uneven outfield are dangerous. Hopefully they rectify this by May. The dugouts have improved and now are protected with netting so injuries can be avoided but no bathrooms in these suckers. Portable toilets are the only bathroom source at Whitehouse Field.

The fans have some places to sit but are mostly confided to right around the home plate area. Not bad viewing angles but you better get there early if you want a good seat. And again, portable toilets. Concession stand is not bad and they have very good chocolate chip cookies!!!

But for the media, its going to be a nightmare. The press box itself is tiny and there definitely is not enough room for more than 7-8 people at a time. This makes it harder for visiting media to file stories and also doesn't allow them a nice place to sit. I believe the broadcasters should be fine because there is a deck that has been attached to the press box but it is outside so lets hope for no rain.

I think KSCfan is right on the mark about Dodd Stadium. It is in Norwich and is a professional caliber stadium. Its just like the New York Regional being held at Doubleday Field in Auburn (also home to an NY-Penn league team). From the people I have talked to, the DI regional that UConn hosted last year was a great success. There is more than enough seating space and a great variety of places to sit. And let's not forget, most teams stayed in Norwich when the tournament was hosted at ECSU.

Sorry for the novel but it appears the NCAA might have missed on this one but then again a bid has to be submitted and it does appear ECSUalum that someone at the ECAC really likes having the tournament close to home!

keenONkeene · January 11, 2011, 12:20:40 PM

Agree, the field surface is less than adequate.......and even worse for the fans watching the game.....fields like this are the ultimate equalizers........also, nothing within walking distance for teams.........food, malls......do have the beautiful 45 degree ocean to play in!
I was not privy to the team that will be going D II, do have a very strong idea and it would change the "Power" of the league....

wordsmith · January 13, 2011, 12:16:45 PM

Hey Posters Happy New Year,

I wanted to pass along an opportunity for you to possibly help out a good guy and a good baseball man we all know in the LEC. Marty Testo, Associate Head Coach, and his wife had a baby girl in December. Even before little Avery was born we all knew she would face some health issues, and has in fact had to undergo open heart surgery already in her young life. The possibility of additional surgeries exist and the costs are as you'd expect huge. This is a chance to reach out an help this great young family. The link to an article appears below....please keep Marty, Sarah, Matty, and Avery in your thoughts and prayers as well.
Thanks, Word

KSC Athletic Department Announces Benefit for the Testo Family

http://keeneowls.com/sports/bsb/2010-11/releases/20110111Testo

KSCfan · January 20, 2011, 10:34:27 AM

Spring Practice start in about two weeks, anyone get a wiff of a mid year transfer to a team? Perhaps someone that spent the fall somewhere else and now has transfered to a LEC school? Spring trips are about 6-7 weeks away. I know im stretching as the forecast calls for more snow for friday ! Is it spring yet?

kscer · January 20, 2011, 07:43:25 PM

Alex Ingram Keene High Standout on State Championship team left school down south and enrolled at KSC. Was a top class L pitcher in NH. May be a factor out of the bullpen this year.

Old Man · January 28, 2011, 09:51:28 PM

Rumor has it. KSC has no Nelson, Davis to pitch - Stanclift and Ingram from KHS still up in air on how they may help the OWLS. Could be a great year in LEC- UMB has to be the team to beat... USm # 30 after .500 year??? that is coach flaherty and years of being good. will they be good - most likely - Ed hates to throw clipboards for 2 years in a row. ECSU - how is coach hollowaty doing? - we all hope he is back in dugout at ECSU?

KSC and the man behind OWLS pitching - Coach Testo and new daughter AVERY - We all hope everyone in the Swamp (TESTO VILLE) she is doing well.

My thoughts on LEC!!!

1. UMB
2. KSC
3. ECSU
4. USM
5. RIC
6. UMD
7. PSU
8. WCSU

Bring on the Spring!!!!!!!

OM

Hobbesy · February 04, 2011, 10:35:42 AM

Interesting to hear about Stanclift transferring to Keene...I asked during my liveblog last year in the NE regional tourney why he was at St. Joes and not at Keene. I guess he must have read the blog and decided it was a good idea. Good sized kid that got great experience last year with the Monks. Has good stuff and should help solidify the 5-6-7-8 innings for the Owls.

Wally · February 04, 2011, 10:54:44 AM

Hobbesy, seems some Keene kids just THINK they want to get out of Town only to find out that KSC is where they want to be? Sometimes I think it's best that they leave to experience what is on the outside> As for Stanclift, believe he was a starter on every team he has been on. A workhorse kinda guy. Not sure why he was a closer at St. Joe's? Especially as a Freshman, shows Coach Sanborn had a lot of confidence in the young man. Did you know that Alec Ingram(Keene High) also transfered to KSC after 1 semester at Methodist?