New Martinsville Mustangs (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League) president Greg Suire is hoping to see upgrades to Hooker Field, with potential changes in 2020 setting the tone for incremental improvements.
Martinsville Baseball & Sports, led by Suire, reached an agreement last fall to take over management of the city-owned Mustangs. Leading up to the 2020 season, Suire is outlining his vision for the team, which includes making incremental improvements to Hooker Field.
There are still some unknown details at this point, as Suire has not publicly disclosed exact concepts for renovations, and the city–which owns both the team and the ballpark–would have to sign off on any plans. However, the city has already secured an over $400,000 grant that is intended for new concession and restroom facilities at Hooker Field, while Suire says his group is working to land private donations to help cover upgrades. The plan would be to roll out some small, but still noticeable, changes in 2020, with additional improvements taking place gradually. More from The Martinsville Bulletin:
The city of Martinsville received a more than $400,000 grant from the Harvest Foundation in December meant to replace the restrooms and concession stand with new facilities, the Bulletin reported. Half of the amount is a loan or “program-related investment” that will be paid back to the foundation over time.
Suire said his group is also working with private donors to fund projects that will “instantly beautify” Hooker Field this summer.
While he said changes will be small in the beginning, the plan is for improvements to be made incrementally, and changes for this summer will be noticeable.
“We are actively and aggressively working with partners,” Suire said. “Changing the aesthetics of the field is a goal of ours. That takes time, but you will see some noticeable changes and upgrades this year at Hooker Field.”
Some changes to the Mustangs’ branding have already been implemented, as the team recently unveiled new logos. Previously, the Mustangs operated as part of an agreement that called for the Coastal Plain League to handle management of the team. A contract between the city and the CPL expired with the conclusion of the 2019 season.
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