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Wow. I never would have thought that based on the pictures.
I guess we're trying to be more of a pitcher's park now? It seems we haven't had a power-hitting team ourselves for a while, so adding 5 more feet might only help keep the opponents balls in the park.

I believe that Gum believes in team speed. They will bunt and play small ball like you have never seen. The extra room in the gaps is great for speedy outfielders and stretching single into doubles.

A side note they have backed up home plate and the changes to bat exit speed are going to limit HR's for EVERYBODY. This plays into Gum's mindset of being AGGRESSIVE.

No doubt about it.

Early returns on new bats show significantly decreased performance

Went by at lunch to check out the new digs. Looks pretty spiffy. Definitely looks more like a ballpark. The outfield decks at the foul lines are neat. They cut out the top half of the fence to where you can sit in your chair and watch the game.

Fixed it for ya!

Already, this has to be a homerun hire right? I know it is a little lucky that he's friends with the guy who owns the turf company, but everything else in this story just really has to make you happy and excited for the future.

McCollum's Column: Ball field at Bear Stadium gets an extreme makeover

There are too many things that I want to pull from the story, so just read the whole thing.

Wow! That is pretty impressive thinking all around on his part!

now if you guys could just get away and come watch a practice too, but I know that isnt an option with the out of towners however.

Not necessarily for some of us "out-of-towners" with nothing better to do than follow the Bears.

So when are practices?

I've gotten out there around 3 the two times that I've gone so far, and there have been drills and activity already. I'm not sure if they are going to practice this weekend, but I believe they are going strong during all weekday afternoons til around 5 or 5:30.

Maybe I can make it up one day next week. Let's discuss this Saturday over a beverage.

I like your thinking!
They are practicing hard & organized, its been an organized chaos on the field, and basically non-stop action. They go out there and they get work done.

Kool-Aid? Tea? Coffee? What is this beverage that you speak of?

Make mine a fine lite pilsner, of epic proportions, please!

BTW, in case anyone was wondering, the mound has now been finished as well. So best I know, or can tell, the majority of the playing field portion of the stadium is basically finished. I believe they sodded part of the outfield closest to the infield last week.