The Varsity Boys’ Baseball team played its first game on the new baseball field against Pacifica Christian on Feb. 28. Parents and visitors watched on the edge of their seats from the outlook above the field, as the players pitched, swung and ran. Though the Lightning endured a 1-4 loss, both players and audience enjoyed the features of the new field. 

Sage Hill’s refreshed baseball field is blanketed in new artificial turf, which removed bad hops and made the game a lot more predictable, players said. New stadium lights allow for playing at night, giving the Lightning a more flexible schedule and more options for practices or games. Additionally, a video scoreboard allows for a more dynamic scorekeeping experience and the flexibility to change what is projected.

Senior Dylan Dolotta hyped improved playing conditions for the Lightning.

“The turf is good and it plays pretty soft,” Dolotta said. “The sliding is definitely nicer and there’s no bad hops. There’s super low maintenance and no need to drag it. It’s also really nice because, whenever it rains, we can play the same day, or the next day.”

This new facility is part of Sage Hill’s recent focus on improving athletics at the school. The Lightning’s baseball field will play a major role in helping boost future baseball recruitment, Head Coach Brandon Trinkwon said.

“Moving forward, it’ll open us up to a broader pool of players that would wanna come and play at the school,” Trinkwon said. “I think you would come here, see the field and not really have a lot of reasons why you wouldn’t want to play here.”

Trinkwon also reflected on where the quality of this field stands when compared with the fields he has experienced throughout his own playing career. 

“There were not many high school programs that had the facilities that we have now, so it’s really awesome to have one of the top end facilities in the area. Even with my career through college, minors, even playing some big league games, this is one of the better facilities,” Trinkwon said. 

Although new features such as stadium seating and new batting cages are still under construction with expected completion by the summer, community members already very excited about the new field. 

The Lightning were expected to play at home against Portola High School on March 21.