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Birdzell Field Reception, Dedication, and Game Action (April 11, 2026)

John Birdzell ’61, a four-year letterman and pitcher for the Little Giants, and his wife, JoAnn, made a $610,000 gift to have a turf infield installed for the 2026 season. As a result, the facility is now named Birdzell Field at Goodrich Ballpark.

On April 11, the College held a pregame reception and ceremony to honor the Birdzell Family and dedicate the new playing surface. BIrdzell threw out the ceremonial first pitch to his longtime battery mate, catcher Bill Boone '60.

Wabash has played in its current facility since 2011.

“I’m a lifelong baseball fan and a loyal and devoted alumnus who loved playing baseball at Wabash 65 years ago,” said Birdzell, who currently resides in 365体育博彩_365体育app-彩票*官网stfield, Indiana. “I’m also a huge fan of Coach Jake Martin and what he’s done for the baseball program both on and off the field.”

The Little Giants swept a doubleheader from Ohio 365体育博彩_365体育app-彩票*官网sleyan that afternoon, winning by scores of 5-3 and 7-4.

a group of baseball players standing in a line on a field

The 2026 Wabash Baseball team stands along the third-base line for the playing of the national anthem prior to the first game on the newly dedicated Birdzell Field at Goodrich Ballpark.

a man in a red jacket talking to another man

John Birdzell '61 (left) chats with Roger Billings '59 prior to the morning's brunch and reception.

a group of people sitting at tables in a room with large windows

A good crowd packed the Allen Center lobby.

a man wearing a red cap and a red shirt

Jason Dyer '85 chats with a tablemate.

a man wearing a name tag

Andy Wilkinson '83 enjoys a light moment.

two men in red shirts

Birdzell (left) talks with Wabash Head Baseball Coach Jake Martin '03 just prior to the ceremony's beginning.

a man in a red cap and red jacket talking to a woman

Few people love talking baseball more than Martin (left) and Birdzell!

a man touching a man's shoulder

Baseball alumnus Mike Raters '85 (right) exchanges a pleasant greeting with Birdzell.

a man standing at a podium with his hands out

Steve Hoffman '85, Senior Major Gifts and Special Projects Officer, served as the event's emcee.

a man wearing a red hat and standing at a podium

Before hustling off to his pregame duties, Marting addressed the assembled audience.

a man in red shirt and hat speaking into a microphone

Martin called the Birdzell gift, "game changing," positively affecting many aspects of the program from scheduling to game preparation to player recruiting and development.

a man sitting in a room

Wabash President Scott Feller listens intently.

a group of people sitting at a table

The Birdzell Family enjoys a laugh following a quiip from Hoffman.

a man speaking into a microphone

Feller spoke of the impacts of brotherhood and alumni involvement.

a man in a suit

Dean of Students Scott Brown was among the attendees.

a man sitting in a chair

Jim Hawksworth '95 and P'28 is a past president of the National Association of Wabash Men.

a man in a red shirt

Former catcher and alumnus Bill Boone '60 pays rapt attention.

a group of people sitting in chairs

Birzdell was all smiles during the event.

a woman in a red sweater

John Birdzell's sister, Susie Cumming, beams.

a man in a red cap

Birdzell's classmates in the Class of 1961 call themselves the "Many Milers."

a man shaking hands with another man

Birdzell accepts congratulations from Feller (right).

a man standing at a podium with a microphone

"I'd really like to begin with a hugh shout out to the Goodrich Family, because it was through their vision and generosity 15 years ago that Wabash College established an impressive and permanent baseball home," Birdzell began. "Goodrich Ballpark was a difference maker for Wabash baseball."

"I start with President Scott Feller, who is a supporter of all things good for Wabash College, and I knew he very much supported what we were attempting to get done. I'd like to thank Michelle Jansen, who hung in there with us, too, and steered a number of things in the right direction so we could get things accomplished. Of course, Steve Hoffman, Jake Martin, and Mike Raters, who all played a large role in this over the years. I'd also like to thank our new A.D. Jim Peeples, who as soon as he arrived literally on campus couldn't have been a better advocate and spokesman for the project and helped get us through to conclusion."

a man standing at a podium with a microphone

"I want Wabash to have the resources to attract talented baseball student-athletes to a program that offers a sterling education, a promising four-year playing opportunity, team continuuity, excellent facilities, and the ability to realistically and consistently compete for conference and NCAA championships," Birdzell said.

an old man speaking into a microphone

"This opportunity was created by the Wabash student experience," Birdzell said. "And it existed in 1961, just as it does today. This gift to Wabash is also intended to recognize my classmates from 65 years ago, who became lifelong friends, brothers, and colleagues."

"JoAnn and I thank you all for joining us today," he concluded. "It has been a special occasion for both of us. 365体育博彩_365体育app-彩票*官网 hope you enjoy the games, and let's get a couple of wins!"

two men wearing red jerseys

Birdzell (left) and Boone were batterymates for three seasons, 1958-60. Here they pose with commemorative jerseys prior to heading over to the ballpark.

a baseball field with people playing baseball

A look at the new Birdzell Field.

two men standing together in a baseball field

Boone (left) and Martin together pregame.

an old man in a red hat

Boone was very comfortable to be on the diamond once again.

a man in a red baseball cap and red shirt

Birdzell enjoyed his time on the playing surface that now bears his name.

a group of men wearing red baseball uniforms

Boone (center) and Birdzell (right) enjoy a pregame chat with Director of Athletics Jim Peeples...

a group of men wearing baseball uniforms

...and stopped to pose for a picture.

a person in a garment standing in a row of people

Wally Wabash led the applause from the home dugout for the day's ceremonial first pitch.

a man sitting in a stadium

Dean of the College, and arguably the biggest baseball fan on campus, takes in the scene.

a man holding a hat

Boone doffs his cap.

a man in red shirt and baseball glove standing on a field

This pitcher/catcher duo hadn't been in a Wabash uniform together since the Spring of 1960.

a man in red uniform standing on a field with a baseball glove

Birdzell readies for the delivery.

a man in red baseball uniform holding a baseball glove

He winds...

a man throwing a baseball

...and delivers.

a man throwing a baseball

Let's imagine this pitch being an 85 mph fastball.

a man throwing a baseball

As the ball zips toward home plate...

a man throwing a baseball

...crosses the strike zone...

a man in red shirt and black pants standing on a field with a baseball glove

...for a called strike! The crafty lefthander smiles proudly.

two men hugging on a field

For these two, the bonds of Wabash baseball have endured for nearly seven decades.

a group of men standing on a field

(from left) Martin, Feller, Birdzell, Boone, and Peeples following the first pitch.

a group of men wearing baseball uniforms

Threg great Wabash baseball alumni: Martin, Birdzell, and Boone.

a group of men on a field

Birdzell (right) bumps fists with Cesar Barrientos, assistant baseball coach.

a man sitting on a bench looking at a cell phone

Jim Amidon '87, direcrtor of strategic commuications, caputures a few memories.

a baseball field with a logo on it

A look at Birdzell Field at Goodrich Ballpark from behind home plate.

a group of men wearing red baseball uniforms

Miles Williams '28 (left) engages with teammates before the game.

a group of baseball players

Spirits were high around the Wabash dugout prior to Saturday's action, including Jackson Froneck '28 (center).

a baseball player throwing a ball

Caleb Everson '26 was the game one starting pitcher.

a group of men playing baseball

Shortstop Ben Henke '26 (right) and second baseman Jimmy Hawksworth '28 exit the field in the middle of the first inning.

a group of baseball players talking

Catcher Jacob Edwards '27 (center) talks with assistatnt coaches Caleb Fenimore (left) and Barrientos (right) after the visiting half of the first inning.

an old man in a red uniform

Birdzell surveys the action.

a group of people sitting in chairs with a mascot and flowers

Wally Wabash delivered flowers for JoAnn Birdzell, as she celebrated a birthday on Saturday. Also pictured is her is grandson, Callum (right).

a baseball player holding a bat

Left fielder Caleb Ellspermann '27 awaits a pitch.

a baseball player holding a bat

Henke readies in the batter's box.

a collage of a baseball player catching a ball

A Hawksworth triptych: fields, sets, throws to first base for the 4-3 put out.

a baseball player in a red uniform throwing a baseball

Everson deals in the top of the second inning.

a baseball player sliding into home plate

Edwards preapres to receive the pitch.

a baseball player in red uniform

Pitcher Trey Pitcock '27 leads the cheers in between innings.

a baseball player holding a bat

Will Wallace '26 prepares for his first at-bat.

a baseball player in red and white uniform on a field

Hawksworth takes a lead off first base.

a person wearing a red hat

Goodrich Ballpark provides a great view for every Wabash fan.

a baseball player throwing a ball

Everson delivers in the top of the third inning.

a baseball player swinging a bat

Saturday was a beautiful day for baseball at Goodrich Ballpark.

a baseball player running on a field

Third baseman Landon Basey '29 charges from his position.

a baseball player holding a bat

Edwwards in the on-deck circle.

a baseball player in red uniform

Andfrew Sun '29 is locked in to the the action.

a man in a red shirt and helmet on a baseball field

Martin looks on from the third base coaching box.

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