This could be the final year the OVC Baseball Tournament will be played at Brooks Stadium in Paducah. OVC Assistant Commissioner of Media Relations Kyle Schwartz tells me the contract between the city of Paducah and the OVC ends this year and could be renewed. Other cities have shown interest in hosting the tournament including Marion, IL. A final decision could be made soon.
Paducah has hosted the baseball tournament since 2001. Prior to landing in Paducah the event was held on campus of the top seeded team with a lighted stadium.
Obviously it's too early in the process to get excited about one city or another, but I like the idea of Marion, IL. Moving the tournament to the home of the Southern Illinois Miners (Rent One Park) is a better choice. The facility is much nicer (in all aspects) and would better handle the event. Barring a monsoon or lightning games would have a better chance of completing since the playing surface of Rent One Park is field turf and able to handle rain without major problems.
I really like Brooks Stadium..It's in great condition and best of all possesses a quality found in classic ballparks. Each time I walk up the ramp and into the grandstands I am taken back to the golden era of baseball...Baseball at Brooks is a great experience.
I'm struggling for the proper description...You just have to watch a game at Brooks Stadium to get a true feel of what I am trying to convey.
With that said...I think Brooks Stadium has served it's purpose for the OVC (and served it well). It's time for the OVC to make a statement and make the next step forward with a new and modern venue in which to hold the baseball tournament. I can think of no better park than Rent One.
It's time for the Conference to help the cause and improve its tournament.
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