By Michael Kaplan ’13, Staff Writer

Newark Academy is amidst an era of change. Soon to be set into action, with the ground breaking for the new academic wing this summer, the Master Plan features modifications to the building that all together contribute to a much needed ‘face-lift.’ While the school building is undergoing preparations for construction, the athletic facilities are already seeing improvements.

The Newark Academy community prides itself on hardworking athletes who find themselves in a difficult Super Essex Conference, having to face some of the top teams in the state across nearly all men’s and women’s sports. These athletes deserve only the best playing fields, which is why the Master Plan features the addition of a turf field and several other enhancements to the sporting fields. Although the completion date for the long awaited turf field still hangs in the air, transformation has already begun to take place in the athletic complex with regards to other needed changes.

Even though the season is already underway, changes to the Varsity Baseball diamond are still a work in progress. In past years, the Minutemen Baseball Squad has successfully coped with outdated fences and a lack of protection on the field. It has come to the school’s attention that the outdated backstop and nonexistence of dugouts poses a threat to both the Minutemen and visiting opponents.

Although the grounds-crew does a spectacular job caring for the field on both game and practice days, their effectiveness was limited by the lack of field maintenance equipment at their disposal. In the past, the field has also taken a fair share of beatings from the harsh New Jersey winter climates, which left parts of the field in worse shape than others when spring came around. A keen eye may have observed the recent installation of a sprinkler system, which helps to keep the grass healthy and in good shape. And most importantly, one thing that the Baseball Diamond lacked was a hearty helping of Minutemen Pride. Although parents and students alike provided vocal support, there was a missing component of school spirit that made the Minutemen feel at home.

The Minutemen squad opened up the season on a strong note in response to the school’s munificent additions and renovations to the diamond. With the recent completion of an improved backstop, fans no longer find themselves in harm’s way when they are behind the field. It is tough to miss the Newark Academy banners displayed across the back of the newly fabricated dugouts, fitted with state-of-the-art field maintenance equipment. These banners reside on the brand new, fenced in dugouts that were built this past winter. “Not only does it give us the upper edge on our opponents,” captain Dave Webster ’11 states, “but it really gives us a boost of confidence. We like to see that the school genuinely cares about the baseball program.” In the Spring 2011 edition of Outreach, it was announced that the renovations to the baseball field were in part financed by an anonymous donation. Whoever that donor may be, they surely have the thanks and appreciation of not only the baseball team, but fans as well.

In addition, the mound on the field and the two mounds in the bullpens have been rebuilt to nearly professional standards. The field is beginning to look like a smaller Citi Field, or even Yankees Stadium for that matter. New maintenance equipment such as rakes and brushes, have been purchased as well to ensure that the field is well kept throughout the season. Half the battle with playing baseball in New Jersey is keeping the field well kept day in and day out. Lastly, a new sound system has been installed to have music in between innings and to have songs for when NA players walk up to the plate. The sound system adds a new source of entertainment and real-feel at the NA baseball field.

The field looks fantastic, but Newark Academy continues to strive for perfection and excellence. In the future, the field is expected to be completely leveled out to remove any bumps or unexpected mounds that may trip or cause a player to stumble. This leveling out process will also contribute to drainage and allow for the field to be more resistant to the precipitation it constantly receives. Also, the newly fenced in dugouts are expected to receive a roof and turf grounding to truly finish off these wonderful additions. The baseball diamond is soon to be one of the most modern and well-constructed fields in Essex County, and even the state for that matter.

The players and fans are truly excited for the drastic changes that have occurred to their field. The Minutemen hope to capitalize on the confidence brought about by the recent field changes to propel themselves through a successful and fun season.

As of press Men’s Varsity Baseball holds a record of 9-12.