After experiencing his share of issues on the prior field, Northern Lehigh head baseball coach Gerald Kresge welcomed the Bulldogs’ new stadium.

It has been a process that has ignited both nostalgia, and anticipation.

“When I was in school, our field was so bad that we used Bryfogle Park to play all our games and some practices,” said Kresge, a 1990 Northern Lehigh graduate who played four years.

“We appreciate all those involved in getting this facility completed — administration, school board, athletic directors, and St Luke’s. Our players have taken great pride in the new field. We don’t have to ask them to take, tamp, clean up, etc.”

Northern Lehigh recently unveiled the new, roughly $2 million baseball and softball stadium that has a fence around the field, batting cages, bullpens, and a concession stand. A Ring Of Honor ceremony was held that day — March 21 — that honored former softball standout Amy Croll, who excelled on the mound from 1991-93, and it began a new chapter for both programs.

Kresge has appreciated the new amenities.

“The cages and bullpen are a huge benefit to the program,” said Kresge. “Where we used to have to hit live on the field or pop up nets, we now have two live pitching tunnels, four permanent soft toss stations and a dedicated area we use for live bunting practice.”

Head softball coach Dan Caruso definitely had a heightened sense of excitement for the new stadium. Unlike Kresge, Caruso has limited memories of the old field.

“Playing on our new high school softball fields for the first time feels incredible — there’s a real sense of pride and excitement stepping onto a space built just for us,” said Caruso. “It makes the game even more special, and motivates us to give it everything we’ve got.

“I’ve only coached for one season at the old field, and I don’t think I’ll miss anything about that field. I am honored that I got to coach these great young ladies in the inaugural season of this multi-million dollar stadium.”

Northern Lehigh Superintendent Dr. Matthew J. Link knew it was time for a change.

“The project began in the planning stage nearly four years ago, and it was absolutely necessary,” he stressed. “Our student-athletes deserved a safe, functional, and high-quality softball and baseball complex. Prior to this project, neither field had fencing to contain the field of play, which was not consistent with other competition fields in the Colonial League.”

The players have relished the change of scenery. A new field has certainly generated new outlooks.

Senior softball captain and outfielder Kylee Snyder enjoys being part of a new segment of history.

“I enjoy playing on the new field a lot,” said Snyder. “It marks new beginnings for our team. We are able to make new traditions and be part of the history of the field. Our team is definitely grateful for the new complex and enjoys being able to practice and play on it this season.

“I think everyone is just grateful to have the fields done and ready for the season. It does make a difference for us as a team. The major thing is being able to practice outside of our school, and not having to drive to another facility.”

Snyder still plans to keep her memories from the prior field.

“I have a lot of memories from the old field, as that was the field that carried us to a district championship both my freshman and sophomore year,” said Snyder. “I hit my first ever home run on that field, so there are a lot of good memories for me personally.

“I remember when we were finally able to get a pop-up fence on the old field my eighth grade year, and now, my senior year, we have this new beautiful complex.”

Senior baseball co-captain, catcher Brayden Buskirk, likes the new environment and its ramifications.

Like Snyder, though, the memories of the previous field will linger.

“The new field looks great, and it creates a new atmosphere that my fellow teammates and I haven’t ever really had,” said Buskirk. “It will benefit my team by bringing more fans in to watch games, and give us the opportunity to maximize practice chances to become a well rounded team.

“The thing I will miss most about the old field is all the memories of playing with the old seniors, including my brother.”

Outfielder Chris Vargas, another senior co-captain, has savored the new aspects and continues to cherish the past.

“We couldn’t really warm up properly pitching and hitting because there just wasn’t really anything there to use,” said Vargas. “One thing I will miss about the old field is just the old-school vibe it gave off and the closed concrete dugouts were nice to block the cold wind out.

“I get a feeling when I’m going out to the field it’s to play a playoff game every time, and sometimes there are a lot of fans there so just the energy that is there is nice.”

Kresge is confident the new stadium will be a springboard for success.

“Our players now step on the field with enthusiasm,” said Kresge. “We have a renewed excitement for our baseball program, and now having this facility just adds to the excitement for Bulldog baseball and softball.”