Update May 15 2 p.m.:The City of Ansonia says a baseball game scheduled for 5 p.m. at Nolan Field has been canceled:
“Due to the severity of predicted thunderstorms arriving by 5 p.m. (game time) today, the college baseball game at Nolan Field has been cancelled,” the city announced. “Wednesday rain date also remains in jeopardy due to Nolan Field’s infield poor drainage. Any changes will be announced Wednesday morning.”
Original post follows below.
Final preparations are being made as the City of Ansonia gets ready to welcome the first ever Division I college baseball game at Nolan Field – Sacred Heart University vs. University of Albany – on Tuesday May 15. Rain date is May 16.
Game time is 5PM with gates opening at 3PM. Admission is $5 adults and $3 students. All net proceeds from the game will benefit Ansonia Youth Sports Programs.
Stamford resident Bobby Valentine, a former Major League player, and former manager of both the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox, and current Athletic Director at SHU, will be on hand for the game and will make the ceremonial first pitch to Mayor Dave Cassetti.
In preparation for Tuesday’s regular season college game, assorted improvements were made to the baseball diamond to bring it up to Division I standards including building a new pitchers mound, adding a visitor bullpen and upgrading the home team bullpen.
Each team will arrive with rosters of 30 ballplayers representing a combined nine states of MA, RI, CT, NY, VA, NJ, TN, FL, PA and countries of Argentina and Canada.
Nolan Field’s concession stand will be open and operated by 5th Ward Alderman Chicago Rivers with net proceeds going to benefit Ansonia’s Pop Warner football program.
“I encourage city residents to come out and support this unique sporting event,” said Mayor Cassetti. “What better way to kick off the summer by watching high caliber Division I baseball in our own intimate backyard setting.”
Foul balls in the stands will be souvenirs for fans attending.
The SHU Pioneers, originally picked to finish third in the Northeast Conference, currently have a 9 – 12 won-lost record in conference play. The UOA Great Danes, a member of the America East Conference, are currently 8 – 10 won-loss in their conference play.
