Erdle Field - Baseball - Facilities - Air Force Academy Athletics

Erdle Field - Baseball

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Baseball Vs SDSU (U.S. Air Force photo/Joshua Armstrong)

   Over the years, Erdle Field has become one of the toughest parks in which to play in the nation. Nestled against the Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains, Erdle Field sits at over 7,000 feet above sea level. In 1991, the field became one of the most unique in the country. Due to the severe Colorado weather, an Astroturf infield was installed with a brand new grass outfield and drainage system. The turf allowed the Falcons to play games after spring snowstorms which, in the past, would have had to be postponed. Also in 1991, the fences were moved back more than 20 feet in some spots. The current dimensions are 349 in left field, 393 in left center, 400 in center, 365 in right center and 316 in right field. The “short porch” in right field is protected by a 24-foot chain link “Monster.” As part of the renovation, the dugouts were upgraded with heaters and, permanent helmet and bat racks and the park gained space for more than 500 fans with additional seating on the grass for a capacity of more than 1,000. In the fall of 2004, the old AstroTurf infield was replaced with new Sport Turf.

        During the first five seasons after the renovation, the Falcons improved in every area of the game - team defense, team offense and team pitching. The batting average of .328 and fielding percentage of .942 were the highest in any five-year period up to that point. The team ERA consistently improved and the five-year ERA of 7.25 is the best since joining a major conference in 1981.

        As a result, the Falcons posted a 128-122 record during that time for a winning percentage of .512, the best since joining a major conference in 1981. The Falcons averaged nearly 26 wins per season in those five years, the best five-year average in school history. AFA’s home winning percentage of .550 in 2000 is the best since a .625 mark in 1995.

Erdle Field also earned national recognition as the host of the 1976 and 1995 U.S. Olympic Festivals.

Erdle Field has seen many upgrades over the past several seasons, including indoor batting cages, improved dugouts with upgraded heating system, hitter's eye and new FieldTurf surface, which includes the entire playing surface, with the exception of a dirt mound.