Rutgers Athletics Unveils Hill Training Complex
Jan 31 | Softball
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - With Rutgers baseball and softball both in preparations for the 2017 season, Rutgers Athletics officially unveiled the Fred Hill Training Complex in a ceremony on Tuesday. The dedication included remarks, the ceremonial ribbon-cutting by legendary Rutgers coach Fred Hill and a batting practice display to show off the some of the capabilities of the new facility.
"Everything we do is showing people that we can get it done and that we will get it done here at Rutgers," Director of Athletics Pat Hobbs said. "Already I am hearing from our coaches that this is changing the game in recruiting and in preparations. Good days are ahead for baseball and softball."
"I was really excited see this fantastic facility," said Hill, who won 1,089 games overall at the collegiate level. "It's a long time coming. I know what it will mean to the two programs. It will mean they won't be at a disadvantage any more in the winter when they need to get work in. It's something Rutgers can be really proud of."
"This is a first-class facility and one of the best in the nation," head baseball coach Joe Litterio said. "It is special to have this facility and I want to thank everyone who had a hand in putting it together, including coach Hill and his many years of hard work. Our team looks forward to putting it to use and it will help elevate our program in a number of ways."
"It makes all the difference in the world to our athletes," head softball coach Jay Nelson said. "Our practice time is more reasonable. Having a consistent schedule is much less stressful on the athletes because they can plan their days for the week and weeks ahead and rest assured that they would not have to change their plans due to changing practice times. Additionally, the versatility of the space is fantastic. There are six nets we can raise and lower to configure different areas of the space to accomplish separate practice areas for different purposes. The added benefit is it is much safer due to all the protective netting installed throughout. It is a great facility and will aid us in the recruiting process."
Spanning 22,500 square feet, the Hill Training Complex is equipped with state-of-the-art pitching machines, batting cages, bullpen mounds and a full turf infield. It was funded by nearly 100 generous donors to cover a cost of over $3 million. The facility serves the needs of the baseball and softball programs, allowing the teams to have a dedicated home for workouts and practices.
Hill, who led the baseball program from 1984 to 2014, won 941 games during his tenure in Piscataway. The Scarlet Knights earned 11 NCAA Regional appearances, 12 regular season conference championships and eight conference tournament titles during the veteran mentor's watch. He was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and to the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame.
Rutgers softball opens up its season Feb. 10 with a tournament at FIU, while the baseball team starts Feb. 17 with a series at Miami.
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