Speeches

Medlar Field at Lubrano Park

Today is not only a great day in baseball history for Penn State, it's also a great day in Pennsylvania's baseball history.

Not only because we are creating a fantastic new athletic facility and a tourism destination for thousands of baseball devotees, but also because today marks the birthday of Reggie Jackson, the famous left-hander from Wyncote, Pennsylvania, who was the first player in major league history to amass more than 100 homeruns for three different ball clubs.

            We're hoping that Medlar Field will now be the home of more outstanding Pennsylvania ballplayers, who can say they got their start on the Penn State campus at Lubrano Park.

             Baseball has been called our national pastime. From Little League to collegiate ball, to the Minors and the Majors, Americans love the sport and are vocal and vociferous supporters. As Mickey Mantle once said, "You don't realize how easy this game is until you sit in the stands."

            The draw of baseball has already been well-proven in neighboring Blair County by the Altoona Curve organization, which has had a strong relationship with Penn State athletics. Today, with the help of the Centre County Industrial Development Authority, and the Commonwealth, Penn State's partnership with the Curve franchise is taking a tremendous step forward. At this time next year, a 6,000-seat, triple-decker stadium will be situated on this site.

            Our hopes for this ball park are high. As you have heard, it will serve as the home to a minor league team, as well as Penn State's own Nittany Lions baseball team--creating an "athletic village" in this section of campus with nearby Beaver Stadium, The Bryce Jordan Center, and the Multisport Facility.

This new ballpark represents a deep commitment to Penn State's oldest varsity sport, as well as a commitment to boosting tourism for this region. As the number two industry in Pennsylvania and a $470 million business in Centre County, tourism is an economic driver and Penn State is at the heart of it.

            In addition to providing a home for Penn State baseball and a yet-to-be named minor league team, this venue can also host high school, Big Ten, and NCAA tournaments, as well as other regional and national competitions. As an added bonus, Penn State students seeking careers in sports journalism also will be able to use the press facilities here to gain practical experience, and internship opportunities could expand.

            I'd like to take a moment to thank a number of people for their generous support for this new park. First and foremost, I'd like to thank Gov. Rendell and the Commonwealth for their public investment in this facility. I'd also like to thank Senator Corman and Senator Jubelirer for their commitment to the park and the concept of this partnership. A big thanks to the Centre County Industrial Authority, as well.  

            I would be remiss if I did not mention Anthony and Sara Jane Lubrano for their extraordinary generosity, as well as Milt and Lois Morgan, John and Ann Curley, and Chuck and Karen Koval.

            The incredible mix of private, corporate, university, and public funds that has made this park possible is about as rare as a mint condition, autographed Babe Ruth baseball card.

            I am thrilled that Penn State will play such an important role in growing the sport of baseball and I can hardly wait until June 2006 to hear the umpire shout, "Play ball!"