(Mankato, MN)—Star light… star bright will no longer be the case at Franklin Rogers Park, as a new lighting system is being installed for the 2006 season. It will be the first time "The Frank” has received new lights since 1982, while the light standards remained the same as they were since the 1960’s.
The new state-of-the-art lighting system, which will cost around $200,000, will transform what was an extremely dimly lit field and turn it into what could be "…one of the best-lit fields in the state,” according to Mankato public works supervisor Tom Severns. It calls for the complete removal of all the lights and standards currently in place before construction of the new system can begin.
The new structures will make use of single pole light standards, which are shorter and require a smaller base then the existing standards. The new lights will also illuminate the park with almost triple the amount of light in some areas.
According to Severns, illumination readings taken this winter showed footcandle levels between 9-25 on the infield and 8-22 in the outfield. Little League illumination standards call for a minimum of 50 footcandles for infields and 30 footcandles for outfields, much higher then what Franklin Rogers Park was registering. The new lights will provide nearly 70 footcandles on the infield and 50 footcandles in the outfield.
Among the other improvement slated for "The Frank” prior to the start of the 2006 season is the installation of a batter’s eye in centerfield. Providing a backdrop for hitters to pick the ball up as it leaves the pitchers hand, the batter’s eye will be another great addition to the park.
Yet another improvement being made to Franklin Rogers Park is the addition of 200 seats with backrests in the grandstand. A specially created seat, which attaches to the existing bleachers, will be installed allowing for more comfort at the ballpark. The seats will take the place of the reserved benches located directly in front of the press boxes.
Others Lighting It Up:
-Returning MoonDogs SS Brandon Crawford, of UCLA, recorded his first collegiate grand slam on Friday April, 7. It was his third long ball of the season and the first grand slam for UCLA since 2003. Crawford, who is one of two players to participate in every game for the Bruins this season, is among the top three in almost every offensive category including: average, runs, hits, 2B, 3B, homeruns and stolen bases.
-Former MoonDogs All-Star 3B Reid Fronk was named the ACC Player of the Week. Over his last five games, Fronk is hitting .579 with 3 homeruns and 9 RBI. He has also scored 10 runs, hit four doubles and one triple. He is currently on a 11-game hit streak and 6-game multi-hit streak. Last week he helped in leading the UNC Tar Heels to a 4-1 record, including a series win against No. 14 ranked Miami. On Tuesday, UNC was ranked the No. 1 team in college baseball for the first time in school history, according to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association poll.
The MoonDogs open their season on June 1 and then return to "The Frank” for their Home Opener on Friday, June 2. Season tickets, group tickets and hospitality tickets are on sale now, with single game tickets going on sale early in May. To get your tickets, call the MoonDogs ticket office at 507-625-7047 or for more information please go to www.mankatomoondogs.com.
Mankato MoonDogs– Baseball Unleashed!
