User:MariaGuilfoyle/sandbox/Hoffer Field

Hoffer Field is a collegiate baseball facility. It is located on the campus of Judson University which is in Elgin, Illinois. Judson University’s baseball program is a part of the NAIA and the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC). Hoffer Field is the home of the Judson Eagles, however the facility hosts many other events and teams throughout the year.

History

Hoffer Field is named after Robert A. and Helen Hoffer. In 1953, the Hoffer’s founded a small local company in Elgin, Illinois. The name of their business is Hoffer Plastics Corporation and is now a large company, which supports numerous projects within the Elgin community. Hoffer field was funded largely by The Hoffer Foundation. Through the years, Hoffer Field has gone through many renovations, including replacing a dirt and grass infield with synthetic turf and converting its concrete stands into metal bleachers.

Features

Two distinct features that set Hoffer Field apart from other collegiate baseball facilities in the area is the synthetic turf infield and stadium lights. It is because of these features which allowed Judson University to host the CCAC Baseball Conference Tournament for many years. Hoffer field also has two turf batting cages and a newly furnished turf bullpen. The dimensions of the field are as follows: 320 feet to left field, 400 feet to center field, and 300 feet to right field. Hoffer Field offers limited foul territory. The facility is located beside the Fox River, which runs just beyond the left field wall. The river, along with a line of trees stretching across the outfield wall, provides the facility with beautiful scenery. A fan seated in the metal stands located behind home plate can enjoy a wonderful view and exciting baseball game at the same time. There is also a concession stand and press box located behind the bleachers. Alcohol and tobacco are not permitted during any events on Hoffer Field, or Judson University.

Events

CCAC Conference Tournament

Hoffer Field hosted the CCAC Conference Tournament for five baseball seasons, from 2014 to 2018. The tournament consisted of the eight best teams from the regular conference season. The winner of the double elimination tournaments earned an automatic birth to the NAIA National Opening Round. By hosting the event, Judson University gained home field advantage for the tournament, however had to provide workers and proper amenities for the facility.

Prep Baseball Report Showcases

Judson University has been renting out Hoffer Field to Prep Baseball Report, a high school scouting organization. Prep Baseball Report has been hosting showcases on Hoffer Field since 2018, where top athletes from across the country have showed their talents. By hosting these events on Hoffer Field, Judson's baseball program is able gain exposure and have easy access to high end talent and potential prospects.

Travel Baseball Tournaments

Hoffer Field hosts many high school baseball tournaments during the summer months. The main organization that rents out the field for these events is Diamond Sport Promotions. Judson University’s baseball program benefits financially by renting out their facility.

Chicago Suburban Baseball League (CSBL) Games

Hoffer Field has also been the home site for two summer collegiate baseball organizations. Both members of the CSBL (Chicago Suburban Baseball League), the Romeoville Royals and Crystal Lake Cardinals have made Hoffer Field their home. The Royals used the facility from 2013 to 2015, while the Cardinals are still currently using it.

References

1. Baseball 2019 Hoffer Field. (n.d.). Retrieved February 18, 2020, from http://www.judsoneagles.com/sport/baseball/2018-19/Hoffer_Field

2. Mike Guilfoyle, Judson University Head Baseball Coach

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External links

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