After over two years of construction, Cal Poly baseball’s $9.4 million clubhouse is complete. The Dignity Health Baseball Clubhouse is connected to Baggett Stadium and will be the home to Mustang baseball players for years to come. Here’s a first look at the state-of-the-art project.
A 10,679 square foot building with all the specs: A gorgeous entrance hall that has a balcony with a view of the field. In the hallways hang frames and graphics of successful Mustang alumni.
“Some old school baseball cards of a few of our ex-major league guys and one current guy,” said Larry Lee, head coach of the Cal Poly baseball team.
The coaches and manager offices overlook Baggett Stadium.
“The balcony kind of sets us apart from other facilities. (It’s) probably the best view,” said Lee “You’re elevated, you can see every position. You can judge the velocity of the pitcher and how the plays are made. It’s a great view. You still have to keep your players grounded. They’re not entitled to something like this. They still need the blue-collar work ethic.”
When you head downstairs of the two-story facility, there’s an athletes’ lounge and more.
“A great moments board, a players lounge. This is their kitchen. They can have study hall here, they can eat here, lounge here,” said Lee.
Alumni who have made it to the big leagues are on the wall in the lounge.
“We have to be able to continue so we’re going to have to take down that TV and add Mark Mathias and Spencer Howard,” said Lee ‘The players’ lounge leads right into the bullpen area.”
Cal Poly baseball continues to boast facilities that are second to none.
“We have a nice laundry room now. Before, we used to have to golf cart it down to Mott Athletic Center,” said Lee.
The main attraction – the Maas Family Locker Room.
“I’ve been in quite a few locker rooms, and this is as nice as anything in college baseball,” said Lee.
A spacious area for the team, including a huge CP lit on the ceiling, couches in the center, surrounded by 40 lockers, already personalized with next year’s roster. Former All-Americans line two walls above the lockers and graphics plastered on the others with Mustang get up.
The entire facility was completely funded by private donations. Since 2014, private donors have contributed $12 million.
“It’s all tied into who came before us. The buildings, the rooms – they have somebody’s name attached. Even though the present-day coaches and players and future coaches and players will use it, it’s all about the past. You want to be able to keep these names alive for 20-30-40 years to come.”
When it comes to recruiting, the new facility is a huge selling point.
“They should be thinking about what’s the right program to better themselves. That’s how we sell it, but we understand that facilities, what you wear – recruits are very impressionable,” said Lee. “When you bring a family, a recruit here, and they see how nice these facilities are to go along with the community it’s in, it makes it an easier sell.”
Lee says he’s extremely grateful for the new digs.
“We’re lucky. We’re really lucky,” said Lee. “We have great backing from our donors. A lot of people gave to this project.”
Lee says there are still a few finishing touches to be made, like more graphics to be placed on the walls inside the clubhouse.
