ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. -- Thanks to the generosity of numerous benefactors, St. Bonaventure's baseball complex, Handler Park at McGraw-Jennings Field, will receive a $1.5 million upgrade.
Work will begin this summer and is expected to be completed in three to four months. Field improvements will include updates to the warning track, replacement of all of the protective padding on the fences surrounding the playing areas as well as the backstop. New protective netting will also be added extending down the first and third base lines.
Facility improvements will go beyond the playing field area with the construction of a new, two-tier press box. The new construction will allow room for ESPN+ and Bonnies Radio Network broadcasts with space for announcers and game operations staff.
Between the backstop and the press box, bleacher seats will be installed. Prior to this point, there have not been any permanent seats for fans attending games.
"This project will provide a better and safer setting for the players on the field, along with a much-improved experience for the fans as well as staff working at the games," Bonnies baseball head coach Jason Rathbun said. "Handler Park already boasts one of the more unique settings in the country with the beautiful Enchanted Mountain skyline. This project will bring the facility into a new era while maintaining the charm it has had for decades. We are excited about adding a grandstand area behind home plate while also keeping grass seating on the hill behind the home dugout to maintain the traditional Handler Park fan experience. The press box is a much-needed addition that will enhance the appearance of our program nationally with improved broadcasts on national streaming platforms. I can't wait to see our vision become a reality."
The entire project is being funded through private donations. St. Bonaventure alumnus Tom Marra '80 and his wife Michelle gave the lead gift to the project. Marra played baseball at St. Bonaventure for legendary coach Fred Handler, for whom the park is named.
"Tom and Michelle Marra are the reason this project got off the ground and to the finish line. I want to be the best coach that I can for this program because of them and all of our alumni," Rathbun said.
The new construction marks the first major upgrades to Handler Park since the installation of the artificial turf playing surface in 2006. The field was set in its present-day location in 1958 with a dedication ceremony naming it in honor of St. Bonaventure alumni and National Baseball Hall of Fame members John McGraw and Hugh Jennings. The facility became known as Fred Handler Park at McGraw-Jennings Field in 2006 with the conversion of the playing surface from grass to state-of-the-art Sport Turf XP. A new scoreboard was put in place in 2020.
The Buffalo News recognized Handler Park by naming it one of the Top 10 most beautiful settings to watch a baseball game in New York State.
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