EVENTS

Still in its infancy since reopening last fall, there have already been some memorable moments at the newly renovated Mike Sheppard, Sr. Stadium at Owen T. Carroll Field.

Men’s soccer handed Creighton its first BIG EAST loss of the season with a 1-0 victory on Oct. 4, 2019. Two seniors scored on senior night as women’s soccer toppled Providence, 4-1, on Oct. 31, 2019. In the first baseball game on campus since 2018, the Pirates scored 10 runs in the first two innings on its way to a 13-3 win over Fairleigh Dickinson on March 11.

Another memorable moment occurred on March 10, when a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the completed renovation of the facility. Speakers at the event included university president Dr. Joseph E. Nyre, director of athletics & recreation Bryan Felt, head baseball coach Rob Sheppard and women’s soccer student-athlete Dani Camilleri. Father John Dennehy did the honors of blessing the facility.

The facility has been drastically enhanced with the fan and studentathlete experience in mind. Updates include permanent restrooms,

chairbacks for the baseball and soccer seating areas, enclosed press boxes, new Field Turf and new, standardized baseball dugouts which are similar to those at the professional level. Also, a brick façade was constructed that encloses the baseball diamond, giving it a true ballpark aesthetic.

named in honor of Mike Sheppard, Sr., a Seton Hall University studentathlete, coach and professor for more than 60 years who passed away on April 6, 2019. In his 31 years as head baseball coach, Sheppard, Sr. won 998 games, led the Pirates to 12 NCAA Regionals and two College World Series and coached eight first-round draft picks.

The COVID-19 outbreak forced a hold on the planned renovations to historic Walsh Gymnasium, but the plans are still fully moving forward with enhancements to begin in the summer of 2021. A campus icon since 1939 and home to the Seton Hall basketball and volleyball programs, Walsh Gym will be upgraded and modernized, while keeping its nostalgic charm. Enhancements will include chairback seating on both levels, new scoreboards and sound, as well as new branding, paint and paneling.

Support for this, and future Pride and Excellence Capital projects, is always needed. Please contact the Pirate Blue Athletic Fund at 973-275-6447 or pirateblue@shu.edu to make a gift or for more information.

Now is your chance to own a piece of history. The Seton Hall Department of Athletics has opened registration to purchase original historic Walsh Gymnasium chairs, chair-backs and seats! Part of your purchase will be tax deductible and thus considered a contribution to the Pirate Blue Athletic Fund.

Chairs are on sale now with limited quantities available! These could be a great holiday gift for loyal Pirates fans! Please reach out to the Pirate Blue Office directly at (973) 275-6447 for more information.