Emporia State University’s baseball field will soon proudly bear the name Turnbull Field in honor of long-time Hornet baseball fan and ESU supporter Mike Turnbull. The name is in recognition of a $650,000 lead gift from the Turnbull Foundation in support of $1.3 million in improvements to the Hornet baseball facility. This project will support renovations for baseball at Emporia State’s Trusler Sports Complex, most notably funding new turf for the baseball infield and outfield.
The spirit behind the gift from the Turnbull Foundation and the naming of the field is to honor and recognize Turnbull’s passion for helping others. He loved Hornet baseball, but his involvement went far beyond cheering on the team. He made a point of getting to know the players and encouraged their growth as a mentor and friend on and off the field.
“Mike was a very vibrant personality, and his heart was bigger than anybody I've known,” said Josh Stratman, a former Hornet baseball player and member of the Turnbull Foundation Board. “He helped me understand the importance of laying the groundwork when I was a student-athlete at ESU and continued to be my mentor throughout my life. I think when it came to helping people, whether it was Hornet baseball or the Emporia community, he was able to empower people with the confidence to be successful. He's changed a lot of lives, and I'm so glad he's still able to make an impact today.”
This contribution, along with others made to renovate the baseball facility, will be key to taking the Hornet baseball program to the next level.
“We are grateful to the Turnbull Foundation for this gift. It’s hard to overstate the opportunities it is unlocking. The addition of a fully turfed infield and outfield elevates our program as it complements our on-site amenities of an indoor batting facility, weight room and locker room,” said David Spafford, vice president and director of ESU Athletics. “These improvements allow the team to practice and play at home in different weather conditions and host conference tournaments. This will help significantly in our recruitment efforts.”
The baseball field has previously carried an honorary name for Dr. Robert Glennen, Emporia State University president from 1985 to 1997. Glennen will continue to be recognized with a plaque at Trusler Sports Complex in his honor and sharing the story of his many achievements.