MSU Softball Stadium

On a March 28, 2004, the Montclair State softball program added a new chapter to its history as the Red Hawks took to the field in the new MSU Softball Stadium against Ramapo College. In the bottom of the first inning, Kari McDonnell launched the first home run in the new stadium and was met at home plate by her teammates in huge celebration. It would be the first of many in Montclair’s new home in 2004.One of the finest on-campus softball complexes in the Northeast, the MSU Softball Stadium holds approximately 265 seats made up of bleacher type and stadium molded seats and also contains a press box, locker rooms, restrooms, storage and concession area. A state-of-the-art scoreboard is located in left-center field and the stadium also has lights and an artificial surface (Field Turf) that looks, feels and plays like grass. In 2009, the Montclair State University Softball Stadium served as the host site for the NCAA Division III Softball Championship. Construction on the stadium began shortly after the Red Hawks’ final game at May 11, 2003 with the field component completed by late September. On April 20th, prior to the Red Hawks’ twinbill with Kean University, the stadium held its official “Grand Opening” that included MSU President Susan Cole as well as Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver, Assemblyman Peter Eagler and other local and regional dignitaries. The pre-game ceremony culminated with the “first-pitch” thrown by Carmen Berra, wife of Baseball Hall of Famer and New York Yankees legend Yogi Berra. The Quarry has been home of Montclair State softball since the 1970’s. In 1997, the Red Hawks moved to the all-purpose grass area when construction of Yogi Berra Stadium began. MSU fashioned a 114-25 record (.820) in seven seasons at the “new” Quarry Field, capping each of the last four campaigns with an ECAC Division III South championship title.