Everything to know about Hillsdale Charger baseball's home opener at newly built stadium
HILLSDALE — After a trip out to Missouri and Pennsylvania created a five-game skid for the Chargers, the Hillsdale College baseball team returns home to open the GMAC league season. It's a marquee matchup not just for the rivalry, but also for the historical implications the game has for the Chargers.
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It'll be the first game played in the newly built TFO Partners Field at Lenda and Glenda Hill Stadium on Saturday, March 16.
“We are very grateful to both TFO Partners and Lenda and Glenda Hill for making this new state-of-the-art field possible,” said Head Baseball Coach Tom Vessella. “The new facility will greatly enhance our program, allowing us to host more events and stand out as an attractive destination for future Hillsdale baseball players.”
The TFO Partners Field, on the north side of the Roche Sports Complex, was constructed in 2024 to replace Simpson Field, the home of Chargers baseball since 1961. The state-of-the-art turf field and lighting allows for play in a variety of different weather conditions and at night. It also features a new video board past the outfield fence. Along with the field, the new Lenda and Glenda Hill Stadium that contains it includes a newly constructed grandstand with seating for 300 spectators, a press box, concession stand, and bathrooms.
Admission for all Hillsdale College baseball games is free to the public, and the Hillsdale College Athletic Department is encouraging the community to help celebrate the opening of the new field this weekend. Along with the game, the College will have giveaways for spectators who arrive early to the doubleheader on Saturday, while supplies last.
The double-header is the first of two to be played this weekend. A total of four matchups between the Oilers and Chargers will take place this weekend, weather permitting. The Chargers will play again on Sunday, same starting times as Saturday's games.
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It truly is the kickoff of spring sports for Hillsdale College baseball and the area. It will be the first home series for either the baseball or softball teams.
This is the third year the team has been under coach Tom Vessella, and the group is coming off a 20-win conference season, a top four finish in G-MAC standings and a G-MAC tournament appearance. The Oilers and Chargers are pretty much neck-and-neck as far as the programs' recent success goes.
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Findlay will have big-hitter Cam Farrar take the field, batting .412 this season with 16 RBIs. Findlay will more than likely deploy starters Logan Bragg or Carson Mellot at the mound.
The key to the Charger 2024 season will be to find consistency across the board, with holes to fill in their line. All-Region first baseman Will Shannon shook off the rust this past weekend after missing time with injury and should be in the lineup on Saturday. Seniors Jeff Landis and Joe Hardenbergh will be in the lineup, as well as four-year starters Danny Passinault and catcher Jaekob Sallee.
On the mound, is junior Andrew George who has impressed early as a closer, earning two saves, a win and a 0.00 ERA in five appearances. Three Charger pitchers have four starts. Freshman Daniel Higdon has a 5.82 ERA and 15 strikeouts without a win or a loss. Daly Skees, senior, has a 10.05 ERA and six strikeouts, currently at 0-3 in those starts. Tommy MacLean stands at 1-1 with a 7.82 ERA and six strikeouts in 12.2 innings pitched.
Hillsdale has won six of its last nine contests against Findlay, including the G-MAC Tournament victory last season. The Oilers were picked to finish fifth in the G-MAC in the 2024 Preseason Coaches Poll, while Hillsdale was close behind in a tie for sixth place.
Saturday should see partly cloudy skies with a breezy high of 57℉ and a low of 31. Sunday will be a chilly afternoon with a high of 39. It will be windy both days.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Everything to know about Charger's home opener at TFO Partners Field
