New Baseball Dugout and Net System Elevates Baseball Program

Kingswood Oxford School recently installed a set of dugouts and a net system to their baseball field. The school competes in the New England Preparatory Council Athletic Council (NEPSAC) league. Within this league, not many schools have this innovative dugout and net system. 

“When you come to campus and you see the dugouts and net system, it leaves an impression, said Director of Athletics Josh Balabach. “It is a sign you care about your program and your team and are invested in it.” The net system, in particular, is one that is often seen in professional, minor league, and college basketball teams, and has many advantages including providing a better viewing for fans, and better safety. In addition to the improved aesthetics, the net will also cut down significantly on the number of balls lost and the potential for hitting parked cars. 

The school partnered with FI Construction for the build and installation, a company they have used for other campus projects. The planning process for the project began this past August, and the build itself around mid-December. It was completed over spring break.

The team is incredibly strong and excited to have the season underway, coming off of a great showing in Florida for their spring training. The lineup has a depth of talent, in particular, with their pitching. The Wyverns have two pitchers, Devin Wolff ‘23 and Adam Merritt ‘24, heading to Division I programs. The team’s catching is another area of strength Coach Ryan Rad said.

The project was funded by generous members of the KO community, including lead donors Thor and Joline Swanson P ’15, ’16, ’21, ’25, Karen Diaz-Meaike P ’19, ’22 and Shawn Meaike P ’19, ’22, and Keith and Kris Wolff P ’20, ’23. Additional generous donors were Brad Hoffman P ’07, Lee and Monica Gold P ’23, ’26, Leigh and John Kumpa P ’24, Elaine and Jerry Leshem P ’14, ’16, ’19, ’22, ’24, Susan, and Evan Taback P ’28, and Michalee and Mark Merritt P ’21, ’24.