Mr. Mike Liebdzinski, Varsity Baseball Coach, said the new turf
infield has allowed the team to have a more consistent practice
schedule and routine as they try to deal with the spring weather in
Western Pennsylvania.
“Without the turf, we would have had far fewer practices on the
Before renovation:
field and therefore been less prepared,” Mr. Liebdzinski said. “In
Norwin baseball field
addition, I think that the new field is a source of pride for the team,
(Catcher Caleb Smith)
as they have something that most schools don’t. I believe that they
see the renovations as a commitment to the baseball program. This
adds to their motivation to be successful and represent Norwin in a
positive manner.”
“As a coach, it is always about what is best for our kids
and the program. The renovations have put our program in
a position to give them the best possible training in a safe
environment. As many of them look to continue their baseball
careers in college, the new field allows us to maximize the time
we spend with them on the field, which can only help them in
the future.”
Mr. Tom Belchick, the president of the Norwin baseball
booster organization, said Norwin Knights Baseball has made
its mark in the record books and will continue to do so in the
years to come.
Construction of Ballfield
“As Norwin baseball looks to the future, we must keep in mind
what’s happened in the past,” Mr. Belchick said. “For many years
now, Norwin baseball has made its mark as a true competitor in
Western Pennsylvania. One part of Norwin’s winning formula is the
vision of the coaching staff under the direction of head coach Mike
Liebdzinski. Another part is the dedication and commitment of our
players before, during, and after the baseball season. The final part of
having a winning baseball program comes from the same dedication
and commitment from Norwin’s school board, Superintendent William
Kerr, and Athletic Director Brandon Rapp. They held true to their game
plan of providing our players with the proper equipment and field that
the players need in order to execute and win WPIAL titles.”
Mr. Ryan Weaver, the baseball team’s senior captain, appreciates
Norwin and Penn-Trafford Honor America before game in April
the upgrades to the field.
“It’s nice to be able to go out on the field every day and not have
to worry about the condition of the field or the weather impacting it,”
Mr. Weaver said.
Discussions about upgrades to the baseball field started in 2015
with the main focus being the safety of the student-athletes. All
told, the improvements totaled $303,927 and were paid from the
District’s Capital Projects Fund, which is dedicated to physical plant
improvements.
While looking at the baseball field, the District also decided
to make some improvements to the Girls’ varsity softball field to
improve safety and playability. Some of the improvements made to
the softball field included:
Chris Wallace pitching
Ryan Weaver pick-off throw to
• The addition of new infield mix
first baseman Nick Lagnese
• Laser-grading of the infield to eliminate low spots and
provide the better slope and better drainage
• The addition of new clay in the pitcher’s area and at
home plate
• The application of weed control and fertilizers
• The purchase of a removable tarp to cover the infield.
This will protect the new infield and help make the field
more playable during the spring rains.
These improvements to both the baseball and softball field
are just the start of continued improvements on athletic fields
Norwin Knights thanking Norwin School Board and taxpayers for
in the district. The District is continuing to look at all fields and this
approval of new field. Photos by Melanie Smith
year will look at making improvements to the Hahntown baseball
field and the Middle School softball field.