Photo courtesy of gobonnies.com
BY: SAWYER BURKE AND SAM SWEATMAN; STAFF WRITERS
Handler Park at McGraw-Jennings Field is getting a $1.5 million facelift this offseason, marking one of the most significant upgrades to St. Bonaventure University’s baseball facilities.
Developments began in May after being delayed in 2024 and are expected to be completed before the start of the 2026 spring season.
The project is being funded entirely through private donations, with most of the support provided by Tom Marra, a 1980 St. Bonaventure graduate, and his wife, Michelle.
The Marras’ names also appear on the St. Bonaventure Athletic Complex. A former Bonnies baseball player, Marra was coached by the late Fred Handler, for whom the park is named.
The upgrades include new netting, updated bleacher seating holding up to 400 fans, a concourse, a two-story press box and an updated sound system.
Fans of Bonnies baseball can still fill the hill, but now there is more accessible seating for those who need it.
The last development to Handler Park came in 2006, when the field’s natural grass was replaced by artificial turf.
The move also has changed St. Bonaventure from the only Atlantic 10 baseball venue to not feature official seating.
Bonnies baseball Head Coach Jason Rathbun shared his thoughts on the project.
“Facilities matter in Division I athletics, so having better facilities is something that’s important when recruits come on campus,” said Rathbun. “Having this facility is definitely going to help with recruiting. I think it’s a commitment to us as a Division I program in trying to catch up with other Division I programs and this renovation puts us as the top A-10 on-campus field.”
Rathbun added that significant electrical work is also taking place.
The first phase of construction took place last fall and included replacing the padding on the outfield wall. The older fence needed improvements for both safety and aesthetics.
Rathbun also added that while these renovations might not feel very glamorous for players, they are still excited about the new upgrades, and it is important to recognize that the design of this project was a vision of alumni, coaches, players and administrators. Many people gave their input for this project.
“I don’t think it’s a typical layout,” said Rathbun. “It’s going to feel specific to St. Bonaventure. The press box is going to be brick; it’s going to have the Spanish tile roofing on it.”
Vice President and Director of Athletics Bob Beretta remained ambitious to have the development be one of several athletic renovations.
“It’s really important that we enhance the experience for all 400 of our student athletes,” Beretta said. “We’re playing catch up fast, and we need to continue to evolve.”
“I think a common thread in all of the renovations that we’ve undertaken here since May and will be moving forward is that we want to set a high standard of excellence,” said Beretta. “We want to be first class in everything that we do.”
The infield, which has not been replaced in nearly 15 years, will be resurfaced with new turf. The final phase of construction will begin once the Bonnies finish their fall season in a few weeks.
