Photo courtesy of gobonnies.com
BY: SEAN WALLACE; SPORTS ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
St. Bonaventure University’s baseball players praised the school’s decision to install a new artificial turf field while $1.5 million renovations continue at Handler Park at McGraw-Jennings Field.
Many fans, players and coaches continue to debate which surface is better—artificial turf or natural grass.
Handler Park featured a natural grass field until 2005. The university installed artificial turf the following year.
“I’m a big fan of turf fields,” said outfielder and first baseman Alex Hebenstreit, a senior finance major. “They are consistent and much easier to maintain. I’m very excited about the brand-new field. Natural grass is nice too, but since we get a lot of rain during the spring, I don’t think it would be reasonable,” said Hebenstreit.
Hebenstreit posted a .333 batting average with four home runs and a .500 on-base percentage in 19 games as a sophomore.
“I have experienced less injuries on turf compared to natural fields,” said Hebenstreit. “I have had my fair share of bad hops hit me while fielding ground balls in addition to scraping myself on dirt. A perfect dirt field beats a perfect turf field in my opinion, but turf fields are more consistent.”
Upgrades to Handler Park also include bleacher seating with backrests for over 400 fans, ADA accessible seating behind home plate, an updated sound system, a two-story press box, a new backstop and a netting system extending down the third base line.
“I’m really excited about the new turf renovation,” said third baseman Ryan Kucy, a senior psychology major. “Not only will it give the entire field a more elite and polished look, especially alongside all the other improvements to the baseball program, but it should also have a positive impact on player performance. I understand the debate between turf and grass, but as someone who plays third base, I appreciate knowing I’ll get a true hop on ground balls. It removes the uncertainty of bad bounces and allows me to play with more confidence.”
Kucy compiled a .295 batting average while tallying 23 runs batted in, six stolen bases and an additional home run in his sophomore season at Northeastern Junior College.
“I have seen more injuries on poorly maintained natural grass fields. When a field is not maintained properly, the risk of injuries, like rolled ankles, increases due to divots or uneven surfaces. I feel turf provides a more consistent and safer playing surface overall. I’m grateful to the baseball program and the donors for investing in this upgrade. It is a huge step forward for the team and the program,” said Kucy.
The entire project is funded through private donations. Alumnus Tom Marra ’80 and his wife, Michelle, donated the lead gift. Marra played baseball at Bonaventure under coach Fred Handler, the park’s namesake.
“In my opinion, a turf field is better for where we live,” said utility player Chris Hoalcraft, a junior sports studies major. It’s hard to maintain a nice, natural dirt and grass field in any part of the northeast. We play home games starting in March, and it could still snow then, so you never know,” said Hoalcraft.
Hoalcraft started 26 games and appeared in 30 during his sophomore season while hitting .237 with six doubles, a home run and 14 RBIs along with a .345 on-base percentage.
“I have not noticed more injuries on our field or any turf field for that matter because of the turf. I will say, a perfectly maintained dirt and grass field is about as good as it gets. However, in college, I would prefer to play on a turf field. That’s only because a lot of schools don’t have the ability to maintain a natural grass field,” said Hoalcraft.
Renovations are expected to be completed before the start of the 2026 season.
