Baseball Field Improvements to Serve as Phase One; Softball Field and Indoor Enhancements Planned as Phase Two Dock Spiders to Remain at Marian University Through 2050
The collaboration between the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders and the Marian University Sabres has always been a home run for the Fond du Lac community. But now, the two are taking the baseball experience in Fond du Lac to the next level, with a plan to introduce artificial turf to Herr-Baker Field. The installation of AstroTurf to the baseball field is projected to be completed by Spring 2026.
The new AstroTurf surface offers significant benefits for both sports and the community. The field will be playable very early in the spring and immediately after rain, meaning no downtime between games and a reliable schedule for teams. It also provides a reduced injury risk for athletes. For Marian University, the upgrades will make the baseball program impressive to recruits and attractive to tournament directors, helping to showcase Fond du Lac as a sports destination. Beyond baseball, the new turf will allow Herr-Baker Field to host a wider variety of community events, such as concerts, tournaments, movie nights, and camps.
Herr-Baker Field will be the first phase of improvements, followed by AstroTurf additions to Marian’s softball field and Lenz Field House slated to be completed later in 2026. As part of these field improvements, the Dock Spiders and Marian University have extended their partnership agreement through 2050.
Destination Lake Winnebago Region, the community’s official Visitors Bureau, served as the pacesetter for this project. Their contribution of $100,000 in support of promoting sports tourism in the area marked the first investment in this collaboration. Additional financial and in-kind support was provided by National Exchange Bank & Trust, the Barbara and Peter Stone Foundation, the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders, the Baker Family Foundation, Wrightway Home Improvements, Holiday Automotive, Excel Engineering, and C.D. Smith Construction.
AstroTurf was selected as the project’s artificial turf provider. Herr-Baker Field will feature the same AstroTurf system as fields recently completed at the University of Iowa, Washington State University, Ohio State University, Virginia Tech, the University of Oklahoma, and Belmont University. AstroTurf is also used at Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays.
“From home plate to hometown pride, the Dock Spiders–Marian University partnership strengthens our community and invites the world to C’mon in,” said Destination Lake Winnebago Region President Craig Molitor. “Destination Lake Winnebago Region is proud to continue its tradition of investing in our community’s sports-tourism growth, building on the recent, similarly generous, contribution to the Blue Line Ice Facility. The Dock Spiders–Marian University collaboration is a perfect example of a project that enhances our region’s vibrancy and quality of life while also inviting visitors to experience all we have to offer.”
“With these investments in enhancing our baseball and softball fields, we are deeply grateful for the support of our local businesses, organizations, and leaders. Adding turf to Herr Baker Field is just the start of our commitment to creating toptier facilities. This is the beginning of an ongoing investment in experiences for our students, our community partners, and in building a vibrant hub for community events,” said Aaron Sadoff, President of Marian University. “We couldn’t be more excited to continue our incredible partnership with the Dock Spiders and our many community supporters, bringing a stateof-the-art facility to our community for everyone to enjoy.”
“This project is a game changer for the community,” said Dock Spiders General Manager Jim Misudek. “The number and types of events that we and Marian University can hold at the facility will benefit everyone in the area. With these additions, upgrades, and improvements, we are tremendously pleased to continue our unparalleled partnership with Marian for at least the next 25 years.”
ABOUT THE FOND DU LAC DOCK SPIDERS
The Fond du Lac Dock Spiders are members of the Northwoods League, the premier summer collegiate baseball league of its kind, and boast over 400 former players in the Major Leagues. The Dock Spiders have won two Northwoods League Championships (2018 & 2020) and are proud to have eight former players reach Major League Baseball, as well as 45 players drafted by MLB teams. During a season that runs from May through August, the Dock Spiders play 36 regular season home games each year at Marian University’s Herr-Baker Field. The Dock Spiders provide a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, reflective of their mission to “create the best entertainment experience in Wisconsin so that every guest walks away with a smile and the desire to return.”.
ABOUT MARIAN UNIVERSITY
Marian University was established in 1936 by the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes, a pioneering group of religious sisters in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The university has a rich tradition of dedication to the education of the whole person, providing a diverse range of undergraduate and master’s degrees across its main campus and online. The university has over 1,100 students, which it draws from Wisconsin and 48 other states, 15 countries, and six continents.