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player ready...The new minor league baseball stadium in Joliet will become home to a city-based college team next year.
The University of St. Francis has signed an agreement with Joliet to lease Silver Cross Field, the $27 million stadium being built by the city. The downtown park will open in May, when the Joliet JackHammers make their debut in the independent Northern League.
This week, the City Council unanimously approved a five-year deal with the school to use the park, which will accommodate 6,675 fans. The St. Francis Saints will play there from 2003 through 2007.
“We think it is a great day for the University of St. Francis and the city to be collaborating with us,” Lina Sims, the school’s vice president for student affairs, told the City Council.
The Saints now play on Gillespie Field at Joliet Catholic Academy, sharing it with the high school’s team.
The Saints have won an NCAA division two-level national championship in 1993. Several alumni have played for major league teams, including current Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Steve Parris.
“This adds to the great tradition that we’ve had in baseball,” Saints athletic director Dave Laketa said. “We’ve had more than 20 years at a great facility and this is a step up.”
St. Francis will pay $42,660 a year to lease the field for 20 games in March, April and May. The college also will buy a $4,000 tarp to protect the field.
The JackHammers, who play their games from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day weekend, will have priority over the Saints. The JackHammers are leasing the park from Joliet for 15 years.