The Fond du Lac Dock Spiders and Marian University Sabres 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 field will be playable very early in the spring and immediately after rain. It also provides a reduced injury risk for athletes. It will assist Marian University with recruitment and hosting tournaments and 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 with a contribution of $100,000. 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.
