The Woods Creek bottom behind the VMI Barracks holds one of the most unusual and scenic collegiate baseball parks - Herb Patchin Field.
Nestled into the northern slope of Institute Hill, and built over Woods Creek, the current Patchin Field was dedicated on April 5, 1988, with Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio on hand to usher in a new era for VMI baseball. The Keydets dropped their first game in their new home to Virginia, 11-5, but went on to post a 10-5 record at the "The Patch" in its first season, and capture the Southern Conference North Division title.
The current Patchin Field is just a few hundred feet away from the former Patchin Field diamond that served VMI baseball in the 60's, 70's and early 80's. The upgraded playing facility represents the commitment by the Institute, its alumni, and fans toward the establishment of a quality baseball program at VMI.
The Patchin Field diamond features a completely enclosed playing service, refinished dugouts, a revamped public address system, and clubhouse facilities located adjacent to the field. The improved facility was constructed in the current location as part of a 2.2 million dollar program of capital improvements to VMI athletics over a three-year period.
More improvements were made in subsequent years, as part of the VMI Baseball Endowment Campaign. Additional windscreens were added, the dugouts were repainted featuring the VMI baseball logo, and bullpens and batting cages were improved. In 1997, a new scoreboard was installed beyond the left field fence.
In the fall of 2000, a new infield and drainage system was installed, improving the field's look and durability. After the 2001 season, a new outfield was installed with a new sprinkler system,and other improvements included a graded infield, new sideline fences, new batting cages constructed beyond the outfield, and closed in bullpens.
The field is named after Herb Patchin, who was head athletic trainer and director of physical education at VMI for 34 years before his death in 1963. Long-time "dean" of Southern Conference trainers, Herb Patchin was one of the 26 original selections to the Helms Hall of Fame for Athletic
Trainers, and his nbame is inscribed in the International Sports Shrine in Los Angeles, California.
Adjacent to the baseball diamond is the Patchin Field Clubhouse, where locker rooms are located. The facility features locker space for each player on the team, coaching dressing and offices, showers, visiting lockers, and an auxilary training room featuring a taped bench, two whirlpools, and four treatment beds.
