By By Chris Vaccaro
While most facilities on campus are dormant or used sparingly for summer camps and instructional sessions at the University, a professional sports team will consume one of the fields. The New York/New Jersey Juggernaut of the National Fast Pitch (NFP) softball league will play its home games at Hofstra Softball Stadium.
After winning the NFP championship last season while playing at Montclair State University Softball Stadium, the team disbanded. Current owner John Schmitz, of Huntington, attended games last year and pondered the idea of having a professional softball club on Long Island.
Knowing Schmitz was interested in ownership, the league contacted him, and with little hesitation a new franchise was born.
The University was approached by the NFP and the proper paperwork was filed. The process went smoothly, and the Juggernaut vacancy is similar to that of renting a facility on campus.
“People can reach Hofstra with ease, and our softball program has been successful and has great facilities,” Athletic Director Jack Hayes said. “More people are now introduced to our campus, which is good for our institution and athletic programs.”
The decision to allow the Juggernaut to play at the University also means the return of former Pride softball standout Alicia Smith, who still holds the school records for most games played (63), at bats (727), hits (271), and doubles (54).
“I can’t convey the emotions I feel about returning here in words,” Smith said. “My experience playing at Hofstra helped mold and shape me into the person I am. A lot of tradition has been built on that field.”
Located next to the Hofstra Arena and across from the Recreation Center, the softball stadium is in the heart of the University’s athletic quarters. Constructed in 2000, the stadium consists of a bullpen area, batting cages, sunken dugouts, outfield sod and a press box above the bleachers.
Approximately 1000 spectators can view games, a huge difference from the Juggernaut’s previous venue, which only held 260 seats.
New upgrades were implemented before the season started in early June. Musco lights were added, as well as additional bleacher seats in the outfield.
“They’ve done a nice job setting it up for us,” Smith said. “Hopefully this first year will go good and something long term will happen.”
While no long term plans have been discussed, the Juggernaut is concentrating on defending its championship and playing well for Long Island.
The stadium is fair for both hitters and pitchers, holding dimensions of 190 feet down both the left and right field lines, and 220 feet to straightaway centerfield.
One noticeable negative trait of the venue is the rigid and hard texture of the field. Also, like many stadiums, the wind has the ability to alter games.
“The field can be a little hard,” Smith said, who is very familiar with its characteristics. “The wind is going to impact a lot of our games also.”
The Juggernaut plays 28 home games, which fall between June 2 and July 31, and end the season with 13 games on the road. If the team plays anything like the Pride has played on its home turf, then a successful season is imminent. The Pride is 143-23 all time at the Stadium, including 41-3 in conference games.
While many commemorative banners line the outfield walls honoring the Pride, the Juggernaut will try to add its own piece of history during this monumental season.
Former Pride star Alicia Smith is using her many talents to bolster a strong Juggernaut team as it plays all its home games at her alma mater´s stadium. (Photo Courtesy Athletic Dept.)