Updated 3/3/2011 - DELTA NATURAL KRAFT FIELD OPENS WITH A SERIES WIN

The new Delta Natural Kraft field in the Torii Hunter Baseball, Softball, and Little League Complex on the campus of The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff got off to a good start with a 2 games to 1 series win against Chicago State.

UAPB recovered from a devastating opening game 15–2 loss on Saturday to dominate game two of the double header with a crushing 17-1 victory over the Cougars in seven innings. The Golden Lions squeezed out a 10-9 series finale on Sunday afternoon.

Earlier in the week the Golden Lions were busy putting the finishing touches on the stadium, which is located near the intersection of University Drive and McFadden Road on a 12.5 acre plot donated by Delta Natural Kraft. UAPB coach Carlos James said, “We have our own piece of Pine Bluff here.”

Updated 11/29/2010 - UAPB BASEBALL COMPLEX CONSTRUCTION NEARING COMPLETION OF FIRST TWO PHASES

The first and second phases of the new $9 million Torii Hunter Baseball, Softball and Little Complex and Delta Natural Kraft Field at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is nearing completion. The first two phases of the new complex include the new UAPB baseball stadium, and a softball / Little League field. The UAPB baseball team is already using the field for practice.

The third phase of the complex, which will include the stadium’s concession stand and skyboxes will soon be underway. The fourth and final phase of the project will be an indoor training facility.

In an interview recently with Carlos James, the new Head Baseball Coach at UAPB stated how much he appreciated Delta Natural Kraft’s donation of the land that the new field sits on. He said that most people in Pine Bluff were going to be stunned at the impact the new facility will have on the program and the community. He went on to say that the “state of the art” facilities would allow the University to recruit more of the high quality athletes in not only baseball and softball, but also the entire athletic department. He also believes it will have a huge economic impact on the community. “We are already trying to line up some top notch games and tournaments,” Coach James said. These fans will need to eat and sleep in Pine Bluff.

UAPB TO BUILD BASEBALL COMPLEX

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has announced their plans to build a $9 million baseball complex. The Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported on March 12 that the new complex, which will include a baseball stadium, softball / Little League field and an indoor training facility, will be built on a 12 ½ acre plot of land near the university's new $12 million football stadium. The land, valued at $100,000 was donated by Delta Natural Kraft.

Mike Phillips, Delta Natural Kraft's mill manager said "We wanted to contribute something to the community. We wanted to give back to Pine Bluff. It's going to be a nice complex when it's finished." The new facility is expected to be the second-nicest facility in the state, behind Baum Stadium on the campus of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

The UAPB baseball team currently plays its home games in the city's Regional Park. It is a nice field, but it's no place for a collegiate Division I baseball program, according to UAPB Athletic Director Skip Perkins. The new facility is expected to attract more statewide baseball tournaments, as well as more quality athletes to the university's baseball program.

UAPB Chancellor Lawrence Davis said "We're trying to build a complete athletics program at UAPB because each athletic program you support is an opportunity for some students to get an education paid for. That's our motivation." Dr. Davis expects the project to be built in phases and completed within three years. The addition of this complex should bring a huge economic boost to the local economy. Delta Natural Kraft is proud to be a part of this worthy project.

Before - After

UAPB BASEBALL COMPLEX
FUNDRAISING KICKOFF CEREMONY

Prior to it's annual Black and Gold game, which concludes spring football practice, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff held a kickoff ceremony for the fundraiser to build it's planned $9 million baseball complex. Mike Phillips, Delta Natural Kraft's Mill Manager, was on hand to donate the deed for the 12 ½ acre plot of land where the complex is to be built. The new complex will include a baseball stadium, softball / Little League field and an indoor training facility. The complex will be located near the university's new $12 million football stadium.

Mr. Phillips told the dignitaries and fans in attendance that Delta Natural Kraft is proud to be a part of the project and is committed to the community. Mrs. Shirley Hunter was there to get the fundraiser off to a great start by presenting a $500,000 check from her son, Torii Hunter of the Los Angeles Angels. Torii, a native of Pine Bluff, has expressed his desire to promote both baseball and youth activities in his hometown.

Skip Perkins, UAPB's Athletic Director, expressed his appreciation for the generous donations from Torii and his mother and to Delta Natural Kraft.