At a ceremony on May 3, before the baseball game against Citrus College, approximately 50 baseball and softball players stood behind Dean Gay, 91, while Bakersfield College President William Andrews announced Gay’s donation of $250,000 to BC’s athletic department.
David Gay, 61, son of Dean Gay spoke on behalf of his father.
“We are pleased as a fan to have this opportunity, to share with the college and give back to the community,” said the younger of the Gay men.
That money will be used to renovate the baseball and softball fields and plans are under way. The new stadium will be named The Dean and Adah Gay Bakersfield College Baseball Softball Complex and will expand both fields. Some new features will include things such as a snack bar, more entrances, more restrooms, and a press box.
But, the most talked about feature is the new 1,000-seat stadium for the baseball field and 500-seat stadium for the softball field.
“It’s an awesome gift for a community college,” said Assistant Softball Coach Justin Westrum.
Both teams knew about the gift, but did not know the exact amount.
“Most of us were surprised because of the large amount it was,” said Westrum.
“Coach told us we were short on money,” said Edgar Sanchez, 19, pitcher of the baseball team. “This new stadium is going to have everything we need.”
The construction of the new stadium might start at the end of the season, unless one of the teams go into playoffs, then the construction may be delayed.
Construction is scheduled to begin over summer break.