A milestone, a symbol, a launchpad—a dream come true.
The idea that Dan Martin Stadium at Fresno Pacific University is a lot more than top-tier baseball field was the theme throughout the ribbon-cutting ceremony April 9, 2025.
Bright sun warmed eager spirits as fans, alumni, students, faculty, staff, supporters and community members came through the gate, which opened at 4:00 p.m. The celebration began at 4:30 p.m. at the stadium, on the east side of the main campus, south of the intersection of Butler and Winery Avenues.
Master of ceremonies Scott Bemis, sports director for Your Central Valley—KSEE 24 (NBC) and CBS 47 (KGPE)—and “Voice of the Sunbirds,” was the first to call the stadium “a major milestone, a dream realized, a vision brought to life” for Sunbird Baseball, FPU and the wider community.
“This stadium is more than just a place to play—it stands as a symbol of what this university is all about: excellence in athletics, academics and faith,” he said. “It’s a space where student-athletes will be developed not only as competitors, but as leaders, teammates and men of character.”
The Dan Martin Stadium includes a new concession stand and restroom, covered stadium seating for 700, a press box, modernized clubhouse and locker room fit for the big leagues. The facility was built by Quiring General, designed by Centerline Design and funded by a $3 million gift from Fresno’s Daniel R. Martin Family Foundation, a lead gift from the Briscoe Family Foundation and Valley Iron, Inc., and other donations.
True to his motto “student success is our success,” FPU President André Stephens, Ph.D., spoke of the student-athletes stepping onto the new field nervous, excited and full of dreams. “I pray this stadium reminds them that they are seen, supported, and called to something greater. That here, at Fresno Pacific, their potential is not just recognized—but nurtured,” he said.
Stephens reminded the crowd that baseball and life both depend on rhythm and resilience. “It teaches us about failure, perseverance and the value of teamwork. My hope is that every student who steps onto this field will not only grow as a player…but will leave stronger in character, deeper in faith and more prepared for the journey ahead.”
No one has waited longer to cut this ribbon than Oscar Hirschkorn, FPU’s first and only baseball coach. “When we started this program, we didn’t have a field. Just a vision, a few practice balls and a group of young men who believed in something that didn’t exist yet. We practiced wherever we could find space, and yet we laid the foundation for what you see here today,” he said.
Today’s field is a game changer, Hirschkorn said. “It’s more than just a place to play—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when people believe in a mission and invest in it…It’s a space where young men will grow—athletically, academically and spiritually.”
As one who stood with Stephens and Hirschkorn on another day—surprisingly sunny, but more blustery—in February of 2024 for the stadium groundbreaking, Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer was happy to echo the optimism he expressed then. “What’s happening here is bigger than baseball. It’s about vision. It’s about values. And it’s about investing in young people and their future,” he said. “This is more than a field—it’s a launching pad. And I can’t wait to see the lives impacted here in the years to come.
As scraps of organe ribbon were scooped from the green infield grass, guests walked the field, toured the clubhouse and chatted with members of the 2025 Sunbird Baseball team. Music and refreshments delighted the ears and tastebuds and there was a live recording of the Sunbirds Sports Show, a weekly podcast hosted by local sports personality and FPU alumnus Paul Meadors that airs on 790 ESPN Fresno.
Both the stadium and the players were already at work, and the ribbon-cutting came just ahead of a highly anticipated four-game home series as the Sunbirds take on conference rival Azusa Pacific University April 10-12. The Sunbirds are also preparing to host the PacWest Conference Championships in May.
PHOTO: From left—Carol and Noel Briscoe, Briscoe Foundation; Jerry Dyer, Mayor of Fresno; Oscar Hirschkorn, FPU head baseball coach; André Stephens, Ph.D., President of FPU; Jake Gilbertson, Ed.D., FPU vice president of student development; Nathan Correia, Quiring Corporation. (FPU photo by Megan LeBlanc)