The first step in plans to renovate Baylor’s behind-the-times baseball facility is scheduled this afternoon.
Official ceremonies will include naming the area on the back side of the campus along the Tennessee River the Gene and Eddie Etter Baseball Complex. The field will retain the name of Wyatt McMahan.
Ceremonies are scheduled for about 2:30 p.m. between doubleheader games with Father Ryan. In case of inclement weather the ceremonies will be moved to the Luke Worsham Center in the main athletics building.
There aren’t yet specific renovation plans and no architects or engineers have been hired, but Baylor athletic director Thad Lepcio and some advisers have investigated possible changes that could include moving the field with the hope of getting it above the flood plain.
There are thoughts of building an indoor facility that could also help meet softball team needs, press boxes, concession stands and updated and expanded restroom facilities.
Gene Etter served as the Red Raiders baseball coach for 41 seasons. He stepped down following the 2015 season after compiling 864 wins – an average of 20 per season – 18 state-tournament appearances and state championships in 2003 and 2006.
“Having something named for you is the highest honor, and I feel overwhelmed and humbled,” Coach Etter said. “I would like to thank my great friend, Bill McMahan, brother of Wyatt McMahan. I understand that Bill (Baylor’s track coach) was heavily involved in this new name, and I hope that it does not diminish in any way the honor to Wyatt’s memory.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have the opportunity to coach and teach at Baylor for so many years. Baylor has given much more to me than I have given to Baylor, and I have immensely enjoyed being a part of such a wonderful school.”
His wife, Eddie, was as immersed in Baylor’s baseball program as was her husband, but she never expected to have her name included in the honor.
“I never made out a lineup or made a pitching change,” she said. “What I did was for love of the game and love of my husband.”
Those who know Baylor baseball, however, know she had special relationships through the years with numerous players and their parents.
Contact Ward Gossett at wgossett@timesfreepress.com or 423-886-4765. Follow him at Twitter.com/wardgossett.