Robertson Field at Satow Stadium
Robertson Field, formally Andy Coakley Field, is Columbia University's varsity baseball facility at Baker Field. It is named after Hal Roberson SEAS'81, who donated $1 million to the facility. [1]
Why Baseball Purists Hate It
In the offseason in 2006-2007, the natural-grass surface was replaced by Fieldturf, the same surface of Wien A. Lawrence Stadium. Inexplicably, however, the infield dirt was covered in turf, too; in its place is a brown turf infield pattern. Consequently, the only actual dirt areas are the mound and a circular cutout around homeplate. The result is a lot of infield errors, with Columbia and opposing players alike struggling with the unfamiliar nature of turf. Why the Columbia administration could not even arrange for dirt cutouts around the bases is beyond me.
Why Baseball Purists Love It
Unlike many modern ballparks, which add "unique features" to try to spice up the outfield with "unusual nooks and crannies," Robertson Field is unique without trying. Quite simply, the outfield dimensions of Robertson Field conform with the physical limitations of its location. Situated flush against the Hudson River, the dimensions down the lines are estimated to be 370 and 340 feet. Center field, however, is about 300.
