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 Robertson 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 (TM), the same surface of Lawrence A. Wien Stadium. Like many other new turf fields around the country, 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 perception by some that Columbia and opposing players are unfamiliar with the nature of the turf field. The sterile aesthetic has drawn the ire of some Columbia baseball fans.
Given the weather conditions in the Northeast, the new state-of-the-art FieldTurf (TM) surface allows the Columbia baseball team much greater utilization of the baseball venue at all times of the year. Because the new turf surface drains much more quickly and evenly than a clay infield, the venue is less likely to be considered "unplayable" after poor weather in the New York metropolitan area.
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 Harlem River, the dimensions down the lines are estimated to be 370 and 340 feet. Center field, however, is about 300.
