I happened to be in Johnson City, TN over the weekend with my son for a non-baseball event. We decided to spend free time visiting various colleges. Here's my quick recount:
1. On the way up visited Montreat College (NC) - Small, private NAIA school that looks like it was built into the side of a mountain - because it was. Campus is unique in that it looks like a summer camp setting in the wooded mountains. Lots of rock buildings. Lots of paths, and trails. Rustic, rural, and nice in its own way. You drive up a small, one lane gravel road to the baseball field. Then you walk up a set of wooden railroad tie type steps up a little hill to the back side of the field. Then a narrow path that adjoins the left field fence on one side, and a wooded hill on the other leads to the spectator area. Once to the that point, you are given a spectacular view of trees surrounding the field, and mountains in the background. There is a rock wall adjacent to the visitor's side bullpen and in right center. This has to be one of the most beautiful views and unique settings for a baseball field.
2. ETSU - Johnson City, TN - Midsize public D1. Nice campus and a fantastic new baseball facility. Got into town late on Friday and drove up to the field. Game had been rain delayed and was in the top of the 1st. They let us in free since it was way after the time the game should have started. Stayed for four innings. Big jumbotron screen, all fieldturf field, covered middle section of the bleachers and box seats all around. Nice outside brick wall and entrance area with a lobby area featuring the top ETSU players of the past. Outstanding facility that will tip the scales in their favor with recruits.
3. Virginia Intermont - Bristol VA. Small, private NAIA school. Older, small campus. Ball field is an older minor league park just down the road from campus. Field was locked, but it looked basically like an old minor league facility. Nice off-campus equestrian center which is a big deal at this school as they are a big player in college horse riding competitions.
4. King College - Bristol TN. This is the same town, just across the state line from Virginia Intermont. Small, private NCAA DII. The first thing you see is the baseball field. Very well maintained. Black chain link fencing looks good for some reason. Campus is very nice with lots of brick buildings. Nice looking campus in every regard.
5. Milligan College - Milligan, TN. This is a suburb of Johnson City and is the same exit off the interstate as ETSU. Small, private NAIA. This is one of the most beautiful campus environments I've been to ever. Lots of brick buildings, trees, and grass that looks like it is being maintained by a greenskeeper. This school understands the power of well maintained grounds and first impressions. The baseball field looked like an older facility but had probably been refurbished recently. The field had been maintained in the same manner as the rest of campus and looked great. Nice looking covered batting cage too. This school understands the power of a distinct logo and branding as their M logo is featured on the athletic facilities.
