Middle Tennesee State University Athletics
Reese Smith Jr Field
Reese Smith Jr Field
The campus of Middle Tennessee is home to what is considered to be one of the finest collegiate baseball fields in the nation: Reese Smith Jr. Field. The 2,600-seat stadium was named in October of 1982, and was officially dedicated on April 12, 1983, at a ceremony prior to the Blue Raiders’ matchup with Vanderbilt University.
This dedication was a well-earned salute to the efforts of the late Reese Smith Jr. and family. In 1979, Smith, a Nashville alumnus, and his two sons who had played baseball for the Blue Raiders, threw their efforts into lighting the field and building the stadium that now exists.
In 1989, “The Reese,” underwent extensive renovation to increase seating capacity and make the park more fan-friendly. The old chain link backstop was replaced by a three-foot high brick wall with blue netting hanging from dugout to dugout.
In 2009, Reese Smith Jr. Field once again received a facelift to what is now one of the top facilities nationally. Two sets of aluminum bleachers were moved up to the wall and a section of chair-back theater seats was constructed directly behind home plate. The chain link fence around the park has been replaced with a brick and ornamental iron-gate. There is also direct access to the field from the new clubhouse. The dimension of the park is 330 feet down the lines, 365 up the power alleys and 390 to straight away center field.
In 2024, the Steve Peterson Champions Plaza was built to honor the former coach’s legacy to Middle Tennessee baseball, along with the numerous championship teams he coached. The plaza also honors all championship teams prior to the Peterson era, as well as those to come. The plaza displays championship flags from each championship season with marble foundations. The marble foundations has engraved plaques with the names of each coach, player and manager associated with that specific championship team. Honoring Coach Peterson in this way assures his name will always be associated with Blue Raider baseball, along with the players, managers and coaches who were part of his championship legacy.
The lighted facility includes media accommodations in the spacious press box, luxury suites, a concession stand, handicapped seating, and restrooms.
The playing field is encircled by wind screens while an eight-foot billboard fence covers the outfield wall. The bullpen areas are completely enclosed and fully turfed. Two turfed hitting cages are located down the right field line. The Reese is also equipped with a computerized underground sprinkler system which helps maintain the natural grass playing surface. In 2013, the irrigation system was revitalized to help keep the infield and outfield grass pristine.
Reese Smith Jr. Field is becoming the “Showplace of the South.” Numerous baseball organizations bring their teams and fans to Middle Tennessee for their events.
Aside from Blue Raider home games, Reese Smith Jr. Field has hosted events such as Ohio Valley Conference Tournaments, Tennessee Junior College Tournaments, and TSSAA state high School tournaments, plus the USA Olympic baseball team. The field is also home to the Fall Junior College Classic featuring many of Tennessee’s junior college teams. Reese Smith Jr. Field is evidence to the success and rich tradition of Blue Raider baseball, as well as its overwhelming support in Middle Tennessee.
Stephen B. Smith Clubhouse and Indoor Hitting Facility / Chuck Taylor Locker Room
The already state-of-the-art Stephen B. Smith Clubhouse and Indoor Training Facility received a makeover in 2023, upgrading the player experience and day-to-day performance of Middle Tennessee Baseball. This clubhouse renovation re-establishes the Murfreesboro program as one of the best among its peers in the Southeast and beyond.
MTSU gives special thanks to former student-athlete Chuck Akers, who were instrumental in spearheading the renovation through their spirited and tireless fundraising and support of the Blue Raider program.
The clubhouse features a lounge area with a large-screen television, sofa and chairs along with a kitchenette designed for pregame meals and snacks. The lounge is punctuated by hardwood floors with a marble “MT” inlay near the entrance to the building. The front hallway also features the Blue Raiders’ sizeable trophy collection and photos of Blue Raiders in the major leagues, in addition to a table tennis and billiards table.
The spacious Chuck Taylor Locker Room offers oak lockers for the players along with exquisite hardwood flooring. The large shower facility is located just off the locker room area. The Stephen B. Smith Clubhouse and Indoor Training Facility is also home to the offices of the Blue Raider coaching staff, a training room, and a laundry room.
A second-to-none indoor training area is located just off the locker room. This large space features a clay floor with three mounds and two hitting cages for winter and early spring workouts. It also contains a weight room with conditioning equipment for baseball team use.
The Stephen B. Smith Clubhouse and Indoor Training Facility opens directly onto the field area for easy access for practice and games.
Originally opened in 1998, the structure was connected to the rest of the park with an ornate brick and iron fence and gate. The dream of this original facility began long before the plans were put into motion. Legendary former head coach Steve Peterson began raising the funds for the project nearly 10 years prior to groundbreaking, but the end product certainly made the wait worthwhile.
The Stephen B. Smith Clubhouse and Indoor Training Facility is just another testament to the hard work and dedication of the Blue Raiders’ coaches, players and supporters. The work that these individuals carry onto the field also carries over into every aspect of the program.
Record at Reese Smith Jr.: 687-432-2 (.613)
Best Season: 1990 - 25-3 (.890)
Most Wins: 2009 (27)
Single Game Attendance Records
1. vs. Vanderbilt - 3,020 (04.20.04)
2. vs. South Alabama - 2,733 (05.11.01)
3. vs. Tennessee - 2,673 (05.09.01)
4. vs. Vanderbilt - 2,620 (03.24.15)
5. vs. Tennessee - 2,540 (04.23.13)
6. vs. Vanderbilt - 2,523 (03.22.16)
7. vs. Austin Peay - 2,317 (02.17.02)
8. vs. Tennessee - 2,215 (05.12.09)
9. vs. Tennessee - 2,156 (04.19.16)
10. vs. Vanderbilt - 2,118 (04.18.06)
This dedication was a well-earned salute to the efforts of the late Reese Smith Jr. and family. In 1979, Smith, a Nashville alumnus, and his two sons who had played baseball for the Blue Raiders, threw their efforts into lighting the field and building the stadium that now exists.
In 1989, “The Reese,” underwent extensive renovation to increase seating capacity and make the park more fan-friendly. The old chain link backstop was replaced by a three-foot high brick wall with blue netting hanging from dugout to dugout.
In 2009, Reese Smith Jr. Field once again received a facelift to what is now one of the top facilities nationally. Two sets of aluminum bleachers were moved up to the wall and a section of chair-back theater seats was constructed directly behind home plate. The chain link fence around the park has been replaced with a brick and ornamental iron-gate. There is also direct access to the field from the new clubhouse. The dimension of the park is 330 feet down the lines, 365 up the power alleys and 390 to straight away center field.
In 2024, the Steve Peterson Champions Plaza was built to honor the former coach’s legacy to Middle Tennessee baseball, along with the numerous championship teams he coached. The plaza also honors all championship teams prior to the Peterson era, as well as those to come. The plaza displays championship flags from each championship season with marble foundations. The marble foundations has engraved plaques with the names of each coach, player and manager associated with that specific championship team. Honoring Coach Peterson in this way assures his name will always be associated with Blue Raider baseball, along with the players, managers and coaches who were part of his championship legacy.
The lighted facility includes media accommodations in the spacious press box, luxury suites, a concession stand, handicapped seating, and restrooms.
The playing field is encircled by wind screens while an eight-foot billboard fence covers the outfield wall. The bullpen areas are completely enclosed and fully turfed. Two turfed hitting cages are located down the right field line. The Reese is also equipped with a computerized underground sprinkler system which helps maintain the natural grass playing surface. In 2013, the irrigation system was revitalized to help keep the infield and outfield grass pristine.
Reese Smith Jr. Field is becoming the “Showplace of the South.” Numerous baseball organizations bring their teams and fans to Middle Tennessee for their events.
Aside from Blue Raider home games, Reese Smith Jr. Field has hosted events such as Ohio Valley Conference Tournaments, Tennessee Junior College Tournaments, and TSSAA state high School tournaments, plus the USA Olympic baseball team. The field is also home to the Fall Junior College Classic featuring many of Tennessee’s junior college teams. Reese Smith Jr. Field is evidence to the success and rich tradition of Blue Raider baseball, as well as its overwhelming support in Middle Tennessee.
Stephen B. Smith Clubhouse and Indoor Hitting Facility / Chuck Taylor Locker Room
The already state-of-the-art Stephen B. Smith Clubhouse and Indoor Training Facility received a makeover in 2023, upgrading the player experience and day-to-day performance of Middle Tennessee Baseball. This clubhouse renovation re-establishes the Murfreesboro program as one of the best among its peers in the Southeast and beyond.
MTSU gives special thanks to former student-athlete Chuck Akers, who were instrumental in spearheading the renovation through their spirited and tireless fundraising and support of the Blue Raider program.
The clubhouse features a lounge area with a large-screen television, sofa and chairs along with a kitchenette designed for pregame meals and snacks. The lounge is punctuated by hardwood floors with a marble “MT” inlay near the entrance to the building. The front hallway also features the Blue Raiders’ sizeable trophy collection and photos of Blue Raiders in the major leagues, in addition to a table tennis and billiards table.
The spacious Chuck Taylor Locker Room offers oak lockers for the players along with exquisite hardwood flooring. The large shower facility is located just off the locker room area. The Stephen B. Smith Clubhouse and Indoor Training Facility is also home to the offices of the Blue Raider coaching staff, a training room, and a laundry room.
A second-to-none indoor training area is located just off the locker room. This large space features a clay floor with three mounds and two hitting cages for winter and early spring workouts. It also contains a weight room with conditioning equipment for baseball team use.
The Stephen B. Smith Clubhouse and Indoor Training Facility opens directly onto the field area for easy access for practice and games.
Originally opened in 1998, the structure was connected to the rest of the park with an ornate brick and iron fence and gate. The dream of this original facility began long before the plans were put into motion. Legendary former head coach Steve Peterson began raising the funds for the project nearly 10 years prior to groundbreaking, but the end product certainly made the wait worthwhile.
The Stephen B. Smith Clubhouse and Indoor Training Facility is just another testament to the hard work and dedication of the Blue Raiders’ coaches, players and supporters. The work that these individuals carry onto the field also carries over into every aspect of the program.
Record at Reese Smith Jr.: 687-432-2 (.613)
Best Season: 1990 - 25-3 (.890)
Most Wins: 2009 (27)
Single Game Attendance Records
1. vs. Vanderbilt - 3,020 (04.20.04)
2. vs. South Alabama - 2,733 (05.11.01)
3. vs. Tennessee - 2,673 (05.09.01)
4. vs. Vanderbilt - 2,620 (03.24.15)
5. vs. Tennessee - 2,540 (04.23.13)
6. vs. Vanderbilt - 2,523 (03.22.16)
7. vs. Austin Peay - 2,317 (02.17.02)
8. vs. Tennessee - 2,215 (05.12.09)
9. vs. Tennessee - 2,156 (04.19.16)
10. vs. Vanderbilt - 2,118 (04.18.06)
Raider Report Week 3 - MTSU vs. University of Nevada
Friday, September 12
Derek Mason LIVE: Presented by The Boulevard Bar & Grille Week 3
Wednesday, September 10
MTSU Tennis Pro-Am 9/6/25
Tuesday, September 09
MTSU Tennis Pro-Am Recap
Tuesday, September 09
