Since 1985, the University of Louisiana and its perennial powerhouse Ragin’ Cajuns softball program has called Alfred and Helen Lamson Ragin’ Cajuns Softball Park its very own home. And what a home it is.
Often called the most beautiful and best-kept field in the country by opposing teams who play on it, Lamson Park continues to be one of the finest softball fields in the country and has a seating capacity of approximately 2,050.
The all-time Lamson Park attendance high occurred on April 18, 2001, when 1,729 fans managed to pack into the facility as the Ragin’ Cajuns hosted in-state rival LSU in a doubleheader. The two nationally-ranked programs split the doubleheader, as fans lined the fences for the Louisiana intercollegiate softball attendance record.
If there really is a "Field of Dreams," it might just be UL’s Alfred and Helen Lamson Ragin’ Cajuns Softball Park. In 1984, the land which now houses the facility, was a pasture filled with barns, cattle, six-foot tall grass and the University’s dairy farm. Today, this same land houses one of the finest facilities in the country and plays host to the greatest softball show around.
From the time fans enter the confines of Lamson Park for a doubleheader, until the time they exit the gates, they will be treated to three hours of pure excitement, also known as Ragin’ Cajuns Softball. From the on-the-field action of the perennial NCAA Regionals qualifiers, to the off-the-field antics of Robert Harris, the Centerfield Club and many others, it is easy to see why UL Softball is one of the greatest entertainment options in town.
The official beginning of the game is right around the corner when Harris begins belting out the Cajuns starters in a style all his own. Harris a.k.a. "The Voice of the Ragin’ Cajuns," has been a fixture on the microphone and will always have all of the fans’ attentions, regardless of what is taking place on the field. From his patented "Ask the Ump" segment to his dreaded phone calls, Harris always seems to keep the crowd laughing. Harris is an attraction at the ball park that adds to the excitement generated at Lamson Park.
The mixture of off-the-field antics give Louisiana a distinction from any other program in the country. From the first call of "play ball" to the final "yer out" call, no school can match the excitement of Ragin’ Cajuns Softball.
Supporters of the Ragin’ Cajuns softball program noticed a few changes in the 2006 season. For starters, the right field and left field foul lines are adorned by brand-new brick walls. Another major construction project involved constructing new dugouts for both the Cajuns and the visiting team. The dugouts are also brick façade, adding to the new and improved look of the facility.
The field itself is what it’s all about. It provides the ultimate in playing and spectator facilities. From the oak trees that line the outfield fence, to the park benches at the front entrance, to the astounding green grass that covers the field, the park provides all the comforts of home.
After sustaining damage during Hurricane Andrew in 1992, a 30-foot backstop and a grandstand seating section were added behind home plate. Not long after, a state-of-the-art Press Box/Concession Stand was added on to the grandstand.
The Cajuns received a welcome addition to Lamson Park at the end of the 1994 season. With the generosity and effort of many loyal fans, the Cajuns received a locker room/bathroom facility with brand new carpeting and a satellite television, as well as leather furniture – giving the team plenty of room for relaxation before and after the game. There is also an equipment room with a washer and dryer.
Alfred and Helen Lamson Ragin’ Cajuns Softball Park had a 225-foot fence encircling the entire field until the 1995 season. NCAA regulations called for an adjustment of the fence so that all possible Regional sites could be uniform. The fence now reaches 200-feet down the lines and 220-feet in centerfield.
The five-foot high red wall gave up few home runs until the implementation of the neon ball in 1993 by the NCAA, which allows for a more "offensive" game.
Under head coach Stefni Lotief, Lamson Park has seen several additions and improvements. In 2002, a brick wall was added to the backstop and a new lighting system was installed just in time for the Ragin’ Cajuns to host a 2002 NCAA Regional. The lighting system allows Lamson Park to meet the NCAA lighting standards for hosting an NCAA Regional, an amentiy in which few facilities across the country compare to.
Other features of the park include two fully enclosed dugouts, an enclosed batting cage, two bullpens situated directly behind the dugouts plus two more behind the right field fence, lights, a public address system and an electronic scoreboard, which also includes a message board.
Along the outside of the park, fans must notice the "Wall of Fame," marking the Ragin’ Cajuns’ climb up the NCAA ranking poll, which saw the team peak at the No. 2 spot in 1994.
Alfred and Helen Lamson Ragin’ Cajuns Softball Park is truly one of the finest facilities in the nation with an atmosphere that few can compare.
Click on the links below for more information.
-www.RaginCajuns.com-
Courtesy: RaginCajuns.com
