MCC introduces McDonald Field

By Austin Bishop/special to The Star

After 10 years, the Lady Eagles of Meridian Community College finally have a softball roost to call their own.

Tommy McDonald Field at Highland Park was officially dedicated on Thursday afternoon before a large crowd.

“I’m proud because our Lady Eagles finally have a home they can call their own,” said MCC President Dr. Scott Elliott minutes before the team took the field for a doubleheader against Jones County Junior College.

MCC has been playing fast-pitch softball since 1998, but has played all of its home games at the Northeast Softball Complex.

About a year ago the decision was made to refurbish the old Lions Field Dixie Boys Baseball park into a fast-pitch softball facility. Elliott said the move was one that made sense, giving the Lady Eagles a place to play closer to campus.

He heralded the project as a prime example of government entities working together and credited Meridian Parks and Recreation Director Mark Naylor as the man who first approached the school with the idea.

The field has been refurbished including an improved press box, concessions stand, storage area and home and visiting locker rooms.

Elliott said the decision to name the field after McDonald, a retired vice president at MCC, was a popular one.

Elliott, who emceed the 20-minute dedication ceremony, had high praise for McDonald.

“My grandson is about to turn 1-year-old tomorrow and I would be very proud if he would grow up to be like Tommy McDonald,” Elliott said. “He is a man of integrity.”

“This is truly a humbling experience,” McDonald said. “I have been very blessed. If you find something you love to do, you will never work a day in your life.” McDonald said that was how he felt about his career at MCC.

“It is a privilege to be involved with an institution whose goal is to help others have a better life,” he said.

Members of the Meridian City Council, the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors, Coca-Cola and the MCC Board of Trustees, and members who worked to build the field, were honored before the game as well.

Meridian Community College began playing slow-pitch softball since the late 1970s under the direction of Liz Duncan. The Lady Eagles have only had four head softball coaches in their history, with current head coach Robert Eakins taking over 14 years ago and starting the fast-pitch program a decade ago.

Former coaches Fredna Cross and Barbara Bishop also attended the dedication service.