Wilson Celebrates Henninger Field Dedication

The celebration and rebirth of the historic Henninger Field, the home of Wilson College’s first baseball team took place on Saturday April 6, 2019. Wilson also kicked off celebrations for the college’s 150th anniversary. As well as celebrating Wilson’s inaugural season, they also celebrated the partnership with the Borough of Chambersburg to restore the historic community ballpark. The Phoenix (10-5, 2-0 CSAC) opened up Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) play with a doubleheader against Clarks Summit University (2-12, 0-2 CSAC). The first game started at 12 p.m. followed by another at 2 p.m. The Phoenix defeated The Defenders in both games by scores of 9-0 and 4-2.
“The dedication of such a legendary local ball field as the home of Wilson’s first baseball team seemed like the perfect time to launch our Sesquicentennial festivities,” said Wilson President Barbara K. Mistick.
Former MLB and 1984 World Series Champion and Chambersburg native, Tom Brookens, threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the doubleheader. From 1979-88, he was a third baseman for the Detroit Tigers, with whom he played when the team won the World Series in 1984. He also played for the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians before coaching for the Tigers from 2009-13.
Before the game, singer and Chambersburg native, Corey Evan Rotz, sang the national anthem. He plays regularly with the Kennedy Center’s Washington National Opera, and is a voice instructor at the Cumberland Valley School of Music.