ISU honors baseball star who’s giving back after making the big leagues

Posted on December 19, 2022
School leaders said DeJong made the lead gift to build the training facility that will replace the outdoor bullpen area. (Facebook/Paul DeJong)

By 25 News

NORMAL – Illinois State University is honoring one of its baseball standouts who’s became a major leaguer with the St. Louis Cardinals.

ISU is building an indoor hitting and pitching facility along the right field line at Duffy Bass Field. Friday, the university’s governing board voted to name it in honor of Cardinals infielder and ISU graduate Paul DeJong.

School leaders said DeJong made the lead gift to build the training facility that will replace the outdoor bullpen area.

Paul DeJong Baseball Training Facility under construction at Illinois State University
Paul DeJong Baseball Training Facility under construction at Illinois State University(Illinois State University Athletics)

The indoor building will be used year-round for DeJong’s alma mater. Until now, Redbird players had to practice hitting and pitching at Horton Field House only during certain hours during the many days the weather isn’t good for baseball.

The athletic department believes the indoor training facility will help recruit and retain athletes.

DeJong is a 2015 ISU graduate. The Cardinals picked him in the fourth round of the 2015 MLB Draft and hit a home run two years later in his first major league at bat.

25 News can be reached at [email protected].

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