OU Receives Major Gift for Baseball Stadium

NORMAN – Brian Kimrey spent a lot of summer days coaching his two sons, Adam and Andrew, in youth baseball. He knew the life of searching for city parks in unfamiliar towns and the sound of baseball equipment rattling around in the trunk. He also knew that the game his family loves offered instruction that went far beyond a level swing.

"Our family has seen firsthand the life lessons that baseball provides young people and the lifelong relationships formed through the sport," he said. "The field is often an extension of the classroom where coaches have the opportunity to mold their players into men and prepare them for life after sport."

To perpetuate baseball's impact on young people, Brian and his wife, Kim, have made a $1.1 million dollar gift toward the upgrades being planned for the University of Oklahoma's L. Dale Mitchell Park, the home of Sooner baseball.

"We believe the best is still yet to come for Oklahoma Baseball but we must maintain our ability to recruit among the nation's elite, which often begins with facilities and student-athlete development," Kimrey added. "It's our hope that others see this gift as a springboard for others to join arms with our family, as well those who've already stepped up, to see this project become a reality."

"It's our hope that others see this gift as a springboard for others to join arms with our family, as well those who've already stepped up, to see this project become a reality."
- Brian Kimrey

In addition to a gift from former OU baseball player and major leaguer Bob Stephenson this becomes the second seven-figure gift to the project. It is the 36th such gift in the history of OU Athletics, all during Joe Castiglione's tenure as athletics director.

"Brian and his family are creating transformational opportunities for OU student-athletes and our fans," Castiglione said. "This kind of generosity provides enhancements that we'll be enjoying for many years to come, all because this wonderful family has a vision for the advancement of Sooner baseball. Obviously, we are profoundly grateful."

Head baseball coach Skip Johnson echoed Castiglione's appreciation.

"We spend every day at our facility, so we have a particularly clear understanding of what the Kimrey family is doing for us," he said. "College baseball gets more competitive every year so we're looking for every edge we can get. The Kimreys are providing the kind of edge we need in building and maintaining an elite baseball program."

Some $3.6 million have now been pledged to the baseball project, which is one of several that is in the planning stages. The total estimated cost for the baseball upgrades is $15 million.

"We have many projects in our masterplan and private giving is paramount in moving to completion," Castiglione said. "It's difficult to put into words what gifts of this kind mean to us. We are very responsible in the management of our budget with a goal of providing the finest experience in college athletics. When our donors stand with us it gives us that competitive advantage that sets OU apart."

The baseball project will dramatically impact the student-athlete facilities and the overall fan experience. This project will transform the look of the ballpark from both the interior bowl and the exterior of the stadium. New locker rooms, training areas, coaches' offices and team meeting areas combined with chair-back seating, terraced berms and additional awnings and concourses will provide a first-class facility for fans and student-athletes.

A new entry to the team facility will include a Champions Lobby, displaying the success and tradition of the Oklahoma Baseball program.

Anyone interested in contributing to OU Athletics can contact the Sooner Club at 405-325-8000 or at soonerclub@ou.edu.