OSU bb, Sept. 11

When baseball coaches talk about revamping their bullpen, they’re generally referring to the group of pitchers who close out games, hold leads, or serve as innings-eaters to help keep the starting rotation fresh if a particular contest has gotten out of hand. It means something completely different at Oregon State this year. The old Goss Stadium stomping grounds of Kevin Gunderson, Eddie Kunz, Joe Paterson, Tony Bryant, Scott Schultz and OSU’s other standout relievers of the past 15 seasons has been demolished. Rising in its place is a building that will include a new state-of-the art locker room; a new coach’s locker room and game-day coaching offices; a repurposed players lounge; a medical training area; a larger equipment room, a recruiting area and a hospitality deck, major upgrades needed for OSU to maintain its status as an elite program. The locker room project, in totality over $4 million, which become a reality by a lead gift of $1 million from alum Jacoby Ellsbury of the New York Yankees and other private donations, began in early August. It should be completed by February, when the two-time defending Pac-12 champion Beavers begin their 21st season under Casey, the most successful coach in the program’s 106-year history.