Hennon Stadium

Ronnie G. Childress Field at Hennon Stadium is the home of the Western Carolina Catamounts baseball team in Cullowhee, North Carolina.DimensionsThe baseball field’s dimensions are 325ft down each line, 375ft to the right and left center power alleys and 390ft to straight away center field. The “Purple Monster” in left field is 100ft long and is divided into two 50ft levels. The first and tallest level is 20ft high and the second level is 14ft tall.325 (LF) | 375 (LC) | 390 (CF) | 375 (RC) | 325 (RF)The “Purple Monster” Sec. I: 20’ tall & 50’ long – Sec. II: 14’ tall & 50’ longHistoryHennon Stadium has been home to the Western Carolina University baseball program for 32 years. The baseball facility was officially renamed Childress Field at Hennon Stadium in a dedication ceremony on April 23, 1994.In 1978, the WCU baseball program moved approximately 200 yards to the east from Haywood Field. Bill Haywood, head baseball coach from 1969 through 1981, and Mr. E.J. Whitmire, a baseball supporter and benefactor from Franklin, North Carolina were the driving forces behind the building of the facility. The initial cost of the facility in 1978 was $125,000. It was named in honor of the late Ronnie G. Childress, who was a special friend of the baseball program. The James B. Childress family established the Ronnie Childress Memorial Fund Scholarships in 1975 and scholarships have been awarded annually to select WCU baseball players since the fund's inception.Hennon Stadium has been renovated several times since its construction and has become a showplace of Southern Conference baseball. Permanent bleacher seating, grandstand chair back seats, and a press box were installed prior to 1990 season. A new scoreboard, concession stands, rest rooms, and a new infield were added prior to the 1991 season.