1. The scoreboard at Clyde Berry Field.

Clyde Berry Field

2. A view of the ballpark from the bluff.

History:

Clyde Berry Field is the home field of the Henderson State Reddies of the NCAA D2 Gulf South Conference. The ballpark is located on-campus at Henderson, and is less than half a mile from Ouachita Baptist University’s Rab Rodgers Field

The field was built in 1974 to replace an off-campus ballfield in Arkadelphia known as Sturgis Field. When Clyde Berry Field opened, the park did not have a scoreboard, spectator seating, or even a name. The park was most often referred to as ‘Reddie Field’ and was little more than just a playing field.

3. A view of the bluff.

Over the years, Clyde Berry Field has slowly become the unique ballpark it is today. In 1979, an old football scoreboard was installed at the park, and in 2001, a new 15-foot tall outfield fence was installed. In addition, it wasn’t until 2002 that seating was installed at the park. Before then, the bluff down the 3rd baseline was the only place to watch the game.

In 2005, a new $40,000 scoreboard was installed, featuring the parks’ new name. It was that fall when the field was officially named after Dr. Clyde Berry, coach of the team from 1964-1966 and from 1982-1987. During his years as coach, he compiled a career win-loss record of 193-115, leading the Reddies to two Arkansas Inter-Collegiate championships.

4. The caged bleachers at Clyde Berry Field.

Overall, Clyde Berry Field is a simple ballpark.  Aside from the bluff, the only seating is four small, metal bleachers in a ‘caged’ area behind homeplate, seating approximately 150. The ballpark also features a press box atop the 1st base side dugout and a sign in left field displaying the jersey #7 in memory of former Reddie player Taylor Roark, who was killed in a car accident in 2008.

5. Left: The Taylor Roark Memorial in left field. Right: The first base dugout with press box.

Clyde Berry Field is not one of the best collegiate ballparks in Arkansas, lacking concessions, restrooms and even field lights. Proposals to upgrade the park have been pitched, but so far, action has yet to be taken. Nevertheless, the field is one of the most unique in the state and is certainly suitable for D2 baseball.

For more and larger photos of this ballpark, see the Clyde Berry Field Gallery.