As Lincoln’s forthcoming youth baseball/softball complex begins to take shape at N. 1st and Cornhusker Highway, the facility has named their inaugural complex director and announced a ten-year agreement with the University of Nebraska’s baseball and softball programs.
Joe Fagler will begin his role as complex director for the Sandhills Global Youth Complex (SGYC) on July 17, he will oversee all complex operations including facility scheduling of local, regional and national tournaments, local youth programming and complex marketing.
“Joe was selected from an extensive pool of very qualified candidates. His lifelong love and engagement with baseball began with his involvement with the Babe Ruth Baseball League in 1992 here in Lincoln,” says Charlie Colon, Board Chair for the Sandhills Global Youth Complex.
Fagler played 4-years of baseball for Nebraska Wesleyan University, where he also graduated. Working as complex director will be full-circle for Fagler, as the seven field all-turfed complex will be the home for NWU’s baseball and softball teams.
NWU wont be the only college teams drilling on those new fields — just north of Oak Lake park — as the SGYC Board has also reached an agreement with the University of Nebraska Athletic Department to utilize one of the fields at the complex as a practice facility for the Husker baseball and softball teams.
“Access to the turf fields at the complex will give our teams more flexibility and opportunities to practice outside. The complex will be a great addition to the City of Lincoln. We look forward to the completion of the project and the continued growth of youth sports in our community,” said Troy Dannen, UNL Athletic Director in a statement.
The Sandhill’s Global Youth Complex is currently under construction, anticipated to open in 2025.
“The lights are installed, the backstop poles are being erected, fencing is going in and later this summer, turf will be installed, and buildings will begin to take shape. It looks great. Our board and partners can’t wait until we’re able to say play ball next spring,” says Colon.