Did Shipley Field at Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium always have this electric energy? Shipley Field at Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium has been the home of Maryland Terrapins baseball since 1954. Originally constructed for $40,000, the field opened with a Terrapin victory. It was a 5-3 win over Virginia Tech on April 3, 1954. The stadium was dedicated as Shipley Field a couple years later, in 1956. The Terps celebrated the dedication with another victory, a 10-1 rout of Dartmouth. The name changed again in 2010, to honor Bob “Turtle” Smith. Smith, a Maryland baseball alumnus, established the university’s first fully-endowed baseball scholarship. The scholarship bears his name and the name of his wife, Carol B. Smith.
Shipley Field at Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium is nestled in the heart of the University of Maryland campus. It sits between SECU Stadium and the Varsity Practice Fields. The stadium’s capacity is 2,500. The playing field features a FieldTurf surface, with a traditional dirt mound. The field dimensions are 320 feet down the left field line, 385 feet to center field, and 325 feet down the right field line. Following a record-breaking 2015 season, Shipley Field at Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium underwent some exciting renovations. These upgrades included a new, all-turf FieldTurf surface. This replaced the previous mix of synthetic turf and grass. A new drainage system was also installed to minimize rain delays. The bullpens were upgraded with turf surfaces and the home team received a closed-off bullpen area in left field. Finally, the outfield wall was enhanced. The distance was increased and a better batter’s eye was incorporated into the park’s design.
Shipley Field at Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium has witnessed some incredible moments in Maryland baseball history. In 2014, the Terps achieved a 40-23 record. This impressive performance earned them their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1971 and their first-ever trip to the NCAA Super Regionals. In 2017, the Terps went 20-3 at home, one of the best home records in stadium history. The stadium has also hosted some unique events. In 1982, the Terps played an exhibition game against Earl Weaver’s Baltimore Orioles. In 1990, they faced the Soviet baseball team. The Double-A Bowie Baysox even called Shipley Field home during the 1994 season while their own stadium was under construction. Permanent lights were installed at Shipley Field before the 1994 season. The Terps have a remarkable all-time record at their home field: 766 wins, 484 losses, and 7 ties. They have secured countless victories against top-25 teams within these walls.