Longing for Home Runs: A Love Letter to the Unforgettable Long Field at Mauck Stadium (Where Every Inning Feels Like a Marathon) Ah, Long Field at Mauck Stadium, a hallowed ground for dreams and, more importantly, for the occasional soggy hot dog. Nestled comfortably on the campus of James Madison University, this fine establishment has been home to the Dukes baseball team, where athletes strive for greatness in a stadium that looks like it was designed in a collaborative effort between a fifth grader and a group of confused architects. Built in 1974, Long Field boasts a majestic capacity of 1,200 people. Yes, you read that right. A modest crowd that somehow manages to make an empty stadium feel even lonelier than it already is. Nothing says “excitement” quite like a baseball game where the echo of your own cheer is the only sound that fills the air. Every crack of the bat could be followed by a deafening silence—like the awkward pause that follows a bad joke at a family gathering. Ah, the nickname “Home Runs” surely has never been more ironic. With an outfield wall that seems to hug the players tighter than a grandmother's embrace, the only thing that’s truly safe from a long fly ball is the chance to see a home run. Instead, we are treated to a marathon of singles, doubles, and what we can only call “creative base running.” Picture this: a player gets to first base and all of a sudden it’s like they’ve just crossed the finish line of a triathlon, gasping for breath and looking both relieved and slightly confused. Every inning feels like a test of endurance—like the players are competing not just against the opposing team but also against the relentless passage of time. Each pitch is met with the kind of suspense usually reserved for the Olympics, as fans grip their foam fingers, ready to erupt into cheers… if only someone would hit the ball out of the infield. As we gather in this hallowed stadium, we realize we’re not just witnessing a baseball game; we’re part of a circus where the clowns are the umpires and the main act is figuring out whether the player has rounded third base or just gotten lost in the parking lot. Let’s not forget the experience of the spectators. Watching a game at Long Field is a delightful mélange of camaraderie and confusion. The bleachers creak under the weight of eager fans, fueled by the perfect pairing of nachos and lukewarm lemonade. Every so often, an ambitious soul will attempt to make a run for the concession stand between innings, risking life and limb to grab a pretzel before the buzzer sounds. What a brave adventurer! We can only hope that they return before the game ends—usually a challenge more daunting than the actual match being played. Of course, we must pay homage to the field itself, which looks like it was laid down using the remnants of a particularly enthusiastic summer camp project. The grass perhaps has aspirations of being called a “lawn,” yet it never quite makes it. Instead, it resembles a patchy British hairstyle that can’t decide if it wants to grow long or go home. Watching a baseball roll through the “green” is akin to following a marble through a bumpy, obstacle-laden course. And let’s talk about the namesakes of this timeless venue. J. Ward Long and J. Leonard Mauck—two names so majestic that they could easily double as characters in a Shakespearean play. Their legacies loom large over the stadium, perhaps wishing they had chosen a different path—like underwater basket weaving, perhaps. But here we are, honoring their esteemed contributions to a venue where hammering a ball into the stratosphere is more an aspiration than a reality. So here's to you, Long Field at Mauck Stadium! A place that embraces the awkward pauses, the long stretches of inaction, and the faint smell of burnt popcorn. Dear reader, if you yearn for a baseball experience that’s truly unforgettable, where every moment feels like a test of patience and each score feels like winning the lottery, then look no further. In a world that often seeks instant gratification, here you’ll find a place that teaches you the true meaning of longing—particularly for those elusive home runs. Because at Long Field, the journey is indeed the destination, albeit a rather meandering one with a few detours along the way.