Randal R. Sadler Stadium - Richmond Red Devils
- Marc Viquez
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86
Randal R. Sadler Stadium 1000 Gurney Dr. Richmond, IN 47374
Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 500
Red Devils Play Games at Sadler Stadium
Randal R. Sadler Stadium is the home of the Earlham College Quakers baseball program in Richmond, Indiana. It was built during the summer of 2013 and named after former player Randy Sadler, who graduated in 1973.
The stadium features a synthetic turf playing surface, 180 chair-back seats, bleachers, and two patio seating areas. There are two batting cages and bullpens next to each dugout and a viewing mound down the right field line.
There is also the two-story Cliff Dickman Media Center, behind the backstop, that includes the Avis Stewart Clubhouse, which includes the team’s locker room, concession stand, coach’s office, umpire room, training room, and restrooms.
The first recorded baseball game played on campus was in 1886, and the first official game took place in 1900. The baseball team played games at McBride Stadium before relocating to Sadler Stadium and did not have a winning record from 1971 to 2013.
However, it has proceeded to have 10 out of 13 winning seasons since the new stadium opened. It included the 2017 and 2022 Heartland Collegiate Athletics Conference tournament champions and first NCAA regional wins in school history.
The Richmond High School Red Devils use the ballpark when there are conflicts with McBride Stadium, which is now the home of the Richmond Flying Mummies of the Prospect League. Surprisingly, Sadler is the smaller stadium.
Food & Beverage 0
Unfortunately, the concession stand was closed during our visit. It was a high school game between rivals Hagerstown and Richmond. The stands were packed with students and fans, and the concession stand would have been essential to the fans. From what we were told, the concession stand for college games offers soda, chips, candy, and hot dogs.
Atmosphere 3
This easily could have been a college crowd, but it was a high school crowd for two rival schools that were playing here due to Richmond's home field being occupied for the first game of the Richmond Flying Mummies of the Prospect League. All of the seating was occupied by students, friends, and family members of the players on the field.
The stadium features chairback seats behind the backstop, a wide open concourse, and plenty of bleacher seating down the foul lines. The design of the stadium allows fans multiple opportunities to enjoy the game, whether it is from the grass mound or the picnic tables. However, views from behind the bullpen down the left field line are limited.
The stadium features a video scoreboard that was added in 2017 and lights that were added the next season. The synthetic turf means that there are fewer rainouts for the Quakers and Red Devils high school baseball teams during the season.
Neighborhood 3
Sadler Stadium is located in the southern part of the campus near a residential area. There are no dining options within proximity of the stadium, and one would need to drive a few miles to find a place to eat.
Little Sheeba's offers great pizza and baked jalapeno poppers, and Galo's Italian Grill is another fine option. There are quite a few national chains, but one local establishment off Interstate 70 called Fricker's has some of the best hot wings in the area. Roscoe's Coffee Bar and Tap Room has an extensive craft beer selection, on-site roasted coffee, and a spacious, relaxed atmosphere.
McBride Stadium, where the Red Devils house their games, is less than a mile from campus. The stadium is also home to the Richmond Flying Mummies of the Prospect League. The Tiernan Center is also less than a mile from Earlham College, the basketball arena where the Red Devils play during the school year.
Fans 4
It is quite an interesting mix of fans from both High schools. Usually, this type of atmosphere takes place during a basketball or football game. But tonight, both sides cheered greatly for their respective High schools. However, one of the teams was up 11 nothing in the midst of a no-hitter during the visit. Still, everyone remained in great spirits as the game proceeded.
Access 3
The stadium is listed on GPS, and the venue offers a parking area; however, heavily attended games could result in a search for a space. The main entrance is on the left fuel corner, and restrooms and concession stands are located behind the backstop of the ballpark. However, not all of the views are ideal. There is no access to watch the game from the right field foul line and fencing, and the bullpen blocks views on the left field foul line.
Return on Investment 3
Sadler Stadium does not charge admission to either college or high school baseball games. It is worth a trip on a beautiful spring afternoon or evening for a game. The seats are comfortable, close to the action of the diamond, and there is plenty of green space to watch the game with your own food or fur baby.
Extras 4
Sadler Stadium earns a point for the Maroon Monster down the left field line. The giant wall rises 50 feet into the air and mimics the Green Monster at Boston’s Fenway Park. The stadium also might be the only one of its kind with maroon colored fencing. The stadium earns additional points for chairback seating and a video board in right field.
Final Thoughts
Sadler Stadium is a nice-looking venue for Division III baseball. It has comfort, style, and a maroon color that sets it apart from other D-III venues of its kind. If passing through the Richmond, Indiana, area on a baseball trip, check this one out if you have the time.
