When Santa Rosa’s Cardinal Newman High School baseball team took to the field Tuesday night for game one of the playoffs, it was something extra special because they were playing this home game at home. 

“I’m most excited about stepping on the field and seeing our home fans coming out, cheering us on, on our new field,” said centerfielder Ryan Miller.

When fires raced through the North Bay last October, it destroyed the homes of four varsity players, half the school, and the baseball diamond, causing the team to play this season’s home games at a variety of spots across the North Bay. 

And still they made the playoffs.

There were hopes this new field would be ready mid-season. 

That proved not to be the case, but they did get it finished in time for the playoffs.

“Since my home burned and a few of my teammates’ homes burned, it’s like being home, and it’s like the first time coming back, so it’s awesome,” said second baseman Beau Barrington. 

For the seniors, it gives them one more opportunity to play on the field they and their families have come to know so well. 

“A lot of these kids have played on this field their whole high school career and even before,” said Linda Miller, a mother of one of the players. “I know Ryan played here since he was 9-years-old, so it’s like home, coming home.”

Should Cardinal Newman prevail, they will get another chance to play on this new field on Friday. 

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