Nov. 9, 2006

NEW ORLEANS, La. - Phase one of the Turchin Stadium renovation has been completed as the Tulane University baseball team moved into the recently renovated Milton "Mickey" Retif Memorial Baseball Clubhouse Thursday afternoon at the James W. Wilson, Jr. Center.

Photo Gallery of the Milton "Mickey" Retif Memorial Baseball Clubhouse
Photo Gallery of Wednesday's dedication ceremony

Following a formal re-dedication ceremony on Wednesday night, the Tulane team moved in to a clubhouse which now features 40 wooden lockers, nine flat-screen television sets, DVD and VCR players, a CD/Stereo system. The clubhouse features three separate areas: a locker room/dressing area, coaches' locker room and a players' lounge equipped with surround sound.

"I believe we have one of, if not the, finest clubhouse in the country right now," Tulane head baseball coach Rick Jones said. "This is the first phase of the new stadium and we can now provide our players with a state-of-the-art facility that is second to none.

"It has already had a positive impact on the recruiting process and continues to honor the memory of Mickey Retif. It also provides a reward to the guys from last year's club, who in the face of unprecedented adversity, fought hard and had the type of season that keeps the momentum of this program going in the right direction."

The overall construction was done by Larry Schneider Construction, which is owned and operated by former Green Wave baseball standout Larry Schneider (1991-94). Brenda Dickson served as the project manager, Gueydan Lumber supplied the building materials, and Richie Savoie provided the electrical appliances.

Wednesday's re-dedication ceremony featured a blessing of the clubhouse by Rev. William J. Maestri and special presentations by Tulane Director of Athletics Rick Dickson, head baseball coach Rick Jones and former head coach Milt Retif, who is the father of the clubhouse's namesake.

The Milton "Mickey" Retif Memorial Baseball Clubhouse was originally opened on Oct. 14, 1995, and has served as the home of the Green Wave ever since. It is named in the memory of Mickey Retif, a former Tulane player and assistant coach. He was a standout baseball player for the Green Wave from 1975-78 when he helped Tulane go a combined 105-53-2 during his career, including a then-record 32-10 season in 1977.

At the conclusion of his playing career, Retif received his law degree and passed the bar in 1981. He remained active with the Green Wave as a part-time assistant coach, however, where he served from 1979-83. Retif died of cancer in 1986.

A plaque and painting hang outside of the clubhouse in his honor. As part of the recent renovations, the words "The Mick" were painted above the door to the clubhouse to further honor his memory.

The Green Wave wrapped up Fall Ball 2006 last Sunday at Zephyr Field, and are now back on campus working out with the coaching staff on an individual basis. The Tulane team will begin spring practice in January to begin preparation for the 2007 season.

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