This past Friday (yesterday March 20), I had some free time to take in my first Norfolk State University baseball game of the 2026 season. The weather this past week featured nearly a 40 degree temperature swing from Monday to Friday, with lows dipping into the 30s and highs pushing higher than the 70s. Luckily, I was in the positive temperature swing phase on Friday afternoon, as temps and sunshine were ever present. Rachel and I took the short drive down VA Beach Blvd to the campus of Norfolk State University just off Park Ave. in Norfolk.
A few changes to game day at Norfolk State University this season. And this is not a criticism whatsoever of times passed, it is merely an acknowledgement of new policies and in my opinion, safer policies. First, the entry guard shack has a cone in front of the entryway now. A guard, like in seasons passed, greeted us and asked us why we were coming onto campus. After I told her we were attending the baseball game, she handed us a temporary parking pass for any of the open lots, then removed the cone obstructed our path to campus. I like the interaction, I like the need to stop people before they enter a place of safety for students, I like the effort here. After parking in the open lot near the tennis courts, the next level of safety was at the ticket booth at Marty Miller Field. Again, great policy. Tickets provide revenue for the school so they can support the student athletes, I have no problem paying for a baseball ticket at a college game. Plus, it identifies who is at the game should an emergency happen. Two great new changes for entering and watching a game at Norfolk State University and I applaud the leadership at NSU for instituting these changes.
Marty Miller Field has an awesome viewing section behind home plate. There really isn’t much seating or viewing other than the bleachers, so when you go see an NSU game, pick an angle behind home plate and have a seat. I love the view right behind home plate myself and that is where I tried to find seating, as was the case yesterday. Norfolk State and Delaware State were playing Game 1 of a weekend series and Rachel and I arrived in our seats around the first inning. The crowd was mostly parents and friends of the players and it filled in pretty nicely by the middle innings. The sun was bright and hot and it felt amazing to be warmed by Mother Nature. Wind was blowing out with some pace to right field. For the first day of Spring, I would say the conditions were downright Springlike bordering Summerlike.
Last season, I got out to Marty Miller Field about 5 times to see NSU play. I was excited to see this year’s team and get to know some new players and catch up with some familiar players as well. NSU has already notched a few wins this season and looks to be having a nice bounce back year so far. With a new head coach (M.L. Morgan’s first year) and some new players, mixed in with some veterans, NSU is poised to make a decent run of it in 2026.
One player you can pencil in for “must see” is RF Justin Journette, #2, who never disappoints at the plate. I was telling Rachel that Journette has hit a home run in every single game I have attended over the past two seasons. He is the NSU all-time home run king and continues to hit home runs in 2026 at a record pace. Yesterday, after smashing a ball to right center field that probably should have gone out on most days, Journette went yard not once but twice. On the day, #2 went 3 for 4, a walk, 5 RBI, and those 2 HRs. What a talent.
Norfolk State University took Game 1 of their weekend series vs. Delaware State yesterday by a score of 16-6. Game 2 is today at 1:00pm at Marty Miller Field. If you are planning on attending, I would suggest buying your ticket ahead of the game. This way, you will have your ticket for the ticket attendant to scan and won’t have to either go to the NSU ticket office or download the app, etc. Should be another beautiful day here in Hampton Roads, especially for baseball. Good luck to all the NSU players, coaches, and families today.
PS, I want to wish my wife Rachel a very Happy Birthday. Must be nice being 39 every year!!!
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