ODU Baseball’s $24 Million 'Road Warrior' Season: 5 Key Takeaways And The New Ellmer Family Complex

The Old Dominion University (ODU) Monarchs baseball program is currently navigating one of the most transformative periods in its history. As of December 2025, the team is emerging from a challenging "Road Warrior" 2025 season, which saw them compete without a true home field due to a massive, multi-million dollar stadium renovation. This unique circumstance tested the team's resilience but also set the stage for a dramatic return to a state-of-the-art facility, promising a new era of competitiveness in the tough Sun Belt Conference.

The 2025 campaign, which concluded with a 22-31 overall record, was defined by gritty road performances and the emergence of elite individual talent, even as the team battled through a 15-15 conference slate. The focus now shifts entirely to the future, highlighted by the highly anticipated opening of the new Ellmer Family Baseball Complex and the integration of key recruits, signaling a major push for a Sun Belt title in the coming years.

The Old Dominion University Baseball Program: A Biographical Snapshot

The ODU Monarchs baseball program holds a rich history, having produced Major League talent and achieved significant milestones across multiple conferences before joining the highly competitive Sun Belt Conference in 2022. The program’s current leadership and home field are central to its identity.

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• University: Old Dominion University (ODU)
• Location: Norfolk, Virginia
• Nickname: Monarchs
• Conference: Sun Belt Conference (SBC)
• Home Field (Current Status): Ellmer Family Baseball Complex at TowneBank Field (formerly Bud Metheny Ballpark). Currently undergoing a $24 million renovation, with a temporary field expected for the 2026 season.
• Head Coach: Chris Finwood (Confirmed as Head Coach as of late 2025, entering his 14th season)
• Assistant Coaches: Mike Marron (Assistant Coach / Pitching), Jonathan Hadra (Assistant Coach / Hitting)
• 2025 Season Record: 22-31 Overall, 15-15 Sun Belt Conference
• Notable MLB Alumni: Justin Verlander (Hall of Fame-bound pitcher), Daniel Palka, Ryan Yarbrough
• All-Time Strikeout Leader: Kevin Bearse (325 strikeouts)

The $24 Million 'Road Warrior' Season and the Ellmer Family Complex

The single most defining factor of the 2025 season was the massive renovation project for the team's home field. On June 5, 2025, ODU marked the groundbreaking for the $24 million Ellmer Family Baseball Complex, a project designed to completely modernize the facilities at what was historically known as Bud Metheny Ballpark.

Competing Without a Home Field

The renovation forced the Monarchs to become true "Road Warriors" for the entire 2025 season, playing all their home games at various neutral sites and opponents' fields. This challenge is reflected in their overall 22-31 record, though their 15-15 conference record shows the team's ability to compete in the Sun Belt despite the logistical hurdles. Playing a full season without the comforts of a designated home dugout, batting cages, and locker room is a significant competitive disadvantage that the Monarchs battled through with grit and determination.

The Future of Monarch Baseball: A New State-of-the-Art Home

The Ellmer Family Baseball Complex is set to transform the ODU program. The $24 million investment will create a state-of-the-art facility that will be one of the finest in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Sun Belt Conference. While construction is proceeding rapidly, the facility will narrowly miss being fully complete for the 2026 season and is expected to open with a temporary field configuration. The full complex, rechristened the Ellmer Family Baseball Complex at TowneBank Field, is scheduled for final completion in a future phase, promising a major recruiting boost and a true home-field advantage for years to come.

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2025 Season Review: Player Spotlights and Sun Belt Performance

Despite the lack of a true home field, the 2025 Monarchs saw several players deliver career-defining performances, keeping the team competitive in the Sun Belt Conference standings. Their season ended in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament elimination round, falling to rivals like Southern Miss and Troy.

The Power Surge of Kyle Edwards

The undisputed offensive star of the 2025 season was infielder Kyle Edwards. Edwards became a national power threat, leading the team with an astonishing 26 home runs. This massive power output provided the crucial offense ODU needed in their road-heavy schedule and firmly established him as one of the elite sluggers in the Sun Belt Conference. His performance will be key to the Monarchs' success moving forward.

The Consistency of Zach Leite and the Lineup Depth

The offense was not a one-man show. Catcher Zach Leite provided crucial consistency at the plate, leading the Monarchs in batting average with a stellar .339 mark. Other key contributors included Efrain Morales (.308 average) and Maverick Stallings (.279 average). The ability of players like Kainen Jorge and Luke Waters (who added 6 home runs) to drive in runs demonstrated the depth of the ODU lineup, which bodes well for the 2026 campaign.

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Coaching and Future Outlook Under Chris Finwood

Head Coach Chris Finwood, who has been at the helm for over a decade, is credited with navigating the program through the challenging 2025 season. His coaching staff, including pitching expert Mike Marron and hitting coach Jonathan Hadra, has been instrumental in developing the current talent base while preparing for the future. The Monarchs have been active in the transfer portal and recruiting, securing commitments from key players like Jackson Runyon, Patrick Johnson, and Grayson Sparr, to bolster the roster for 2026.

Five Key Reasons ODU Baseball is Poised for a Resurgence

The Monarchs are entering a new phase of their program, fueled by a combination of new facilities, proven talent, and a competitive spirit forged during the "Road Warrior" season.

1. The Kyle Edwards Factor: His 26-home-run 2025 season provides a proven, elite power source that can compete with any player in the country.
2. The New Ellmer Family Baseball Complex: The $24 million facility, even with a temporary opening in 2026, will immediately boost recruiting efforts and provide a true competitive advantage over rival programs.
3. Sun Belt Conference Experience: The 15-15 conference record in 2025, achieved while playing every game on the road, proves the team can compete with the league's best, including tough opponents like Southern Miss and Coastal Carolina.
4. Strong Coaching Stability: Head Coach Chris Finwood’s long tenure and his experienced staff provide a stable foundation for player development and program growth.
5. Historical Pedigree: The program has a strong history, having produced MLB stars like Justin Verlander. This legacy, combined with the new facilities, helps attract top-tier talent from the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.

The ODU Monarchs baseball program is on the cusp of an exciting new chapter. The grit and determination shown in the 2025 "Road Warrior" season, combined with the impending opening of the state-of-the-art Ellmer Family Baseball Complex, suggest that the Monarchs are ready to compete for a Sun Belt Conference Championship in the very near future.