Avon Old Farms | Connecticut's Best All Boys School

Avon Old Farms School is proud to announce a landmark gift from George Springer ’08 and Austin Sperry ’96, P’29, a member of Avon's Board of Directors, that will transform the School's baseball facilities with a new turf field to be named George Springer III Field.

The gift arrives at an exciting time for Avon baseball, a program with a proud tradition and a demonstrated dedication to excellence. The team captured its 35th Founders League Championship last spring, while Head Baseball Coach and Provost Rob Dowling ’91, P’22 was named the 2026 Founders League Coach of the Year and was honored with the League's M.D. Nadal Sportsmanship Award. George and Austin's commitment builds on that momentum, creating a premier venue where student-athletes can compete and develop for generations to come.

“This is a remarkable investment in the future of Avon baseball and, most importantly, in our student-athletes,” said Coach Dowling. “The new turf field will extend our outdoor season by weeks, providing our players more time on the field despite New England's unpredictable weather. George and Austin's generosity will give our players a first-class field on which to compete, develop, and build the relationships and memories that make athletics such an important part of the Avon experience.”

The project will deliver an entirely new facility, including a synthetic turf playing field, larger dugouts, bullpens and batting cages, bleachers, a press box, a scoreboard, and fencing and netting throughout.

The naming carries special meaning for Avon. A member of the Class of 2008, George is a Major League Baseball outfielder and designated hitter for the Toronto Blue Jays, having previously played for the Houston Astros from 2014 to 2020. A four-time All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and 2017 World Series MVP, George is a consummate ambassador for the game and a leader committed to giving back. George Springer III Field will honor his achievements and the enduring connection he has maintained with the community that helped shape him.

Coach Dowling reflected, “Having coached George since he first became part of the Avon Old Farms family in 2004, watching his journey has been an absolute privilege. This incredible gift speaks to who George is at his core — a person of exceptional character and relentless effort. George's generosity ensures that future generations of Winged Beavers will learn those same lessons of hard work and dedication on a championship-caliber field.”

Austin brings his own remarkable athletic story to this gift. A member of the Class of 1996, he represented the United States as a Star class sailor at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and has remained one of the sport's top competitors ever since, most recently winning the 2024 Star World Championship. His drive and discipline echo the same values that define Avon athletics.

“George and Austin's commitment reflects their deep belief in Avon and in the lasting power of an Avon education,” said Jim Detora P'12, Head of School. “We are profoundly grateful to them for choosing to support Avon in such a meaningful and enduring way.”

This impactful gift also advances Avon's Centennial Campaign, an effort dedicated to shaping the School's next hundred years. George Springer III Field gives generations of student-athletes a place to develop the character and drive that will define their years at Avon and beyond.

Based on the current construction schedule, Avon anticipates the playing field will be ready in time for the spring 2027 baseball season.

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