Christmas has arrived early for first-year Siuslaw Vikings baseball coach Tom Shinn, thanks to the Siuslaw Athletic Booster Club.

Monday, the club approved nearly $2,500 to finance backstop padding at Dodson Field.

"The backstop padding will reach behind the plate area, and will reduce the damage to the chain link behind the plate," Shinn said.

"It will help prevent curling of the chain link at the bottom, plus provide a level of safety when balls get past catchers and to the backstop."

The padding improves a facility already considered one of the best on the Oregon coast.

"I've been very impressed with the facilities for baseball, from Dodson Field to the Bert Mais Fieldhouse," Shinn said.

"The addition of backstop padding will not only provide an element of safety and a more aesthetic look, but will also eliminate crazy and wild bounces off of the backstop.

"I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Siuslaw Athletic Booster Club for this donation to the baseball program."

The Vikings are tuning for the 2018 season with voluntary hitting sessions from 7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.