Colorful renderings of the stadium-in-progress lined the wall behind the man who inspired the new venue’s name.
Cecil O’Brate, wearing a suit and a striped tie, sat in the tan conference chair in a relaxed manner. Mike Holder and Josh Holliday offered words of praise and gratitude, but O'Brate didn’t demand the attention of everyone in the room. As Holder, Oklahoma State’s athletic director, spoke of his vision for Cowboy baseball’s future, O’Brate smiled and pleasantly nodded, adding an occasional comment or jovial laugh.
O’Brate’s gift to the OSU baseball program speaks loudly.
O’Brate, an 89-year-old entrepreneur born in Enid, donated $35 million toward the new Cowboy baseball stadium’s construction.