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Robert J. Bobb Stadium at Hyames Field

Robert J. Bobb Stadium at Hyames Field
Western Michigan University 
1420 Oliver Street
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5422

Capacity: 1,500

Field Dimensions:
LF-310 (top of fence measures 16')
LC-375 
CF-395 
RC-375 
RF-335

Robert J. Bobb, chief executive officer of Cardinal Growth L.P. and a 1969 WMU alumnus, committed $1 million to the renovations of WMU’s home facility, which was formerly dedicated as Robert J. Bobb Stadium at Hyames Field on May 14, 2011.

Over $2 million went into the project which included grandstand restoration, the installation of chair-back seating (400), construction of new walkways, dugouts, press box, two VIP suites, bathrooms and concession area. New fencing was also installed throughout the entire park, including the down the base lines and in the outfield. Construction began in 2008 and was completed in the fall of 2010. Signage and commemorative markings are also placed throughout the venue.

The stadium is divided into eight seating sections, which also bears the name of major donors to the project. The sections are as follows: (A) James Moeller, (B) Philip S. Denenfeld, (C) Ed Rossi, (D) 1955 Bronco Baseball Team, (E) Wayne LeNeave, (F) Demetral Family, (G) Ron Jackson and (H) Bill Lajoie. The 1955 team collectively raised over $100,000 in support of the stadium renovation project. Many of these were "Diamond Club" members, a group of 27 individuals and families who made donations of at least 10K.

On May 14, 2013, the Brett Freed Player's Lounge was dedicated at Robert J. Bobb Stadium, which is under the grandstand on the home third base dugout side. The lounge features a large flat screen TV, sound system, kitchenette, athletic training area and other amenities.


HYAMES FIELD

The playing field is named after former head baseball coach and Athletic Director Judson Hyames and was dedicated in the spring of 1939. Hyames coached at WMU from 1922-36, posting a 166-62-2 record during his 15-year tenure. He served as the school’s Athletic Director from 1937 until his death in 1949.

Carved out of a hill alongside Stadium Drive, Hyames Field was able to offer a unique playing environment. Features include hill banks down both foul lines, in particular the right field side, which is an open grassy knoll popular with spectators. Construction on the venue began in 1934 as a $250,000 Federal Works Project that also included the construction of Waldo Stadium (football).

Among the features at Hyames are an electronic scoreboard, long dugouts, a padded backstop, an outfield warning track and three batting cages.

The site was the home of the first two College World Series in 1947 and 1948. The 1947 CWS featured two famous players. The game saw eventual American League "Most Valuable Player" Jackie Jensen playing outfield for California. Patrolling first base for Yale that afternoon was future U.S. President George H.W. Bush.

 1947 & 1948 College World Series at Hyames Field


Directions:

• From 1-94: Exit at Oakland Drive (Exit #75) and go North. Go through the stoplight at Howard Street and continue one mile until coming to Oliver Street on your left. Turn left onto Oliver and follow the road until you see the softball field on your right. Turn into the softball lot 102 and go to the back side of the lot.
• From US-131: Take the Stadium Drive East Exit. Follow signs for Western Michigan University Campus. Turn right on Oliver, which is one light pass the light at Howard Street. Turn into the softball lot 102 and go to the back side of the lot.
• From M-43 North of Kalamazoo: Turn left off M-43 (Gull Road) in Kalamazoo onto Riverview Drive. Go under the railroad overpass and bear right onto Michigan Avenue for 0.4 miles. It then becomes Kalamazoo Avenue. Continue until it becomes Stadium Drive. Pass Waldo Stadium on your left. Turn left at the light at Oliver. Turn left immediately into lot 102 at softball and follow the parking lot to the back.

• wmich.edu/parking for online services
• 2507 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 for in-person services
• (269) 387-4609 for call services