Robert J. Bobb Stadium Ranked Third Best Ballpark in Michigan

KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Paul Swaney, co-founder of Stadium Journey, ranked Western Michigan's Robert J. Bobb Stadium at Hyames Field the best college baseball stadium in the state of Michigan and the third-best ballpark behind Dow Diamond and Comerica Park.

Stadium Journey did a review of every significant ballpark in Michigan - major-league, minor league and Division I facilities. Stadiums were judged on a set of criteria including Food & Beverage, Atmosphere, Neighborhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment and Extras.

Robert J. Bobb Stadium received a 3.6 score on a five-point scale, and was given a perfect five on Return on Investment, and four stars for Atmosphere, Neighborhood, and Access.

Dow Diamond, home of the Single-A Great Lakes Loons received a score of 4.4, while Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers was given a 4.1, ahead of Robert J. Bobb Stadium.

Cooley Law School Stadium (Lansing Lugnuts) came in fourth, followed by Ray Fisher Stadium (University of Michigan) in fifth. Michigan State's McLane Baseball Stadium was tabbed seventh while Mid-American Conference counterparts Central Michigan's Theunissen Stadium came in eighth and Eastern Michigan's Oestrike Stadium took 10th.

The structure at Hyames Field, now also bearing the name of Robert J. Bobb Stadium, underwent a $2 million-dollar facelift in the last three years. Included in the project was grandstand restoration, the installation of chairback 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 down the base lines and in the outfield. More improvements are expected at the stadium, with two major gifts allocated towards a player's lounge/locker room area and coaches' memorial wall.

Hyames Field was site of the first and second ever College World Series in 1947 & 1948.

Click here to find a full review of Michigan ballparks by Stadium Journey.