Robert J. Bobb Stadium at Hyames Field

ROBERT J. BOBB STADIUM

A $1 million dollar challenge gift from Chicago equity investor, Robert J. Bobb, got the ball rolling in the restoration of the
Bronco baseball facilities. Subsequently, the structure has taken the name Robert J. Bobb Stadium at Hyames Field.

Construction on the baseball stadium project began in the summer of 2008 and is nearing the end of Phase II. The major renovations will place WMU’s baseball facilities once again at the top of the Mid-American Conference and the Midwest.

Prior to the 2010 season, all chairback and bench seating areas, home and visitor dugouts, foul-line fencing and grandstand
restoration had been completed. A walkway and new entrance with handicap accessibility behind home plate was installed and new decorative exterior fencing was added.

The project in on pace for completion in the summer of 2010 with the construction of a new press box, bathrooms, concessions, ticket office and stadium signage. Construction to these areas began at the start of June. Former Bronco baseball players, WMU Alumni and friends have made $1.9 million in gifts and pledges in support of the project as of March 2010.

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.

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.

Among the features at Hyames are an electronic scoreboard, long dugouts, a padded backstop; an eight-foot, vertical-slat privacy fence; an outfield warning track and three batting cages. There is an inclined hill in left field.

Directions:  From 131, take Stadium Drive East to Oliver Street.  Turn right on Oliver and enter parking lot on immediate left. Parking and stadium entrance is located behind the softball diamond.