Sullivan Field
Westfield State’s softball field was dedicated as “Sullivan Field” on October 19, 2024 as part of the University’s 185th anniversary celebration at homecoming.
The field was named in honor of the Sullivan Family, as Kris ’77, Bob ’81, Mike ’14, and Julia ’17 have had a long affiliation with the University as students, athletes and parents, and have a history of strong support for Westfield State athletics.
Bob Sullivan pitched for the strong Owls baseball teams of the late 1970s, and worked with his future wife Kris in the residence halls. Their son Mike also pitched for the Owls’ baseball team, and daughter Julia was an all-conference and All-ECAC player as a pitcher and first-baseman for the Owls softball team.
The naming comes on the heels of a significant renovation to the playing surface at Sullivan field, as the infield surface was skimmed and regraded, and the bases and pitchers rubber realigned with the foul poles. The renovation both improved the playability of the surface, and the drainage, and included a freshening up of the dugouts and storage areas with paint and branding.
The field includes grandstand seating behind home plate, picnic seating down the lines, and a press box and broadcast area. The field has a hitting tunnel and a pair of bullpen areas.
Westfield has hosted multiple MASCAC Championship Tournament games at Sullivan Field, which is adjacent the Woodward Center, the home of Westfield State athletics, which features two hitting tunnels and a multi-purpose surface with space for a full infield.
The Sullivan Family poses at the dedication of "Sullivan Field" on Oct. 19, 2024