Ebert Field

Ebert Field
Western Michigan University
1420 Oliver Street
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5422

The Western Michigan University softball program plays all of its home games at Ebert Field, conveniently located on campus in near proximity to all of the WMU athletic facilities.

The complex features everything needed to enjoy a collegiate softball game: stadium-style seating for up to 400 fans behind the first base line and in the outfield, a press box and concessions stand.

The latest renovations occurred in the summer of 2000 and 2001, improving access to the field and creating more room to park for both baseball and softball. A new fence surrounding the complex was built and wind screens were installed on the outfield fence to help combat the windy conditions associated with the park.

Also included in the improvements was a change that will more than likely increase offensive production at the park.

With only five home runs hit by any program in 12 seasons (prior to 2001), Ebert Field had deservedly gained the reputation of a “pitcher’s field.” The entire fenceline has been moved in. Straight-away center is now 220’ and both corners measure out at 200’. Left field did have the shortest fence at 219’, while center was 225’ and right was 226’.

Prior to the most recent work on the complex, both the home and visitor dugouts were remodeled and a new scoreboard was installed. The complex also contains a pair of batting cages as well as a bullpen and storage area.

The field is named after former WMU coach and professor Fran Ebert. A recent selection to the WMU Athletic Hall of Fame, Ebert began the softball program at Western Michigan in 1976 and went on to compile an overall record of 270-116-1 in 10 seasons.

Ebert led the Broncos to a pair of AIAW College World Series appearances and one trip to the NCAA College World Series (1982). In 2000, Ebert was one of three individuals inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame at the national convention. In 1985, Western Michigan University’s Board of Trustees approved a recommendation to name the school’s diamond in her honor and it was dedicated on June 29 of that year.

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.
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.
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.

Parking: Guest parking passes and parking maps are attainable at WMU Parking Services. Please contact WMU Parking Services M-F 7:30a-4:00p at:

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