WILLIAMS BASEBALL NEEDS A NEW STATE OF THE ART FACILITY
For more than a century, Williams baseball played at one of the most iconic spots on campus – beautiful Weston Field. From the 1880’s until the late 20th century, the baseball field sat astride the football field, and fans could watch the game from the historic Weston Grandstand. In 1988, when Williams upgraded the track to regulation configuration, the baseball field moved to an area just west of the football field, where it was nestled in a corner next to woods and a small creek that runs along Denison Park. The field looked out at the Taconic Golf Course, with the mountains just beyond. That beautiful spot is where Coombs Field sat until 2004, when it moved to its current location on the northern end of campus, at the far end of Cole Field.
While the current field doesn’t lack for scenic views, it is simply unsuitable for college baseball in the typically soggy New England spring. To begin with, it is a natural grass field situated on a flood plain next to the Hoosac River, at one of the lowest elevations in northern Berkshire County – predictably, it floods often. It also lacks all manner of modern amenities – it has very limited parking, rudimentary spectator seating, no nearby bathrooms, and no concessions or shelter for fans. What’s more, it is located at the farthest reaches of campus, far away from students and fans.
WE CAN DO BETTER.
The Williams Baseball Diamond Club is leading an effort for a new turf baseball field, relocated to a more centralized and less flood prone location, with all the modern amenities. Ideally, this would be done in conjunction with a new turf softball field for the Williams softball team. We are open to discussions with the College and all key constituents on the details and locations of these fields.
The renderings on this page are an example of the kind of baseball field we support – and we are willing to raise the funds necessary to pay for it.
We are in close contact with the leadership of the College about this issue. As an example, please click here to read our letter to the College which lays out our position in more detail.
