BEREA, Ohio -- The Baldwin Wallace University baseball program has a rich tradition and history of success, and legendary Professor and Head Coach Dr. Bob Fisher '63 had a great deal to do with its reputation as a winner.  The University will honor that success and is naming its baseball field, Fisher Field, in his honor.

"We are pleased to honor the dedication and commitment that Bob Fisher made to our University for so many years," said BW President Dr. Robert Helmer. "Bob was an outstanding professor, coach, leader and member of the BW community. 

"As the coach of our baseball program, Bob developed many young men into excellent baseball players and team leaders who have become outstanding leaders in society," continued Helmer. "It gives us great pleasure to name our baseball field, Fisher Field."

In addition to naming the field Fisher Field, the University has begun work on a new turf infield that will be ready for play this spring. The project was made possible through private donations from former baseball student-athletes, alumni and friends of the University.

"I am truly humbled, honored and grateful to Baldwin Wallace University for this very gracious act," said Fisher, who retired in 2010 after 42 seasons and 700 victories.  "This is a tribute to the many outstanding players and assistant coaches who I had the opportunity to work with on a daily basis and to the support that I received from the faculty, administration and staff. 

"I continue to live my BW experience every day and am proud of the University, its total athletics program," continued Fisher. "My hope is that the name association will make it easier for our current players and alumni to remember their experiences and play on the diamond. I hope they remember the fun and exciting baseball they experience at BW."

Fisher was the winningest head coach in the history of the University in any sport and he amassed an amazing 700 career wins (700-641-14 overall).  He built the Yellow Jacket program into one of the best in the Ohio Athletic Conference, Mideast Region and all of NCAA Division III. In addition to being one of the top baseball coaches in Division III, he was a longtime assistant coach and the defensive coordinator for BW's nationally-renown football program.

Fisher had many outstanding moments on the diamond at BW. On May 4, 2010 in Berea, Fisher won his 700th career game when the Yellow Jackets defeated Muskingum University, 7-0, in game one of a doubleheader at Heritage Field. He was selected by his fellow OAC coaches as the OAC Coach of the Year four times. Fourteen of his teams won 20 or more contests. Both his 1991 and 2002 teams set and then tied the school-record for wins in a season with 25. BW advanced to the NCAA Division III Regional Tournament four times and the OAC Playoffs 16 times.

In the classroom, Fisher developed a reputation as an outstanding instructor and spent a number of years as the faculty chair of the Division of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.  Fisher received his master's degree from Kent State University in 1968 and his doctorate in health education from The Ohio State University in 1988. He was a professor of health education and an Academic Program Coordinator for the health promotion and education major. Fisher also was a member of numerous professional associations in health promotion and education.

Please stay tuned as a dedication ceremony for Fisher Field is being planned for this spring and more information on that event will soon be made available.