University of Michigan

Tripleheader for the U: New Wilpon Complex, Renovated Ray Fisher Stadium and Alumni Field

The new Wilpon Baseball and Softball Complex is a big hit with Wolverines fans and athletes alike. A capacity crowd cheered softball’s inaugural 10-0 blowout against Michigan State at Alumni Field on April 25, and a lively crowd of more than two thousand braved blustery weather to watch baseball’s 4-1 win against Ohio State in Ray Fisher Stadium a week later. Both teams finished the season at the top of the Big Ten.

The Wilpon Complex, which encompasses the two stadiums, was created through the generosity of Fred (AB ‘58) and Judy (AB ‘58) Wilpon, of New York City, and named in honor of Fred Wilpon’s parents, Frances and Nathan Wilpon. The two renovated parks encompassed by the Complex feature new grandstands (including barrier-free areas) and concessions, expanded restrooms, indoor hitting facilities and press areas. The Complex’s pedestrian plaza provides fans of both teams with a pleasant space to circulate and socialize.

During the dedication ceremonies, Fred Wilpon, chairman and CEO of the New York Mets, reflected on his reasons for creating the winning facility. “My parents encouraged me to try to make the world a better place,” he told an audience of loyal supporters and friends. “That’s what we’re trying to do here. Everyone already knows that these students get a great education at U-M. Now they have a facility where they can do great things.”

An All-Star Team

Softball lead donors Laura Currie Mary Hench Karla Hench Dix Humphrey Carol Hutchins Sue Junge Daniel and Jane Och Kelly O’Connor Scott and Mary Petrovich Mary Ann Whipple

Baseball lead donors Jim Abbott Russ and Lauren Anmuth C.J. and Caroline Beshke Stephen Boros Andrew Bressler Brian Campbell David Carpenter Casey Close Matt and Kristina Copp Irv and Jane Deister Glenn and Karen Doshay James and Anne Marie Eastman Robert and Sally Elgin George and Fran Foussianes Charles Getz Chris and Susan Gust Fritz Henderson Ralph and Audrey Hutchings Derek and Carolyn Kerr Mr. and Mrs. W. Robert Kohorst Allan Levy Andrew Marcus William Newman Buzz and Judy Newton Ron and Debbie Piasecki Constance and Arnold Pohs David Roebuck Jonathan and Bernadette Sarkisian Mark and Lisa Schwartz Bob and Kathy Vizas Judy and Fred Wilpon Robert Wolff Kurt Zimmerman

Scott Soderberg, U-M Photo Services

Scott Galvin, U-M Photo Services

(Top) Fred (AB ‘58) and Judy (AB ‘58) Wilpon are applauded by thousands of U-M baseball fans before baseball’s opener against Ohio State in the renovated Ray Fisher Stadium at the new Wilpon Baseball and Softball Complex.

(Bottom) Sue Junge (AB DRBN ’65, CERTT EDUC ’65) throws out the first pitch in softball’s inaugural game at the renovated Alumni Field, part of the new Wilpon Baseball and Softball Complex.