-
Robert & Frances O’Keefe Softball Field
The Robert & Frances O’Keefe Softball Field has been the home of Husson’s softball team since 2005 and was made possible by the generous gift from the O’Keefe’s. Located across from John P. Boucher Field, the softball field has undergone several renovations in the last few years, making it one of the finest fields in New England.
In 2013, a press box with storage and two additional bleachers were added, increasing the capacity to nearly 400, while also making O’Keefe Field handicap accessible.
In 2011, O’Keefe Field underwent another renovation with a new stone backstop and netting system, as well as reconstruction to the bullpens and a new set of bleachers.
In 2022, O'Keefe Field added a covered hitting pavilion thanks again to another generous gift from Bob O'Keefe in honor of his late wife Fran who passed away in 2020. It was Fran who encouraged Bob to give back to Husson in 2003 while attending homecoming and two years later O'Keefe Field hosted its first contest.
The field was built in the fall of 2004. It was built to NCAA regulation, measuring 205 feet down the left and right field lines and 220 in center field. The playing area is completely fenced in with a grass outfield, a dirt infield and an excellent drainage system.
O’Keefe Field hosted its first varsity softball game against Maine Maritime on April 5, 2005. The Eagles defeated the Mariners, 7-3, in game one of their North Atlantic Conference doubleheader.
O’Keefe Field has been the host site for the North Atlantic Conference Softball Championship Tournament from 2008-14, 2017, 2018, 2022 and 2024. Additionally, O'Keefe Field hosted the NCAA Regional Tournament in 2021 and again in 2024.
Robert (Bob) O’Keefe graduated from Husson in 1967 with a B.S. in business administration. He earned his Master's in Management from SUNY Albany in 1985. He had a long, successful career in sales, beginning with Shell Oil Company in 1967 and the Angelica Corporation in 1979. Bob retired from his position as the Angelica Corporation Northeastern U.S. Regional Manager of Sales in 1995, but continued to work for Angelica as a consultant until his full retirement in 2007. O’Keefe is a proud member of both the Husson alumni and athletics hall of fames.
