Dunbar Field
Dunbar Field
Dunbar Field, where the Yaks softball team plays, was originally part of a 20-acre donation to the city of Yakima by Rose Larson, mother of Yakima businessperson and attorney Shirley D. Parker. Dunbar Field was the center for community softball programs from the late 1940s to 2002 and was also utilized by YVC for physical education classes, intramurals, women’s softball and varsity football practice.
In 1987, YVC formally started an intercollegiate women’s softball program, playing three seasons of modified pitch before transitioning to fast-pitch in 1990.
In 2002, the city of Yakima transferred the portion of Larson Park known as Dunbar Field, Noel Field and Field #4 to YVC.
By 2004, significant facility improvements had occurred and Dunbar Field now boasts several upgrades including the complete replacement of the infield, moving home plate to make the fences more compatible with women’s softball, and the additions of a warning track, walk-in dugouts at field-level, bleachers and a concession stand.
In 2005, the field was re-dedicated in memory of Yakima sportsman Robert “Bob” Dunbar, who was one of Yakima’s best-loved and accomplished members of the Yakima Softball Association in the 1950s – 1960s. Dunbar played on the first YVC football team in 1947 and played baseball for the college in 1948.
