July 27, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. -
Illinois State University's Board of Trustees today approved the naming of the baseball field as the Duffy Bass Field in recognition of his commitment and contribution to the University and for his achievements as a coach of the Redbird Baseball program for 25 years.
"Duffy Bass is not only the winningest baseball coach in Illinois State history, but he exemplified Illinois State Athletics during his era," Director of Athletics Sheahon Zenger said. "He was a man of service to the community and a leader of young men on the field. I personally was honored to come to Illinois State at a time when I was able to get to know Duffy. That is a memory that I will always cherish."
Bass died on March 14 of this year. He received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Illinois State and his doctorate in education from Louisiana State University. Bass taught at Thomas Metcalf School and University High School before teaching health and physical education and coaching at Illinois State, with 24 years as head of the Redbird Baseball program. He was the most winning baseball coach in Illinois State Athletics history with a career record of 713-457-18. His 1969 team won the NCAA College Division National Championship.
