Eastern names baseball field in honor of legendary Coach Bill Holowaty

Eastern Connecticut State University honored one of the most storied coaches in NCAA Division III history on June 28 with the formal naming of its baseball field as Holowaty Family Field. Taking place at Eastern’s Mansfield Athletic Complex, the ceremony paid tribute to Coach Bill Holowaty, whose remarkable 45-year tenure at Eastern not only brought national acclaim to the program but also created a family-like environment among generations of Eastern baseball players.

Coach Holowaty led Eastern’s baseball program from 1969 to 2013, amassing one of the most decorated coaching records in NCAA Division III history. Under his leadership, the Warriors captured four national championships (1982, 1990, 1998, 2002), appeared in 12 College World Series, and maintained a career winning percentage of 72 percent with a record of 1,404-525-7.

He was named National Coach of the Year four times, steered the Warriors to 30-win seasons in 28 of his final 40 years, and guided Eastern to 11 Little East Conference regular-season titles and seven tournament championships. Holowaty's career has been recognized with induction into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame, the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and four regional halls of fame.

“Coach Holowaty's decades of leadership helped establish a legacy of competitive excellence at Eastern,” said Eastern President Karim Ismaili. “Naming the field in honor of the Holowaty family is a tribute to a coach whose impact on this program is defined not only by remarkable records, but by the generations of student-athletes who came through it.”

The naming ceremony was emceed by longtime WILI broadcaster Wayne Norman, the voice of Eastern baseball for decades. Norman highlighted the dramatic transformation Holowaty brought to the program, from a 19-35 record in the four years before his arrival to a 31-8 national runner-up finish by 1973, followed by multiple conference and national championships.

“The success of this program is what built this field,” said Norman, crediting former University President David G. Carter for his efforts lobbying for the facility, which opened in 1998.

Current head baseball Coach Mike Odenwaelder acknowledged the foundation his predecessor laid. “Coach Holowaty built from the ground up so much of the rich history, tradition, and winning culture that is Eastern baseball. … As I look forward to my own tenure at the helm here, the tall task of filling Coach’s shoes is made immensely easier because of that rich history and culture, baked into the walls of this stadium.”

The field naming reflects the collective effort of nearly 100 alumni and supporters who, since fall 2024, have committed more than $150,000 to the Bill Holowaty Baseball Facility Restricted Fund. The fund supports ongoing maintenance, renovations, and upgrades to the field and overall venue.

Speaking on behalf of donors and alumni, former player Greg Sullivan ’06 emphasized the importance of staying connected to the team after their time on the field. “The foundation of this baseball program over the years has been the commitment of support by former players and friends of the program,” he said.

To Coach, he added: You taught us character, toughness, and class. You taught us 'we’ over 'me' and you taught us loyalty. ... Yes, you will always be our coach, but more importantly you will always be family.”

Former player Tom Roath ’81 offered heartfelt and humorous memories from his time under Holowaty’s leadership. He emphasized Coach’s unwavering dedication to developing players both on and off the field.

“Yes, winning games was important, but it was about pushing us — every single day — to be better than we were the day before,” said Roath. “His fire to compete shaped us into better players—and even better men.”

He also paid tribute to Jan Holowaty, Coach Holowaty’s wife, calling her the “real MVP” for her steadfast support behind the scenes. “Whether it was managing the bus driver, keeping Coach out of trouble, or making sure we were all fed, Jan was the glue that held everything together,” Roath said.

Reflecting on her decades building a life around Eastern baseball, Jan Holowaty said: “Nothing can compare to the 45 years that we spent here at Eastern — we raised our family here and developed a huge baseball family. The name Holowaty Family Field—the ‘family’ part—is for all of you, because you’ve made our lives so much better.”

Daughter Jennifer Holowaty ’97 echoed that sentiment. "The naming of the field is an incredible moment for our family," she said. "However, it is not simply about the Holowaty family, but the Eastern Baseball Family — all of the players, families, and friends who have been impacted by my father and by Eastern baseball. It's a recognition of everyone who helped build the program. This day will be a celebration for the entire Eastern baseball family."

Son Jared Holowaty ’02 recalled growing up with Eastern baseball as a constant presence in his life, from his adolescence as the team’s bat boy to his own time on the Warriors. Looking back on his father’s recruitment efforts and the resulting outstanding talent that has played on the team over the years, he said, “It was so difficult to play here ... all the great players who didn't make the team because the competition level here was through the roof!” 

To all the players, staff, and supporters who have been a part of the team, he added, “It takes a family. ... The naming of this field is about all of us.”  

Vice President for Student Affairs Michelle Delaney presented the formal naming and dedication. In recapping his illustrious career, she declared, “This field stands as a recognition of those achievements and the Holowaty family’s enduring association with Eastern Baseball. ... We hereby name this field from this point forward as Holowaty Family Field.”