Sullivan Park

In the spring of 2001, Saint Anselm College trustee and alumnus Michael Sullivan (Class of '70) and his wife Anne-Marie made a gift to the Saint Anselm College baseball program that continues to fund field renovations and has transformed the ballpark into one of the finest college facilities in New England.

The field itself is meticulously manicured and is tucked in between Grappone Stadium and the bottom of the hill that is overlooked by the Carr Center. In addition to permanent dugouts and bullpens, the park also features a structure behind home plate that serves as grounds crew and maintenance storage on the lower level and both a state-of-the-art press box and coaches office on the second level. A new modern right-field scoreboard was also installed prior to the 2014 season.

The Hopkinton, Mass. couple chose to name the facility Sullivan Park at Kavanagh Fields, in memory of Michael's parents, Mr. and Mrs. William J. Sullivan, who were fans of both Saint Anselm College athletics and academics. Family ties run even deeper, as Michael is the brother of Fr. William Sullivan, O.S.B., Saint Anselm College history professor, alumnus, and former prior of Saint Anselm Abbey. Michael Sullivan Jr., a co-captain of the 2001 team, is the son of Michael and Anne-Marie.

Trustee Sullivan says the gift is about more than just baseball. It provides a tangible way to both honor the memory of his parents and thank the College. "Our family truly appreciates the excellent education and values that the Benedictine community at Saint Anselm College provides," he says. "Our gift extends meaningful support for the baseball program and will produce one of the most beautiful ballparks in New England at which to play or watch a game."

The gift is the largest in the history of the baseball program at Saint Anselm, and former Director of Athletics Ed Cannon says it has helped elevate the quality of the program.

"It's humbling and truly amazing to have such generous support from alumni and friends here at the College," Cannon said. "On behalf of everyone involved in the program, we thank the Sullivans for their generosity. To have a top-notch program, we need top-notch facilities. We are now on that path."