Celebrating Two Decades of Growth at Dugan Yard

During a ceremony held on Saturday, Oct. 19, members of the St. John Fisher University community gathered to celebrate 25 years of Dugan Yard, cut the ribbon on the newly opened Player Development Center, and recognize Kevin ’70 and Peggy Dugan, whose decades of philanthropy turned the area from a single baseball field in the early 2000s to the world-class complex it has become today.

President Gerard J. Rooney was joined by members of the Board of Trustees, Fisher baseball coaches and student-athletes, and colleagues from across campus in honoring the Dugan family for their continued commitment to the University.

The facilities, which are home to the Cardinal baseball program, were originally constructed in 2000, thanks to a generous gift made in honor of his Kevin’s father, Donald. The gift established Dugan Yard, which began a trajectory of growth for the baseball program.

In the 1990s, the team played their home games at East Rochester High School, and the new field allowed them to bring their games to campus. Six years after Dugan Yard’s construction, the Dugans gave an additional gift to add a club house with strength training equipment and a new press box. Subsequent gifts from the Dugans over the course of next 12 years led to further enhancements, including the construction of a new grandstand, and eventually a new press box, new bleachers, and another new club house with a fully-functional locker room.

In 2021, the Dugans made their largest philanthropic contribution to Fisher to build the Player Development Center at Dugan Yard. A world-class indoor collegiate athletics facility, the Player Development Center features a turf infield and can be sectioned off to allow hitters and pitchers to train simultaneously. It is also outfitted with professional equipment including cutting-edge technology to breakdown swing patterns, chart pitches, replicate opponents’ pitching patterns, and more that allows Fisher’s coaches to further develop the team’s skills.

“Through Kevin and Peggy’s generosity and decades of philanthropy, we have been able to enhance our athletics facilities, support our athletics program, and foster a winning environment where students can thrive and live out their dreams of playing college baseball,” said President Rooney. “Their unwavering commitment to Fisher Athletics has not only elevated the baseball program but instilled a sense of pride and community among our student-athletes, families, alumni, fans, and supporters. Their legacy is a beautiful example of how one family’s generosity can shape the future of an institution.”

Brandon Potter, who serves as the head coach of the baseball program, also offered remarks. An alumnus of Fisher and former member of the baseball team, he has had a front row seat to the transformation of Dugan Yard over the years. Potter underscored the role the facilities play in the team’s success, including five Empire 8 Championships, including back-to-back-to-back titles in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from senior pitcher Anthony Lang who spoke of the impact that Dugan Yard has had on the camaraderie and success of the team. Kevin and Peggy also offered remarks, sharing their gratitude to Fisher and their love of Fisher baseball.

After the group cut the ribbon on the facility, members of Fisher’s baseball took the field for a friendly home-run derby.