Henderson State University Athletics

Henderson State University began playing softball in 1999 with the first game being a 5-1 victory over Williams Baptist. From 1999 to 2007 Henderson State’s softball facility was called Diamond Reddie Field. That changed on Oct. 13, 2007 as Diamond Reddie Field was renamed Delores Brumfield White Field. Dr. Delores (Dee) White was instrumental in getting the Henderson State softball program off the ground by helping to raise money for a new facility. 
          
Often called one of the most beautiful settings and best-kept fields in the Great American Conference by opposing teams who play on it, Dee White Field continues to be one of the finest softball fields in the south, with a permanent seating capacity of approximately 500, with additional hillside seating. From the time fans enter the confines of Dee White Field for a doubleheader, until the time they exit the gates, they will be treated to pure excitement.

Dr. Delores Brumfield-White was an instructor and professor at Henderson State from 1963-94. Dr. White served as swimming coach from 1963-82, was director of the  Reddie Ripples synchronized swimming club, and coordinator of the recreation degree program.  Known to many as Dolly or Dee, she is nationally and internationally known as one of the women to participate in the All-American Girls’ Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). She spent seven years in the league from 1947 to 1953. The AAGPBL was the basis of the 1992 movie “A League of Their Own”, starring Geena Davis and Tom Hanks.   

Dolly was only 14-years-old when she reported to Havana, Cuba for spring training in 1947. She led the Kenosha Comets in hitting in 1951 having a .273 batting average, and finished second in the league in hitting with a .332 average in 1953 playing for Fort Wayne. 
              
Dee played for South Bend in 1947, Kenosha from 1948-1951, and two years for the Fort Wayne Daisies in 1952 and 1953. The Daisies were the league champions both seasons, and in 1952 they were coached by Hall of Famer Jimmy Foxx. 
 
Dee has been recognized in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame for her participation in the league, and is the past president of the AAGPBL Players’ Association.    
    
Inducted into the Reddie Hall of Honor in 1998, Dr. White has also served as a volunteer consultant with the city of Arkadelphia’s Parks and Recreation Department  and she also organized monthly retired faculty staff luncheons that are held at the hospital.   

A 1954 graduate from the University of Montevallo, she obtained her master’s and doctorate in physical education from the University of Southern Mississippi before spending 31 years at Henderson State as an instructor in the Health Physical Education and Recreation Departmant.