Oklahoma Lands Massive Gift for Baseball

By OU Media Relations

University of Oklahoma Vice President and Athletics Director Joe Castiglione has announced a significant contribution of $1.2 million to the OU baseball program from the estate of the late Sooner baseball alumnus Robert L. “Bob” Stephenson. A shortstop for the Sooners from 1948 through 1950, Stephenson provided unwavering support to the baseball program through many years of annual contributions.

Originally from Blair, OK, Stephenson played under head coach Jack Baer. He graduated from Oklahoma in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in geology. He began his professional career in the St. Louis Cardinals farm system in Houston in 1950, before serving in the U.S. Army in 1952-53 (including 13 months during the Korean War; stationed in Japan). Stephenson made his MLB debut with the Cardinals on April 14, 1955, at Sportsman’s Park in St. Louis. He played 67 games in his only major league season.

In addition to impacting upcoming enhancements to OU’s baseball facilities, this meaningful gift also fulfills the Kimrey Family Matching Gift Challenge.

In June 2022, Brian and Kim Kimrey, of Bartlesville, increased their support of OU’s planned baseball stadium upgrades to $3.1 million and extended a challenge to other donors. The Kimreys committed to matching every donation dollar for dollar up to an additional $2 million as part of the project fundraising. Now fulfilled, the match results in a total gift of $5.1 million by the Kimrey family.

“This is another outstanding step forward for our OU baseball program,” said Castiglione. “The enduring support we have received from both the Stephenson and Kimrey families is driving our vision closer to a reality. We are incredibly grateful for the parallel goals from each of them as we know there are monumental opportunities on the horizon for current and future student-athletes of our baseball program.”

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Prior to his passing, Bob and wife Norma were long-time baseball, football and men’s and women’s basketball season ticket holders. The Stephensons have also provided significant financial and leadership support to the wrestling and women’s basketball teams, the Religious Studies program, and the OU School of Geology and Geophysics. Bob was awarded the prestigious Regents’ Alumni Award in 2020 because of the transformational support to OU over the years.

“My father instilled in all of us a love for the game of baseball,” said Tim Stephenson, from his home in Bluffton, SC. “Three generations of our family have called OU and Norman home for a major part of our lives, and Sooner athletics were always a big part of that experience – they still are. Last year’s College World Series team thrilled us once again, and as a family we are delighted to help the program rise to the challenge of competing in the Southeastern Conference.”

Both investments from the Stephenson and Kimrey families are a part of the university’s “Lead On” capital campaign. With a goal of $2 billion, the “Lead On” campaign extends through 2027 and includes OU Athletics’ most ambitious goal to date, focusing on building world-class facilities and providing a transformative student-athlete experience. Total contributions to the Oklahoma Baseball Stadium Project have now exceeded $12 million, with total project costs estimating $30 million.

“We are elated by the continued generosity of the Stephenson family and Bob’s legacy is one that will remain dear to this program for years to come,” said OU head coach Skip Johnson. “Unlocking this gift challenge allows us to take another step toward solidifying us as one of the top programs in the country and we are excited for what’s to come.”

Enhancements to OU’s baseball facilities will dramatically impact the student-athletes and the overall fan experience. This project will transform the look of the ballpark from both the interior bowl and the stadium’s exterior. New locker rooms, training areas, coaches’ offices and team meeting areas combined with chair-back seating, terraced berms and additional awnings and concourses will provide a first-class facility for fans and student-athletes.

In addition, a new, state-of-the-art performance and player development center will be added. A new entry to the team facility will include a Champions Lobby, displaying the success and tradition of the Oklahoma baseball program.

Those interested in giving to OU Athletics and the "Lead On" campaign should contact the Sooner Club at (405) 325-8000, visitSoonerSports.com/LeadOn or click here to give today.