Bill Fields

Bill Fields is being inducted into the Pima County Sports Hall of Fame for his visionary leadership and lifelong dedication to inclusive sports. As a founding member and coach of Tucson Challenger Little League, Fields has spent decades creating opportunities for children with physical and developmental disabilities to experience the joy, confidence, and life lessons of athletics.

Fields’ commitment is deeply personal. As the father of a Special Olympics athlete, he witnessed firsthand the impact sports can have on individuals and families. “I’ve seen what Challenger Little League did for my son and my family,” Fields said. “It’s so much more than Little League – it’s lessons for life.”

Since becoming involved in 1990, Fields has served in nearly every role imaginable, including president, coach, and district official, while also dedicating himself to Special Olympics programs across multiple sports. For more than three decades, he has worked tirelessly – without pay – to expand opportunities for athletes with special needs, organizing teams and leading them to competitions across the country, including Virginia, Seattle, Oklahoma City, and Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

In 2008, Fields was named National Challenger Little League Volunteer of the Year and led a Tucson Challenger team in an exhibition game at the Little League World Series, bringing national attention to the athletes he so passionately supports.

One of his most lasting contributions was spearheading the development of the $1 million Field of Dreams Complex on South Kino Parkway, a fully accessible four-field facility completed in 2001. Built through the support of community partners – including the Tucson Conquistadores, the City of Tucson, and Major League Baseball organizations – the complex remains a cornerstone of inclusive athletics. Today, it serves as the home of Tucson Challenger Little League, Coronado Area Special Olympics softball, and Randolph Little League.

Fields has also served as a Challenger Little League coach and Special Olympics softball coach for nearly 35 years

– 2008 -He led a Tucson Challenger Little League team in an exhibition game at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

– 2012 – Coach, Special Olympics North America Softball Tournament, Oklahoma City, OK

– 2012 – Coach, Team Arizona Special Olympics USA Games, Seattle, WA

“Bill’s dedication goes way beyond just helping out,” a community leader once noted. “Without him, this wouldn’t have happened.”

Through decades of selfless service, Bill Fields has exemplified leadership, compassion, and inclusion. His work has transformed lives, strengthened families, and created a lasting legacy for adaptive sports in Pima County and beyond.