Grand Rapids Icon Bob Sullivan Dies at 96!

He certainly had a colorful life in Grand Rapids. He was an astute business owner of  hotels, Sullivan's Carpet & Furniture, still open on 28th street, along with some bars and nightclubs over the years. Who remembers the Shamrock?

He was Bob Sullivan, who, along with his crafty business acumen and his notorious restaurants and bars, helped Grand Rapids become a baseball and sports destination.

Valley Field, renamed Sullivan Field in 1996 since his amateur baseball team, the Sullivans, played there, was the Grand Rapids place to watch great baseball. It was home to the Negro League team Grand Rapids Black Sox in the 1940s and 1950s.

When Bob started the Sullivans team in the early 50s, through out the 50s and 60s,  over 70 major league players began their careers there. Ever heard of Kirk Gibson, Willie Horton, Al Kaline, and Dave Rozema? They turned out pretty good, right?

KIRK GIBSON

Bob was always connected to what was really happening in Grand Rapids and Michigan. So connected, in fact, that in addition to all his business activities, he was a Detroit Tiger scout for a while when Jim Campbell was general manager. He knew his baseball.

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Bob Sullivan was a quiet supporter of kids in Grand Rapids. He started Little League baseball here, and was always a big sponsor of not only baseball but basketball and football teams.

RICHMOND PARK POOL

Bob Sullivan was always quietly giving back to the community. He donated money so that Grand Rapids kids could swim for free in the city pools.

The Sullivan family says they will have a private Mass, and will plan for a public remembrance memorial service at a later date.