The field is named for Romalynn Hellyer, the late wife of former Indian Hills president Dr. Lyle Hellyer, and was constructed adjacent to the Tom Arnold Net Center on the east side of the Main Campus in Ottumwa.

R.L. Hellyer Field has provided one of the best home-field advantages of any diamond in the Midwest since it started hosting Warrior softball games in the mid-1990s. The field underwent a significant renovation in 2017-18 when the entire playing surface was replaced, a new backstop was installed, new dugouts and press box were constructed and a new scoreboard was installed. 

For a stretch in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Warriors were virtually unbeatable on their home field and it has been the site for numerous postseason games through the years. The IHCC softball program enjoyed a streak of 15 consecutive national tournament appearances and the majority of those trips to the national tournament were secured with wins at R.L. Hellyer Field.