TPI MEMBER HAS ROLE IN MLB LITTLE LEAGUE CLASSIC
Te sod from Tuckahoe Turf Farms started arriving very early in the morning of May 30.
When the BrightView crew completed their job, Benson Field was ready for play. By Steve Trusty
Did you watch the Little League Classic game August 20 on ESPN? I hope you noticed the infield and outfield. TPI member Tuckahoe Turf Farms was involved in growing the natural grass surface and rolling it up and out during the week of May 30. Te natural grass was an important part of the overall project to rebuild the second oldest and most distinguished Minor League Baseball venue in the US. BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field in Williamsport, PA, is just a short distance from the home of the Little League World Series.
Te location and history of Bowman Field provided an excellent backdrop for Major League Baseball (MLB) to honor those youngsters that play a big part in the future of baseball. Te regular season game between the Pirates and Cardinals was scheduled on the first Sunday of the Little League World Series ten-day run. Te schedule allowed time for the Major League players to interact with the kids during some of their games and gave the youngsters and their families a chance to see a major league game up close.
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MLB knew that major work would have to be done on the field to provide a most suitable venue. BrightView Sports Turf was hired for the restoration work. Te actual work on the field began March 1. Te account manager on the project was Kevin Moses, CSFM. Fourteen fellow Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) members were part of the BrightView team. After tearing out the entire original field, work went below ground with a new drainage system and irrigation. Tey removed eighteen inches of physical mass, then constructed the playing surface using 4,500 tons of sand and rootzone material to prepare the base for the natural grass. Murray Cook, president of BrightView Sports, said that they worked together with Tuckahoe to grow a special four variety blend of Kentucky bluegrasses. BrightView also oversaw the installation of new foul poles, bullpens, a batter’s eye, and backstop net to meet MLB requirements. Te new field was inaugurated for the Williamsport Crosscutters’ (Class-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies) home opener June 20.
Te field also looks good under the lights and was prepared to look great on TV.
Te project was paid for my MLB and state grants and is a part of MLB’s giving back. As Bud Selig said during his Hall of Fame speech, “Baseball life is more than just balls and strikes. It’s about giving back, living and dying with each game and working passionately to ensure we provide new opportunities for those who need it most.”
Steve Trusty is co-editor of Turf News. Photos courtesy BrightView Sports Turf.
TPI Turf News September/October 2017
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