John Kmitta Associate Publisher / Editorial Brand Director jkmitta @ epgmediallc . com 763-383-4405

Pitchers and catchers report .

Those four words warm the hearts and stir the imaginations of baseball fans everywhere . As I write this ( in mid-February ), the outside air temp has just barely cracked double digits for the first time in two weeks . But that magical day on the baseball calendar has arrived , and with it arrives the thoughts and hopes tied to the sights , sounds , smells , and , yes , the warmth , of a new season . Baseball season .

The March issue is our annual “ Baseball Issue .” And I ’ m proud to

present you with a range of editorial content tied to America ’ s Pastime — including the Field of the Year winner in the Professional Baseball category , research out of Penn State regarding infield playability , and our interview with MLB ’ s Official Field Consultant ( and former STMA President ) Murray Cook .

Spring and baseball are synonymous , as they both signal the end of another winter , the prospect of new beginnings , and dreams of what the summer ahead might bring . After the year that has been , we could all use some warm thoughts , and plenty of hope .

I was never very good at the game of baseball , but I was always enamored with it . Its statistical nature has always appealed to me , from collecting baseball cards to checking box scores in the morning paper . I love watching great players put on exceptional performances – even on bad teams .

As a boy who would grow up to be a journalist , I would read about the game and its history , and was amazed at how broadcasters used words to paint the picture of a game on the canvas in my mind .

When I think about baseball , I also think of my grandma . She lived with us for a time during my youth , and she was the most ardent Chicago Cubs fan I have ever known . I remember getting off the bus from elementary school and rushing the block and a half from the bus stop to watch the final innings of early season games with her . I can recall sitting on her lap and trying to impress her with my knowledge of the various players .

Sure , I have plenty of other baseball memories from throughout the years . But , as with the game of baseball itself , it is hard to top the joy of rounding the corner and heading home . SFM

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SportsField Management | March 2021 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com