SportsField Management May 2023 | Page 20

FIELD OF THE YEAR PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL
Greater Nevada Field is a winner because of the passion both the staff and the players have put into it . My staff and I take so much pride in our work , and we know that everything we do impacts every game or event on the field . We follow the motto “ Undefeated ,” meaning we don ’ t let anything defeat us . Nitro Circus on July 1 with our biggest game of the year less than 72 hours after ? Not going to defeat us . Concert five days before a two-week homestand ? Not going to defeat us . The field was safe and playable for every game , and we take great pride in being “ Undefeated .” The 2022 Reno Aces had the highest fielding percentage in team history , ranked the best defense , and went on to win the PCL championship . My staff and I work tirelessly to make sure our guys are confident when playing at home , and trust our field to help them be the best . Although we went into last season with a new field , I only had myself until May . I had my mom helping with the landscape around the stadium while my dad helped me topdress , fix irrigation and fertilize . Once I got an assistant , it was just the two of us for every game , every event , every day for the whole season . For only having two full-time staff members , we made sure everything was done and done right , and we set a high standard . This field has seen three concerts , two Nitro Circus events , multiple corporate events and 124 games played on it in two years , and it ’ s ready for so much more in its lifespan . The goal is always to leave the field better than you found it ; and if I ever leave , I have full confidence this field has been maintained to last another 10 years . A winning field is more than green grass and cool patterns ; a winning field is resilient , durable and dependable . I feel so deeply that our field is all those things and more . It ’ s more than just the time we put into it – it ’ s about the true love and passion we have for what we do . It ’ s more than the events , it ’ s how the community wants their events at the best venue in town . It ’ s more than just the games , it ’ s how the players feel like they ’ re in the big leagues when they play on our field . The winning field is ours because of the love we put into it , the part of the community it has become , and the confidence our players have while on it .
– Leah Withrow , head groundskeeper sportsfieldmanagementonline . com May 2023 | SportsField Management
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