FIELD OF THE YEAR COLLEGE BASEBALL
When ABM Industries and I took over this field , it was not a safe surface — nor an acceptable surface for Division I baseball . When it came to dirt and grass transitions , the dirt was inches lower than the grass ; the infield turf took bad hops ; and the mound did not meet specifications ( just to name a few issues ). I knew I had my work cut out for me , and there was nobody else that could do it other than me . I took everything I learned up to that point in my career and turned it around to one of the best natural surfaces in the country . I embraced the challenge of doing it all myself . I wanted it to become one of the best fields in the state of Louisiana and in the south . I eliminated any grassto-dirt transition issues , continuously topdressed the infield to improve ball roll , and dialed in all mounds and plate areas to meet spec . I continuously worked warning track edges to make for smooth transitions , and found what worked for our fertilizer program . I improved how the infield skin played by great attention to maintenance of the skin . To add to the aesthetics of the field , I added a logo behind home plate — the university ’ s Privateer logo — and added the New Orleans lettering down left and right foul territory . This all took place with zero full-time staff and limited seasonal help . ABM Industries trusted in my work ethic and knowledge of how to maintain an exceptional surface , bought into my processes and supported me . Without their support , I could not have turned this into what it has become . We face some challenges that very few other colleges face , including hurricane season and very hot , humid and wet summers . These weather challenges require great communication among the athletic department and around-the-clock knowledge of what the weather is doing . We also put a lot of effort into growing sports field management knowledge in south Louisiana by hosting an annual field day event at Maestri Field . This is an award not for me , but for everyone associated with Maestri Field and the program , and to recognize their dedication . — Scott Blanchette , sports turf manager sportsfieldmanagementonline . com November 2024 | SportsField Management
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