FIELD OF THE YEAR SCHOOLS AND PARKS BASEBALL
for help . I am proud that I am at the stage of my career where people now look to me for the same guidance and support that I have been provided with throughout my journey in sports field management .
SFM : What are the biggest challenges you have faced with the winning field , and how have you approached those challenges ? Fisher : The biggest challenge was not being a part of the renovation of the field . There were issues that we found out after I was hired as the field was being finished . The irrigation failed during the summer , which in turn killed the new Kentucky bluegrass . The outfield was not graded properly , no warning track was created , no bullpens and no equipment . The school administration and board of education supported my vision for not only the baseball field but for the grounds department as well . Once we established what was needed , we ordered a mower , aerator , topdresser and an infield machine ; but supply chain issues delayed all the equipment . I then focused on working with the crew that was at the district for years to build and enhance their knowledge . It wasn ’ t that they didn ’ t know how to do the job correctly , it was that they were never given the time or tools necessary to get it done in the past . Having a great administration and board of education was instrumental in overcoming those challenges .
SFM : How has your career benefited from being a member of SFMA ? Fisher : Being a part of the SFMA family is extremely important to my career . It allows me to be able to reach out and connect with a multitude of professionals . It has also helped validate my philosophies on sports field management with literature on the website and monthly mailings . Being a presenter at the 2023 conference allowed me to put my sports field management practices — especially baseball — on display and help other sports field managers in similar situations . I am able to educate myself and my employees through training and field days that are offered by SFMA and our local chapter , NJSFMA . SFM
16 SportsField Management | September 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com