LINCOLN – For the 15th time in as many years, Haymarket Park – the home of the Saltdogs – was selected ‘Best Playing Field’ in the American Association, as voted by league managers and media.
Josh Klute has been the Athletic Turf Manager at Haymarket Park since 2006. In addition to the 10 American Association titles, he also helped earn the ballpark ‘Baseball Field of the Year’ in the College/University division by the Sports Turf Management Association in 2007 – the second time Hawks Field at Haymarket Park earned that national award.
“Each year I appreciate this award more and more as each year brings a new set of challenges,” Klute said. “There are some really good playing surfaces in the league so we definitely don’t take this award for granted.”
As a member of the Northern League, Haymarket Park garnered the award from its inception in 2001 through 2005, and has continued the title reign through all 10 seasons of American Association play.
“Congratulations to Josh and his staff for another job well done,” Saltdogs President/GM Charlie Meyer said. “With the addition of the new ballparks in the league, it’s an honor to again be named field of the year. So many opposing players and coaches tell me this is one of the best playing surfaces they’ve ever played on.”
Prior to his time at Haymarket Park Klute served as Athletic Turf Manager at the University of Oklahoma in 2005, Assistant Turf Manager for the Cleveland Indians minor-league affiliate in Lake County (Ohio) from 2003-2004, and as an intern with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2002.
Klute added: “I want to thank my assistant Jeremy Johnson, he is so important to our staff and I can’t possibly thank him enough. His attention to detail and knowledge of this industry is top notch. It takes a team effort and I must also thank Marcus Liable, Tyler Lutz – who was our intern this year – and Jen Roeber for her excellent work on our landscape and at Bowling Stadium; along with our entire game day turf crew. One more thank you goes out to the Saltdogs and the University of Nebraska, as their positive working relationship together helps make this one of the best facilities to play in around the country.”