LINCOLN, Nebraska – Haymarket Park has now been named the league’s Playing Surface of the Year for all 20 years since it was built, the league has announced.
The Saltdogs have been voted as the league’s best playing surface in every year of operation since 2001, and now Haymarket Park is a perfect 20-for-20 during time in both the Northern League and the American Association.
“To win the honor all 20 years the Saltdogs have played is really incredible,” President/GM Charlie Meyer said. “When you consider the new stadiums and facilities across the American Association, for Haymarket Park to continue being the league’s best playing surface is really a testament to what our crew is able to do.”
The facility is maintained by turf manager Kyle Trewhitt, in his first year as the full-time manager after spending four seasons on staff with the Saltdogs. Trewhitt was born and raised in Lincoln before graduating from the University of Nebraska with a degree in turfgrass management.
“This was a great year full of challenges and I am thankful to have an amazing crew and front office as a support system,” said Trewhitt. “I could not have made it through the year without guys like Kyle Lengfelder, Marcus Laible, Blake Tonjes, Jeff Hadley, Mike McNally, Scott Wolverton, Dan Busch, Dave Aschwege and Charlie Meyer helping with whatever was necessary. My crew and I are proud and honored to receive the best playing surface of 2021.”
The ‘Dogs share the facility with the University of Nebraska baseball team, which operates at Haymarket Park from late-January to late-May.
The ‘Dogs regain the award from the St. Paul Saints, who won the honors last year when only six teams opted to play a shortened 60-game schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Saltdogs did not participate.
Stay tuned to saltdogs.com and all of the Lincoln Saltdogs social media channels for news and information regarding the 2022 season!