News release from the TinCaps:
TinCaps’ Winter Named Class-A Sports Turf Manager of the Year
Head Groundskeeper Adds to List of Accolades(November 7, 2013) – Fort Wayne TinCaps Head Groundskeeper Keith Winter is the 2013 winner of the 13th annual Sports Turf Managers Association’s Sports Turf Manager of the Year Award for the Class-A classification in Minor League Baseball. Winter was selected as the recipient of the award from among all sports turf managers in the Midwest, South Atlantic, California, Carolina and Florida State Leagues which, in total, comprise 60 teams.
“What I’m really proud of is the commitment from the grounds crew and the organization in their dedication to having a high-quality playing surface at Parkview Field. We think we have one of the best facilities in Minor League Baseball and we’re glad to be recognized for that on a national level,” Winter said. “I share this award with all of the people in our organization.”
This accolade adds to the list of honors bestowed upon Winter and his grounds crew. Since joining the TinCaps in 2010, Winter has brought the Midwest League Sports Turf Manager/Grounds Crew of the Year Award back to Parkview Field every season. In the fall of 2012, Winter coordinated the complete renovation of the TinCaps playing surface, replacing the turf with short-cut bluegrass from Graff’s Turf Farms in Fort Morgan, Colorado.
Winter will be presented with the award on December 9th in Orlando, Florida, at the 112th annual Baseball Winter Meetings.