Courtesy Lincoln Saltdogs Media Relations
LINCOLN – For the 10th time in as many years, Haymarket Park – the home of the Saltdogs – was selected ‘Best Playing Field’ in the American Association, as voted upon 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.
Photo: Lincoln Saltdogs
