Mitch Hooten, the head groundskeeper of the West Michigan Whitecaps, was recently recognized as one of the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) and Minor League Baseball Sports Field Managers of the Year. The West Michigan Whitecaps are the Class A Minor League Baseball team, affiliated with the Detroit Tigers in the Midwest League. Hooten manages the grounds of Fifth Third Ballpark,... read more
Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB) awarded the 2019 ‘Sports Field Managers of the Year’ sponsored by STMA and Echo Tools. This year’s winners continuously demonstrate the hard work and passion needed to provide attractive and safe playing fields at all levels, the association says. Amongst the honorees are multiple repeat winners including one sports field... read more
As the college football season quickly approaches, athletic directors and turf managers at universities across the country are busy prepping for one of the busiest times of the year. Amid all the hustle and bustle, we sat down with Amy Fouty, CSFM, assistant athletic director and sports turf manager at Michigan State University (MSU) to talk about her position at... read more
For many, nothing says summer quite like a trip to the ballpark to eat a hot dog, drink a beer and cheer on the local baseball team. While they enjoy their hot dogs and sip their brews, many fans may not realize that a major part of the baseball experience is a well-maintained playing surface. Recently, I had the opportunity... read more
Michigan State University (MSU) recently renovated the turf surface of Spartan Stadium. Amy Fouty, CSFM, assistant athletic director/sports turf manager at MSU, writes about the renovation and how it benefits student athletes and the University. The renovation of the natural grass surface at Spartan Stadium is in the final stages. Its successful transformation will provide MSU a playing surface that... read more
