COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Iowa Cubs Head Groundskeeper Chris Schlosser has been named the Pacific Coast League's Sports Turf Manager of the Year for the 2010 season, the league announced Friday.

The award is given each season based on the voting of all 16 PCL field managers, based on the guidelines provided by the Sports Turf Manager Association (STMA) and Minor League Baseball. Turf managers are judged in several categories, including overall playing surface, infield and outfield turf areas, condition of the pitcher's mound and professionalism of the grounds crew.

"Chris and his team put in many hours throughout the summer, and this is a well-deserved honor," said Iowa Cubs General Manager Sam Bernabe. "Midwest weather doesn't always cooperate, particularly this season, but Chris always has the field in top condition."

Chicago Cubs Vice President of Player Personnel Oneri Fleita was also appreciative of Schlosser's work.

"It's great for farm teams to play on a field that matches a Major League-caliber surface," Fleita said. "That consistency makes the development process easier and we congratulate Chris and his crew for this recognition."

This is Schlosser's fourth-career Sports Turf Manager of the Year honor, including victories in 2006 with the Iowa Cubs and 1998 and 1999 with the Charleston RiverDogs of the South Atlantic League. Since joining the I-Cubs prior to the 2000 season, Schlosser has consistently provided one of the best playing surfaces in all of Minor League Baseball.

"It means a lot to receive this recognition by those playing on the field," Schlosser said. "It's also a testament to the hard work of the staff."

The Iowa crew was named in the top three on nine ballots, including five first-place votes. Last year's winner, Eric Blanton of the Reno Aces, finished second overall, while first-year sports turf manager Garrett Reddehase of the Round Rock Express finished third.