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Packer Named CL Groundskeeper of the Year

Mudcats’ Groundskeeper wins top Carolina League honor for second time
December 6, 2022

ZEBULON, N.C. - Minor League Baseball (MiLB) announced today that John Packer, Grounds Director of the Carolina Mudcats, has been named the Carolina League’s Groundskeeper of the Year for the 2022 season. The award is Packer’s second with the Mudcats and third of his career. "It means a lot," said

ZEBULON, N.C. - Minor League Baseball (MiLB) announced today that John Packer, Grounds Director of the Carolina Mudcats, has been named the Carolina League’s Groundskeeper of the Year for the 2022 season. The award is Packer’s second with the Mudcats and third of his career.

"It means a lot," said Packer. "We put in a lot of hours out here every day. Whether the team is here or not. Having it recognized by the league, to vote for us the way they did, it definitely means a lot to us. I'm real proud of my guys, they stepped up and did a really good job."

"Thank you to everyone on my crew Trey Dail, Ethan Pearce, and Brandon Smagner,” continued Packer. “And special thanks to Mel Lanford. He is the guy that taught me how to do this 30 years ago. Without him, I definitely wouldn't be doing what I'm doing now."

The 2022 season was Packer’s 20th with the Mudcats and 29th overall in MiLB. He additionally earned Carolina League Sports Turf Manager of the Year award in 2016.

A former Army Paratrooper who served with the 82nd Airborne, Packer previously worked with the South Atlantic League's Greensboro Bats from 1994 through 1995 and with the Sally League’s Augusta GreenJackets from 1996 through 2001. Packer was also named the 1996 South Atlantic League Groundskeeper of the Year while in his first season with the GreenJackets.

“We are proud of John for being recognized as the top field in the Carolina League,” said Mudcats General Manager - Baseball & Stadium Operations Eric Gardner. “Throughout his career he has always been committed to making sure the Mudcats and our guests from our league members have the best possible field to play and develop their skills. We are glad that the voting members in our league publicly acknowledge the results of John’s approach and hard work.”

The Mudcats recently announced their 2023 regular-season schedule beginning on Friday, April 7 with the season opener in Fayetteville against the Woodpeckers. The first home game of the 2023 schedule is set for Tuesday, April 11 against the Salem Red Sox at Five County Stadium.

VIEW THE FULL 2023 SCHEDULE

Season ticket packages, mini plans, group options, as well as luxury suite packages and DRB Homes Sky Lounge reservations in the US Foods Club Level are all available now by visiting carolinamudcats.com, by calling (919) 269-2287, and by visiting the Five County Stadium front office in Zebulon.

The Carolina Mudcats are the officially licensed Class-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. First established in 1991, the Mudcats have provided affordable family fun for over 30 years at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, N.C. Follow the Mudcats online at www.carolinamudcats.com, and on social media at facebook.com/carolinamudcats, twitter.com/carolinamudcats, tiktok.com/@carolinamudcats and instagram.com/carolinamudcats.

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