CT Tigers' Bryan Barkley Honored

Named New York-Penn League Groundskeeper Of The Year

September 20, 2013

Norwich, CT -The Connecticut Tigers, Class-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, are proud to announce Director of Facilities and Turf Management Bryan Barkley has been selected as the 2013 recipient of the New York-Penn League Groundskeeper of the Year Award.

The award is given annually to the league's top Groundskeeper as voted on by league umpires, field managers, and league officials. In winning the league's honor, Barkley will be nominated for consideration to win the national award presented to the best Sports Turf Manager across the Short Season-A/Rookie classification.

2013 marked the fourth season for Barkley with the Connecticut Tigers organization. He was one of the original staff members hired when the team took over operation of Dodd Stadium in April of 2010.

"It is truly an honor to be named the New York-Penn League Groundskeeper of the Year," said Barkley. "It could not have been possible without the countless hours of help and support from my assistant Ryan Lefler and the entire Tigers staff. We take great pride in providing the best playing surface for the Connecticut Tigers, as well as the numerous college, high school, and club teams that have played at Dodd Stadium."

During 2013 Dodd Stadium played host to over 150 events, including high school and college baseball, in addition to the Connecticut Tigers 38 game home schedule and the 2013 New York-Penn League All-Star Game. Through Barkley's hard work and management of his staff, the field was kept in peak condition and ready to host a wide array of events despite a large amount of use.

"Dodd Stadium is one of the premier diamonds in New England. It has become a facility and a field that is in great demand amongst teams and organizations from around the region in large part due to the efforts of Bryan and his staff," said Tigers Vice President and General Manager C.J. Knudsen. "We couldn't be more proud as an organization of Bryan as he accepts this award. It is well deserved."

The Connecticut Tigers are the New York- Penn League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play a 76 game (38 home, 38 away) schedule that runs from mid June through early September. 2014 season tickets are now on sale! The front office and ticket office is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be accessed in person or by calling 860-887-7962.