EL, Diamond Pro will present turf award

PORTLAND, Maine -- The Eastern League of Professional Baseball Clubs is pleased to announce the continuation of their partnership with Diamond Pro, a leading provider of infield conditioners and other professional groundskeeping products, in recognizing the top sports field manager in the Eastern League for the 2012 season. This marks the fifth season the Eastern League and Diamond Pro have partnered in recognizing the top sports field manager in the league.

The recipient of the 2012 Eastern League Diamond Pro Sports Field Manager of the Year Award will be announced during the final weeks of the 2012 regular season with the winner being honored during a pregame ceremony at his/her home ballpark. The winner will be chosen based on the overall quality of the work of the sports turf manager and their staff. A number of factors will be taken into account when choosing the winner, including but not limited to the setup and preparation of the field, the overall quality of the field, the professionalism of the grounds crew and handling of inclement weather.

Previous winners of the Eastern League Diamond Pro Sports Field Manager of the Year Award include:
2011 -- Matt Parrott, Bowie Baysox
2010 -- Shaun Meredith, New Hampshire Fisher Cats
2009 -- Dan Douglas, Reading Phillies
2008 -- Eric Blanton, New Hampshire Fisher Cats

"We are very happy to once again be working with Diamond Pro this season to recognize the great work that is performed by our turf managers," said Eastern League president Joe McEacharn. "Through this partnership the Diamond Pro name has become synonymous with the excellent work performed by the Eastern League turf managers and their crews. Without the hard work and dedication of these turf managers along with the great products offered by Diamond Pro, our teams would not be able to provide fans the exciting baseball action they come to our ballparks to see throughout the season."

"The Sports Field Manager is an extremely important but often times overlooked position within Minor League Baseball. It's an honor to continue to partner with the Eastern League in bringing awareness to their position and responsibilities while recognizing the most outstanding efforts and contributions," said Rene Asprion, sales manager of Diamond Pro.