Iowa's Schlosser top turf man

Head Groundskeeper for the Iowa Cubs, Chris Schlosser, has earned the 2006 Sports Turf Manager of the Year Award, in recognition of his work in keeping the field at Principal Park in magnificent condition throughout the season, the Pacific Coast League announced today.

The award is selected annually by vote of all 16 PCL field managers.

This year marks Schlosser's seventh season as Head Groundskeeper for Principal Park. Prior to joining the Iowa organization, Chris oversaw field operations at Riley Park, home of the Single-A Charleston RiverDogs, where he was honored as the South Atlantic League's Groundskeeper of the Year in 1998 and 1999.

The Pacific Coast League also recognizes 2005 Sports Turf Manager of the Year Dennis Klein of the Round Rock Express, and Director of Field Operations for the Memphis Redbirds, Ed Collins, with the "President's Honorable Mention Awards".

"The PCL's groundskeeper community continues to raise the bar in this category year after year," said George King, the League's Vice President of Business Operations. "This year's winner is another exemplary representative of that."

The Sports Turf Manager of the Year award is based on 11 criteria, including overall playing surface, outfield/infield turf, pitcher's mound condition, and overall professionalism of the grounds crew.