Jake Tyler Wins Turf Manager Award Again
August 16, 2007 - International League (IL1)
Toledo Mud Hens News Release
Mud Hens Sports Turf Manager, Jake Tyler, was named the Sports Turf Manager of the Year by the International League on Thursday, August 16. Tyler was the first Mud Hens Turf Manger to win the award in the 15-year history of the Award in 2006 and is just the fourth person to win the award in back-to-back years.
"Everyone on the crew is really excited to win this award for the second consecutive year," said Tyler. "The Mud Hens understand the importance of having a good playing surface, and the significance it has to the success of the team. It's an honor working for an organization such as the Toledo Mud Hens."
Tyler, a Jackson, Tennessee native, joined the Mud Hens prior to the 2005 season, coming from the Double-A Binghamton Mets of the Eastern League. In his four years there, he was named the Eastern League Sports Turf Manger of the Year twice, in 2002 and 2004.
Prior to that, Tyler had served as the assistant to the head grounds keeper with the Triple-A Louisville Bats from 2000-2001. In 1998-1999, he was the assistant head groundskeeper with the Double-A Tennessee Diamond Jaxx.
Kyle Leppelmeier is the assistant groundskeeper with the Mud Hens and plays an important role in helping to maintain the field at Fifth Third Field. Other members of the grounds crew include: Paul Masuga, Andrew Yarnell, Ben Bohem, Neal Sipzman, Adam Knieriem, Brenton Webb, Andre McDonald, Anthony Reese, Jake Miller, Zach Niehaus, Chad Beech and Mike Waldzogel.
A special thanks also goes to The Andersons and Perf-a-Lawn for supplying Tyler and his staff with the necessary products to keep Fifth Third Field one of the best ballparks in minor league baseball.
Previous winners of the IL Turf Manager of the Year award:
1992 - Barney Lopas, Richmond
1993 - Ken Magner, Norfolk
1994 - Al Dungey, Ottawa
1995 - Al Dungey, Ottawa
1996 - Larry Rhodes, Charlotte
1997 - Ken Magner, Norfolk
1998 - Mike Boekholder, Durham
1999 - Mike Boekholder, Indianapolis
2000 - Mike Boekholder, Indianapolis
2001 - Mike Boekholder, Indianapolis
2002 - Mike Boekholder, Indianapolis
2003 - Tom Nielsen, Louisville
2004 - Eddie Busque, Charlotte
2005 - Eddie Busque, Charlotte
2006 - Jake Tyler, Toledo
2007 - Jake Tyler, Toledo
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