MWL1 Dayton Dragons

Ochsner Named 2006 MWL Groundskeeper of the Year

Published on September 7, 2006 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release


Dayton, OH - For the fifth time in the Dragons seven year history, the groundskeeper of Fifth Third Field has been named by the Midwest League as the Groundskeeper of the Year. After Ryan Kaspitzke won the honor four times in his five years with the Dragons, the prestigious award for 2006 was given to Dan Ochsner for the first time.

Ochsner is in his second season as head groundskeeper for the Dayton Dragons, and continues the tradition of having a great playing surface for the Dragons and visitors alike. Fans eagerly await entering the gates of Fifth Third Field at the start of a new home stand to see what design Ochsner and his crew has cut into the grass while the team was away.

"Dan has done an excellent job of maintaining the tradition of Fifth Third Field being the best playing surface in the Midwest League," said Dragons President Robert Murphy. "The players and management of the other teams always comment on how much they enjoy playing on this field. Dan earned this award through his dedication and hard work at keeping Fifth Third Field in top condition every day.

Born and raised in Jefferson City, Missouri, Ochsner holds a degree in Plant Science with an emphasis in Turf Management from the University of Missouri-Columbia. While studying he served as an intern responsible for the athletic department's baseball, soccer, and softball fields.

Ochsner got his first taste of baseball grounds keeping when he served as an intern for the Boston Red Sox in 2002 at the legendary Fenway Park. In 2003, he participated in a renovation project for Boston's Spring Training facility in Ft. Myers, Florida. Upon completion of the renovation, Ochsner stayed and helped manage the field for the rest of spring training. In 2004, he became the Head Groundskeeper for the Springfield/Ozark ducks of the independent Frontier League. Ochsner joined the Dragons in March of 2005.

For more information on Dayton Dragons please contact the Dayton Dragons Professional Baseball Team at (937) 228-BATS (2287) or in writing to: Dayton Dragons, Fifth Third Field, P.O. Box 2107, Dayton, Ohio, 45401-2107.

For additional information, please find the Dayton Dragons online at www.daytondragons.com and www.mandalay.com.

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Midwest League Stories from September 7, 2006


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