EL1 Trenton Thunder

Thunder welcome new groundskeepter

Published on March 20, 2007 under Eastern League (EL1)
Trenton Thunder News Release


(Trenton, NJ) - The Trenton Thunder, the Double-A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, have named Bill Butler as the new Head Groundskeeper at Waterfront Park.

Butler, 36, joins the Thunder after spending the 2006 season as the Head Groundskeeper for the Connecticut Defenders (AA Affiliate of the San Francisco Giants). He spent the prior two years as the head groundskeeper of the New York Mets.

Butler began his groundskeeping career in 1990 and has since amassed an impressive resume that includes 16 years of work in professional baseball. His accolades include six years at the Major League level, five Groundskeeper of the Year awards and building a field from scratch with two separate start-up operations, one of which was with the Thunder's sister team, the Lakewood BlueClaws.

"We are thrilled to have someone of Bill's caliber and experience taking over the grounds here at Waterfront Park," said Thunder General Manager Brad Taylor. "Bill has become one of the best groundskeepers in baseball at any level and has done some unique things throughout his career. His award filled resume speaks for itself. He's gone from start ups to the Major Leagues and we are excited about having him on board for the 2007 season."

"We are happy the Thunder have found such a high quality individual to take care of Mercer County's jewel," added Executive Director of the Mercer County Park Commission Kevin Bannon. "Mercer County and the Thunder continue our efforts to have the best field in Minor League Baseball."

"I'm really happy to be working under this ownership group again," said Butler. "My best years in baseball were spent working for this group and I look forward to working under their umbrella again."

From 1990 to 1992 Butler served as the assistant groundskeeper in Baseball City for the Kansas City Royals where he learned under the tutelage of renowned baseball grounds keeping guru George Toma. For the next four years he was the head groundskeeper for the Spokane Indians (Padres, Short-A Advanced, Northwest League) before rejoining his mentor in Kansas City for two years as the assistant head groundskeeper.

In 1998 he worked in the Eastern League with the Bowie Baysox (Orioles) and left at the end of the year to become the head groundskeeper for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Braves, A, South Atlantic League). His time with Myrtle Beach was his first experience building a new field; an experience that earned him Groundskeeper of the Year honors in both 1999 and 2000. He took his skills to Lakewood (Phillies, A, South Atlantic League) where he again built a new field and won groundskeeping awards three straight years from 2001 through 2004. In March of 2004 he became head groundskeeper for the New York Mets where he remained for the next two years.

Butler replaces Nicole Sherry who left the Thunder following the 2006 season for the Head Groundskeeper position with the Baltimore Orioles.

All Trenton Thunder tickets including season tickets, mini ticket packages and group outings for the 2007 season are on sale now by calling 609-394-3300 or online at www.trentonthunder.com. Opening Night is scheduled for April 5 at 7:05 against the Bowie Baysox, Double A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.

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Eastern League Stories from March 20, 2007


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