Boekholder to speak at Oregon STMA meeting March 4
27 Feb, 2009 Athletic Turf NewsPORTLAND — Mike Boekholder, head groundskeeper with the world champion Philadelphia Phillies will share his experiences managing and maintaining superior major league ballfields at a kickoff meeting of the Oregon Sports Turf Managers, Wednesday, March 4 at Delta Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is sponsored by Rain Bird.
Boekholder will talk about turf management, efficient watering practices, infield maintenance and managing the relationship between players, coaches and the maintenance team. He will also share his experiences in the 2008 World Series and adventures on his career journey to the “Bigs” at other major league ball parks.
Boekholder is a native of Toppenish, WA, and graduate of Central Washington University. He worked his way up to Philadelphia after managing minor league facilities with the Yakima Bears, Durham Bulls and Indianapolis Indians. He has been named “Groundskeeper of the Year” eight times in the Northwest League, Carolina League and International League. Twice he has received the “Triple-A Sports Turf Manager of the Year” award.
Debbie Kneeshaw will be presenting on the process of replacing a synthetic turf sports field. Debbie is the Lead Park Technician for East Delta Sports Complex, with the City of Portland Parks and Recreation Department and is the 2009 president of the Oregon STMA.
This event is open to anyone managing, maintaining or designing turf playing fields. There will be a question and answer period and brief reception following the presentations.
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