Before the first pitch, before the lineups and national anthem. Before the Sun City residents, family, and friends eagerly pack the stands to watch Sun City Softball teams.
First, there is must be groundskeeping.
The maintenance crew is largely responsible for keeping the softball fields must be in peak condition for a practice or game.
Dion Zinnel, Field Crew coordinator, said, “We often arrive early in the morning especially on Thursdays and Saturdays, when we have doubleheaders. Some members get here so early I am beginning to think they are sleeping in our shed.”
The groundskeeping crew might not be as large as MLB standards, but it’s mighty. George Goodhue said, “We want the grounds to look as beautiful as Wrigley Field. The duties and maintenance chores are passed down from player to player. We cross-train on all that needs to be done to keep the fields not only clean and beautiful but safe for the players.”
What needs to be done?
John Roccosanto said, “After games and practices, there are divots that form in the infield dirt. Those must be packed and watered to ensure a smooth field of play.” Roccosanto like most club players has another responsibility; he also coordinates the umpires for the games.
Jim Rice said, “A consistent routine is what makes sure the field is always in good condition.”
Frank Yacono said, “We take care of all the lines, batter’s box, and all lines are chalked in. The lawn is mowed with our tractor. The most important part for baseball and softball is the field plays well and plays consistently.”
“Most people think we just mow the grass and do everything like that,” Rich Pearl said. “But there’s a lot more to it.
Field Crew workers work daily and sometimes need to re-prep fields between games, repair fields, and prepare them for the next day of play at the end of the day.”
Jim Rice said, “We also make sure that the stands are clean for the fans. We assist with cleanup, picking up trash, emptying trash receptacles, and keeping the Veterans Memorial Field clean and presentable.”
Dion said, “We have a lot of volunteers. At the All-Star game, we provide hot dogs and refreshments. They may be called upon to assist in the concession stand and I do the cooking.”
Their work is non-stop, especially in the spring, trying to make sure the fields are playable.
Alan Scott gives credit to CAM for helping with the upkeep of the fields. “CAM has been good to us. We got new dirt to help with the drainage. Our biggest enemy is water.”
We try to make everything here just like a major league facility, with a fraction of the size of the crew,” Rich Pearl said.
Zinnel said, “The nice thing is that the fans and the players are always grateful for the work done by our crew.”
