Scrappers Stadium Groundskeeper Receives Recognition

NILES, Ohio – Eastwood Field and its head groundskeeper, Noah Bard, have received the 2023 Field of the Year award from the Ohio Sports Field Management Association.

The prize is awarded to athletic fields in Ohio that exhibit excellent playability and safety and whose managers use innovative solutions, effectively use their budgets and have implemented a comprehensive agronomic program.

The Scrappers and Bard will receive the award Dec. 6 at the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation Conference and Show in Columbus.

Bard said he was honored to receive the award and credited his staff.

“This would not be possible without the efforts of my game day grounds crew,” he said. “I would also like to thank the Scrappers front office and, most importantly, thank you to my wife, Kendra, for her constant support of me and my work.”

Heather Sahli, general manager of the Scrappers, said Bard and his team “work tirelessly to keep Eastwood Field in amazing condition for over 150 events throughout the year.”

Eastwood is the home field for the Scrappers and the Youngstown State University baseball team. It also hosts high school games, charity walks, concerts and more.

Pictured at top: Eastwood Field in Niles.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.