Eric Blanton: Grounds Manager, PCL Turf Manager of the Year, and Valued Ewing Customer

Reno Aces Ground Manager Eric Blanton was recently named 2011 Pacific Coast League (PCL) Sports Turf Manager of the Year, an honor he has received twice in three seasons for his hard work and dedication to the Aces Ballpark grounds.

Blanton became the Reno Aces’ grounds manager in 2009. He has been a Ewing customer since 2002, when he joined the grounds crew with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He credits Ewing as a reliable supplier, with great products and customer service.“Ewing is always willing to help me out,” Blanton said.

Blanton and his team maintain the Reno Aces Ballpark field’s outstanding condition with many turf and sports field products available from Ewing, including Turface infield conditioners and Mound Clay, World Class field marking paints, BEST fertilizers, and irrigation products from Hunter.

The PCL’s 16 minor-league baseball field managers award the Sports Turf Manager of the Year based on criteria such as pregame setup for batting and infield practice, preparation and maintenance of the playing surface for the game, and the professionalism of the grounds crew.

Blanton offered this advice to grounds managers eager to succeed: “Work hard, and try not to out think yourself. Listen to what you feel is the best thing to do.”

Reno Aces Ballpark photo courtesy of City of Reno. Eric Blanton photo courtesy of Reno Aces.