The Northern League has announced that CommunityAmerica Ballpark and its grounds crew has been selected as the Playing Surface of the Year for the 2009 campaign.

Financed both privately and publicly at a cost of $12 million dollars, CommunityAmerica Ballpark opened on June 6, 2003 and has been a multi-use facility playing host for the Kansas City T-Bones (NL), Kansas City Wizards (MLS), and Kansas City Kansas Community College.

Joey Fitzgerald, who is completing his second season as the T-Bones Head Groundskeeper, leads the care of the field.  Helping him during the season were Assistant Groundskeeper Glen Aveson, Trevor Stancil, John Maas, Justin Keeton, Jay Griggs and Mike Moyer.  Fitzgerald was a part of the crew that converted the field from its old Kentucky Bluegrass surface to Patriot Bermuda prior to the 2008 season.

“We are proud of Joey and his crew,” said general manager Chris Browne.  “Along with our operations manager Rylan Brody and the rest of the operations staff, our field and stadium crews handle whatever issues that might present themselves quickly and professionally.  This is a great honor and reward for the hours they put in.”

This marks the first time CommunityAmerica Ballpark has been selected as Playing Surface of the Year.  The award went to Silver Cross Field in Joliet, Ill. last season.