Reno Aces grounds manager Eric Blanton was named the 2011 Pacific Coast League Sports Turf Manager of the Year, the league announced.
It is Blanton’s second honor in three seasons. He also won during the club’s inaugural season in 2009. It was Blanton’s first season at the Triple-A level. He finished second last season.
The award is voted on by 16 field managers in the league. Judging is based on pregame setup for batting and infield practice, preparation and maintenance of the playing surface for the game and professionalism of the grounds crew.
The Aces Ballpark grounds crew consists of Blanton, assistant turf manager Dan Kastens, Mike Bosco, Trevor Bradshaw, Marc Garcia, Joe Genung, Rob Hastings, Pete Oriarte, Beau Walker and Lane Pickel.
Since Aces Ballpark opened in 2009, Blanton has consistently maintained a playing field among the best in all of Minor League Baseball. The 2011 award is Blanton’s second with Reno, with his first being earned in 2009. Blanton also earned a Presidential Commendation from the PCL in 2010 after he finished second in the balloting.
Blanton and his crew were named in the top-three in 11 ballots, including five first-place votes. Last year’s winner, Chris Schlosser of the Iowa Cubs, finished second in the voting while Garrett Reddehase of the Round Rock Express finished among the top-three finalists for the second consecutive year with a third-place finish.
Blanton spent four seasons with the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats and was twice named Eastern League Turf Manager of the Year. He also was honored by Minor League Baseball in 2007.