The Burlington Indians Manager, Mark Cryan presented Burlington's Head Groundskeeper Mike Thompson with the 2005 "Sports Turf Manager of the Year" for the Appalachian Baseball League. Thompson, an employee of the City of Burlington's Recreation and Parks Department, was selected for the award by a vote of the field manager's, coaches and staff of the Appalachian League.
Thompson said, "I'm very honored to be chosen for this award. We put a lot of hard work in upholding this field to professional standards. It is nice to be recognized for all of the work that our crew does."
The "Sports Turf Manager of the Year" award makes its return to Burlington for the second time in three years. Last year's plaque was presented to the groundskeeper of the Greeneville Astros.
"Mike does a fantastic job in managing the playing surface for the Burlington Athletic Stadium," said Mark Cryan, General Manager of the Burlington Indians. "Mike and the Recreation and Parks Department have created a top notch field, and are well deserving of this award."
The "Sports Turf Manager of the Year" for the Appalachian League is presented by both Minor and Major League Baseball.