Spokane Indians Groundskeeper Headed to World Baseball Classic
Spokane Indians Director of Grounds, Tony Lee, has been selected to assist the Miami Marlins with preparations for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) taking place this month.123 Lee’s expertise will be crucial in ensuring the playing surface at LoanDepot Park in Miami is top-notch for the championship games.
A Career Rooted in Spokane Baseball
Lee began his career in groundskeeping in 1998, learning the trade from Chad Mulholland, then the head groundskeeper at Avista Stadium.1 Mulholland, who has over three decades of experience, currently works with the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park.1 Lee credits Mulholland with teaching him the fundamentals of the profession and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside his mentor again.
Previous Big League Experience
This isn’t Lee’s first foray into high-profile baseball events. He previously worked at the MLB All-Star Game in 2017.1 He described the invitation to the WBC as an “amazing honor.”1
Maintaining the Diamond
Lee emphasized that the core principles of groundskeeping remain consistent regardless of the stadium size. “We say it doesn’t matter if it’s 509 or 305 area code, the bases are still 90 feet apart,” he stated.1 His focus will be on maintaining a safe and playable surface for all players, from rising prospects to established stars like Shohei Ohtani.1
Avista Stadium Renovations
Lee oversaw significant renovations to the playing surface at Avista Stadium two offseasons ago to meet MLB affiliation standards.1 These upgrades included removing a rocky base, leveling the field, and installing improved drainage and irrigation systems.1 He noted the improved drainage allowed water to quickly permeate the field after the first rain of the season.1
A Legacy of Excellence
Lee is part of a strong tradition of skilled groundskeepers in Spokane, following in the footsteps of Mulholland and David Yearout, who is now with the Philadelphia Phillies.1 He values the networking opportunities within the sports field management community and believes continuous learning is essential, even after 30 years in the field.1
Looking Ahead
Lee is eager to contribute to the success of the World Baseball Classic and share his experiences with his crew back at Avista Stadium.1 He hopes his team will look back on their time working at the stadium as “the best summer job I ever had.”1
3 MiLB.com