Andrew Maskey: Perfecting the Outfield Grass

Indians grounds crew member Andrew Maskey is working at Progressive Field for his sixth season. A graduate of North Olmstead High School and Bowling Green State University, Maskey recently sat down and chatted with TribeVibe.

TribeVibe: Describe a typical work day.
Andrew Maskey: Well, we get here at about 8:20, 8:30. We come out on the field. At about 9:00, I cut the outfield. One of the other guys cuts the infield and behind home. We clean up the dirt paths, the baselines, water the infield, water the grass, and set up for [batting practice].

TV: Why do you love your job?
AM: I love cutting the outfield. It’s relaxing, and it’s something to look for on TV.

TV: What are your duties during games?
AM: There are two crews; there is day-time crew and game-time crew. The game-time crew comes in, and there are two guys in each camera pit, and they switch out bases and clean up by the baselines. We have four guys that run out and drag the field in between [innings], every three innings.

TV: What is the trick to keeping the outfield in top shape?
AM: Just concentration; just doing the same thing every day, the same pattern. Coming in ready. I have an ipod on. I like to listen to music while I’m doing it.

TV: Have you had any memorable interaction with a player over the years?
AM: I talked with [former Indians pitcher] CC Sabathia before we traded him. That was pretty cool. Meeting other teams’ players [is] cool because you don’t see them all the time. Justin Masterson is a cool guy. He always comes out and jokes with us. He gave us all a couple hoodies that we don’t get.

TV: Do you have a favorite player on the Indians?
AM: I like them all. I like Justin [Masterson] because I like how he carries himself, and he’s a very nice guy. He tries every day.

TV: Do you have a favorite game that stands out?
AM: A favorite series. I like working the Fourth of July because it’s always packed.

TV: Is this the dream job?
AM: Yes, this is what I want to do. I majored in turf management. I want to run a baseball field one day. I love doing it. I take pride in my work, and everyone else here does, too.

-Megan Golden, TribeVibe contributor