Groundskeeper Chats

Banana Ball: Groundskeeper Chat with Adam Virant

Straight from the source! We are joined by Director of Baseball Operations for The Savannah Bananas to chat about the whirl wind journey he's had with the team and his own turf origin story. Adam shares with us ouse of his favorite memories from the road and what he hopes resonates with groundskeepers when his team is in town. Here's what you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat: 

• Adam Virant's turf origin story 
• The biggest curveball Banana Ball has encountered on the road 
• Building trust and communication with local field managers
• Typical day in the life during the Banana Ball World Tour 

A little bit more about our guest... 
Adam Virant is a coach for the Savannah Bananas and Director of Baseball Operations. His love for the sport and dreams to join the major leagues started at a young age while being raised in Nebraska. When joining the organization he dove head first into helping with the turf and learning about the complexity of it. Virant traded in his law books for baseball glove and never looked back!

Banana Ball: Groundskeeper Chat with Will Cole

Salem Red Sox's Director of Field Operations, Will Cole has always been on our radar and now he's making his first appearance on our Groundskeeper Chat series. Will brings vast experience to minor league baseball and has always found himself being pulled to sports turf. Will joined us days before his stadium welcomed the Banana Ball World Tour. Here's what else you'll hear on this week's episode: 

• How the Red Sox crew was preparing for Banana Ball 
• Will's turf origin story
• Will's mental health journey in minor league baseball 
• The importance of networking and being involved in industry associations. 

A little bit more about our guest...
Will Cole is the Director of Field Operations for the Salem Red Sox and President of Virginia Sports Field Management Association.

Groundskeeper Chat LIVE from PGMS

We joined the Professional Grounds Management Society's Regional Conference in Cleveland, Ohio for a LIVE Groundskeeper Chat. We were joined by six guests, all with engaging turf origin stories, who shared their passion for the industry and why groups like PGMS make it special. 

Tune in to hear from Eric Harshman, Michael Gildea, Vince Jagodzinski, Aaron Griffith, Bill Quade and Daniel Bangert. 

2025 Pioneers in the Field: Groundskeeper Chat with Maryanne Baglos

Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports, Maryanne Baglos gave us a world tour the morning we stepped into shoes for a day in life experience. Maryanne's 2025 Pioneers in the Field story started on a softball field with her dad, tune in for the rest of her special edition Groundskeeper Chat episode!

2025 Pioneers in the Field: Groundskeeper Chat with Kyle Leppelmeier

Longtime Toledo Mudhens, Head Groundskeeper, Kyle Leppelmeier joins us for his special edition Pioneers in the Field episode. We dive into Kyle's origin story, mentors along the way and what he hopes to give back to this industry each day he takes the field. 

2025 Pioneers in the Field: Groundskeeper Chat with Ryan Bjorn

Gillette Stadium's Field Superintendent, Ryan Bjorn, is a proud member of the Patriots and Revolution organizations. Join us for Bjorn's special edition 2025 Pioneers in the Field episode, where he takes us back to the very beginning of his turf story. 

2025 Pioneers in the Field: Groundskeeper Chat with Andy Levy

Arizona Cardinals and State Farm Stadium, Director of Turf, Andy Levy, joins us for his special edition 2025 Pioneers in the Field Groundskeeper Chat episode. We learn that adventure and a love for the outdoors is at the core of Andy's story. Andy led the team that implemented the first retraceable field in the NFL, tune in for this week's episode.

2025 Pioneers in the Field: Groundskeeper Chat with Chase Straw

The Chase Straw turfgrass world tour started in Kentucky, traveled through Georgia, Minnesota and Texas before its current residency in State College, Pennsylvania. Straw joins us for his in-depth Pioneers in the Field interview to discuss the people, places and principles that will help serve as his legacy in the sports turf industry. Don't miss this special edition 2025 Pioneers in the Field Groundskeeper Chat episode.

2025 Pioneers in the Field: Groundskeeper Chat with Ryan DeMay

Founder and Principal of Field Source, Ryan DeMay walks onto a new movie set each day. There is always a new cast of characters, obstacle to overcome and hero's journey, but DeMay shared with us that he often runs off the same script. DeMay allows his passion for safe community-level sports fields to take the center stage and hopes that his delivery will serve as his legacy in the industry.

Earning a Seat at The Table: Groundskeeper Chat with Kelly Lynch

Kelly Lynch, Pure Seed Regional Manager, could write a book on earning a seat at the table.  Meg Kruger invites her mentor onto our latest #GroundskeeperChat episode to share her trade secrets to success.  Whether you tune in for the professional development or are looking for a pep talk from one of the best, here's what you'll hear in this week's episode: 

• Sherpa Mindset 
• Navigating the No
• Asking, "How Do I Get to Be You?" 
• Finding Your Tribe 
• Two friends and a podcast