Maestri Field named college baseball’s best by Sports Field Management Association

NEW ORLEANS – Maestri Field recently received a high distinction as the best college baseball playing field of the year by the Sports Field Management Association for 2023.

The Field of the Year is awarded to natural grass fields that exhibit excellent playability and safety and whose managers utilize innovative solutions, effectively use their budgets, and have implemented a comprehensive agronomic program.

Maestri Field Coordinator and Maintenance Supervisor, Scott Blanchette has integrated different designs into Maestri Field including the New Orleans skyline. Blanchette has also maintained a phenomenal playing surface.

“This award just validates everything I see from Scott on a daily basis,” said Head Coach Blake Dean. “He works extremely hard to give us one of the best if not the best natural surfaces in college baseball. He goes above and beyond to make sure our field is something we are proud of.”

The criteria was gathered through applications submitted to the Sports Field Management Association includes information about the field and facility, number of hours put in, equipment and field testing which has been conducted by ABM, a facility management company.

“I have been on a mission since day one to turn Maestri Field into something UNO is proud of,” said Blanchette. “It felt good to be recognized because a lot of time, effort and planning has gone into turning Maestri Field into what it is today. Without the support of ABM and the Privateer athletic department, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

Blanchette will be entering his third full season with the program in 2024. Blanchette started working at New Orleans in March 2021.

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