MLB Groundskeeper Salary
When you are looking for prospective career choices then weighing and comparing various career options against one another is essential. It is necessary that you clock in on a few career options and then research on the various aspects related to them for example the scope of developing and growing, the salary, and remuneration offered in the field.See What is MLB Groundskeeper Salary?
The average salary of an MLB groundskeeper averages between $24,500 to $50,000 annually across the whole of the United States. A commonly known fact is that 70-80% of head groundskeepers can make up to $70,000 per year. The top MLB groundskeepers usually make $50,000 annually and $4,166 monthly while the average salary of a groundskeeper is $33,711 annually and $2,809 monthly, the lowest paycheque however is estimated at around $24,500 annually and $2,041 monthly.
There are many responsibilities shouldered on an MLB groundskeeper because the field on which the players would be playing is of utmost importance. After all, it is the field and its conditions that can make or break a game. The basic responsibilities of a groundskeeper are that of looking after the maintenance of the field and the various technicalities associated with laying a ground and the game that is to be played on it also looking after the state of the grass and sand on the ground in addition to which they have to inspect all the areas that need repairing.
Responsibilities
Elaborating further on the various Responsibilities of an MLB Groundskeeper, they are as follows:
Line Laying
It is one of the very basic responsibilities of a groundskeeper to see if the lines and markings that are to be followed in a baseball game are accurately and placed. These markings may be done using a variety of tools and devices; before, during, or after a game.
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Managing the Turf
The aspects that need to be covered under this are that of looking after and managing the various elements related to the turf on which the game is to be played like:
- Installation of artificial turf maintenance and moisture control looking after the quality of drainage of the field
- The groundskeeper has to also look after the leveling, tod pressing, fertilizing, and other chemical applications on the field and aeration.
- There are also instances when the same field is to be used for various sports like soccer or football.
- The role of a groundskeeper is then imperative in switching between different fields, marking turfs, reformatting the field, and getting it ready for the next match to be played on it.
Keeping a Tab on the Weather
- Keeping a tab on the weather conditions especially before an upcoming game so that they may prepare the field
- Preparing the various devices needed to handle the side effects that come along with a change in the weather is one of the main responsibilities of a groundskeeper and his assisting staff.
- A skilled groundskeeper has tricks and tips up his sleeve to deal with any negative outcomes that weather may have on the game and the field that is being prepared.
- More often than not we see the groundskeeper and his staff are stuck and have to grapple with the reactive end of weather and have to act accordingly.
- Some common techniques in handling the situation in case of heavy rainfall are tarping and sweeping.
What is MLB?
Major League Baseball (MLB) is one of the oldest professional sports leagues in the world. A total of 30 teams play in the MLB which comprises 15 teams from the National League (NL) and 15 from the American League (AL) wherein 29 out of the 30 teams are from the United States and one from Canada. Tracing its inauguration to 1903 it is headquartered in Midtown Manhattan.
The major teams playing in the MLB are:
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- Boston Red Sox
- Atlanta Braves
- Toronto Blue Jays
- New York Mets
- Houston Astros
- San Francisco Giants
- Los Angeles Angels
- Chicago Clubs
- St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies
- Chicago White Sox
- Detroit Tigers
- Cleveland Guardians
- Milwaukee Brewers
- Cincinnati Reds
- Oakland Athletics
- Texas Rangers
- Baltimore Orioles
- Tampa Bay Rays
- Pittsburgh Pirates
- Minnesota Twins
- Miami Marlins
- Washington Nationals
- Kansas City Royals
- Arizona Diamondbacks
- Colorado Rockies
- San Diego Padres
- New York Yankees
- Seattle Mariners
How do you qualify to become an MLB groundskeeper?
Although there is no specific degree required to be a groundskeeper, a college degree only works in your favor of improving your chances to get the job. For instance, a degree in agronomy provides an individual with a higher and clearer understanding of soil sciences and the breeding of plants.
Moreover, other courses can be done to improve your understanding of the soil like organic chemistry, agriculture biotechnology; having done these courses when you apply for an internship or a job to various stadiums, you can put your theoretical knowledge to practical use which in turn strengthens your networking and helps you in building connections with hiring officials of bigger and better stadiums.
MLB groundskeepers work around the clock and across various seasons in summer, spring, and fall. They also require a driving license for the various maintenance jobs on the field like driving around the tarping machines.
The skills that come in handy after having studied soil sciences are:
- Turf mowing patterns
- Preparing a turf for a game
- The accuracy of the angles of the lines or markings
- An idea of the drainage of the soil and its irrigation, and
- The micro-nutrients and fertilizers used in growing the grass are accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many years of experience are required to become a professional groundskeeper in MLB?
If you work as a groundskeeper or assist a groundskeeper initially in minor league teams or a training facility it will help you get your foot in the door and get a knack for the job. The more you apply your knowledge to use the more experience you will gain which will come in handy while networking with the managers of bigger stadiums when you want to work as a professional groundskeeper in MLB.
- What is the scope and Job Growth Trend as a groundskeeper?
The position of a groundskeeper has witnessed a positive growth trend and is expected to increase by a whopping 11 percent by 2026. What strengthens your job prospects is if you have an understanding of the technology and also the knowledge of the current technologies that are being used so that you can keep yourself updated with the fast-changing times.
- What are the responsibilities other than the major responsibilities listed?
Other responsibilities of a groundskeeper include:
- The chemicals used in fertilizing or other things must be categorized, stored, and labeled properly, also managed, and inspected from time to time for the satisfaction of the guidelines.
- Maintaining the equipment to keep the various tools and machinery in proper working condition
- While working with the various tools and chemicals they must adhere to all the guidelines laid down for their safety and protection.
- If there is a prospect of redesigning the field and stadium, the groundskeeper has to actively participate in the renovation as and when needed by the officials and the technicians working on the project.
- What are the perks associated with the job of an MLB groundskeeper?
Although the responsibilities of a groundskeeper are high, the rewards offered are greater—including a satisfying amount of remuneration offered inside and outside the work environment and unlimited access to a sports complex and also to the matches or events that take place inside it. A huge number of benefits are offered to the professionals working on the ground or stadiums that host Major League Baseball matches.
- How much does an MLB turf manager make?
A turf manager has an average salary of $62,000 to $65,300.
- How much does the head groundskeeper make?
The majority of head Groundskeepers make an average salary ranging from $23,500 to $ 42,000 with the top-earning ones making a sum of $53,000 annually.
While it is true that the sight of perfectly maintained ground sets the stage for an interesting match. The fact that cannot be denied is that the groundsmen have to work meticulously to prepare a ground that meets the international standards of a professional game. The groundskeeper has to make sure that each surface prepared for a perfect game is perfected. A lot of hours of working in the hot and cold weather conditions go into preparing a turf and stadium that pleases the players as well as the fans.
What is MLB Groundskeeper Salary?
