Source: Sports Turf Managers Association
Israel Hinojosa Promoted to Houston Astros Head Groundskeeper
(LAWRENCE, Kan.) – Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) – the professional organization for 2,600 men and women managing sports fields worldwide who are critical to the safety of athletes and coaches – today announces Dan Bergstrom will join Major League Soccer’s Houston Dynamo and Israel "Izzy" Hinojosa has been promoted to Head Groundskeeper for Major League Baseball’s Houston Astros.
Bergstrom, STMA Board of Director’s Professional Facilities Rep and Certified Sports Field Manager, joined the Astros in 2004, serving as Senior Director of Major League Field Operations. He joins the Houston Dynamo as Head Sports Turf Manager at BBVA Compass Stadium.
"I’m grateful for the opportunity and experience I gained with the Astros as it is a world-class organization, from top to bottom," says Bergstrom. "I look forward to the next chapter of my career and bringing a different perspective to the Houston Dynamo."
Hinojosa won Minor League Baseball’s Short Season/Rookie League Sports Turf Manager of the Year honors in 2008 and 2009. He began his career with the Houston Astros as a part-time staff member in 2006. After successful stints with the Greenville Astros and Corpus Christi Hooks, the Astros second-longest tenured grounds crew staff member will now be handed the reigns as Head Groundskeeper for the team.
In this new position, Hinojosa will be responsible for overseeing all field maintenance at Minute Maid Park including batting practice setup and tear down, pre-game preparations, and all postgame work. This is in addition to mowing the infield, outfield and management of the bullpens.
For more information about STMA: www.stma.org, www.twitter.com/fieldexperts, 800.323.3875.
About STMA
STMA is the not-for-profit, professional association for men and women who manage sports fields worldwide. Since 1981, the association and its 34 local chapters have been providing education, information and sharing practical knowledge in the art and science of sports field management. Its more than 2,600 members oversee sports fields and facilities at schools, colleges and universities, parks and recreational facilities, and professional sports stadiums.
