Behind The Plate: Grounds Crew Keeps Wrigley Field Beautiful
CHICAGO (CBS) -- What does it take to take care of one of America's prettiest lawns?
"People think you just wave a magic wand and poof, it's green," said Justin Spillman, head groundskeeper.
For Spillman and his massive crew of 75, it's all about two and a half acres of grass and keeping it healthy.
"For a night game, the game crew will actually start at 11 o'clock and we'll mow. The main concern of play is actually on the clay."
Podcast
As head groundskeeper, keeping Wrigley Field beautiful and safe is a year-round job.
"We shovel and plow the snow during the winter, throw it in the stands but as of March 1, we start gearing up for Opening Day. We start working on it, drying the clay out, pulling numerous heaters out."
Spillman says he learned everything he knows from the so called "Sod Father" Roger Bossard, the head grounds keeper for the Chicago White Sox.
"He's been my mentor and friend for 20 years."
Spillman says there is a science to keeping the field looking its best for the players and the fans.
"Having the right moisture content in the mound, the home plate area, the batter's box and in the infield."
And Spillman isn't just a grounds keeper, he's a meteorologist of sorts. He keeps an eye out on the weather constantly.
"All the time," he laughs "I've got on my phone to show the umpires the radar during the game."
Today, a brief weather delay means the crew needs to act fast to get the tarp on and off, then quickly set up for batting practice.
"We have to be ready for the rain at all times. Sometimes that tarp is heavy and it won't budge. It's all about manpower."
And the iconic ivy?
"It's been slow go this year," said Spillman.
A rollercoaster of temperatures means it takes a month or so for the vines to turn green. He knows, the ivy is what makes Wrigley Field special. Every year, the vines start out scraggly, but when the heat comes, they are in full bloom. Spillman and his crew tend to the ivy as much as they do the field.
"Two guys yesterday were on the lift, trimming and channeling the top so it doesn't spill out into the baskets."
Spillman says it's hard work keeping America's ballpark looking good but he says it's the best job in the world.
"It's Wrigley Field. It's iconic. I love to come to work every day. I never want to take it for granted because it's a special place."
