Doubleday Field head groundskeeper Joe Harris has again proven he has some of the best turf around.

Harris has cared for the historic field for 15 seasons and this year he and the historic field won a first place award from the Sports Turf Managers Association.

Doubleday Field has been named the Baseball Field of the Year in the High Schools, Parks and Recreation Division.

Harris said this is the third time he entered the competition, but the first time he has won an award. Harris is not a stranger to awards. In 2000, Doubleday Field was named one of the Top 10 Lawns in America by Briggs and Stratton and there have been others.

"It's a very prestigious award. It makes me realize all the years of hard work that lead up to getting something like this is worthwhile," he said. "This is about the top award."

Harris was out on the field last Friday tending his turf with his assistant Greg Lippitt. The pair was busy taking soil samples in the outfield to be certain their applications of fertilizer would be correct.

"I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing," Harris said.

Trustee and Doubleday Field committee chairman Stuart Taugher said during this month's board meeting that it was very nice for Harris and the village.

"I think Joe has done a great job," Taugher added.

The board of trustees voted to send Harris to the Sports Turf Association annual convention in Phoenix, AZ, in January where he will receive the award.

Harris said he has never flown,, but looks forward to the chance to be at the convention.

"Major League groundskeepers will be there and lots and lots of people that do the same things I do," said Harris, adding that he hopes to learn more about turf management in Phoenix.

at the workshops and classes.