Seattle Mariners appoint Tim Wilson Director of Grounds
The Seattle Mariners today announced the appointment of Tim Wilson as Director of Grounds. Wilson had been serving in an acting role since June when longtime Mariners Head Groundskeeper Bob Christofferson retired.
Wilson has been a member of the Mariners grounds crew since August of 1999, shortly after the ballpark opened. He was named Assistant Groundskeeper at T-Mobile Park in 2002.
“Tim’s two decades of experience at this ballpark have given him unique insight into what it takes to maintain the field as one of the best in baseball. He is not only skilled in the science and technology of turf management, but uses those skills to ensure the field is not only beautiful but meets or exceeds all MLB standards,” said Trevor Gooby, Mariners Senior Vice President of Ballpark Operations.
Wilson, a native of Bremerton, has a degree in Turf Management from Penn State University. He began his career with the Mariners as a member of the grounds crew in August of 1999, just a few weeks after then-Safeco Field’s inaugural game. After a few years, and with the mentorship of Christofferson, Wilson knew this is what he wanted to do for his career.
“I wouldn’t be here if not for Bob,” said Wilson. “He gave me my first opportunity to learn the business and I will be forever grateful for all that he taught me. It’s a big responsibility to follow a legend, and I’m proud to carry on the tradition of excellence he established.”
Over the years, Wilson has been part of many memorable moments in T-Mobile Park’s history: the All-Star Game and 116-win season in 2001; Ichiro Suzuki’s pursuit of the single-season hits record; Edgar Martinez’s farewell game. He and fellow grounds crewmembers were also instrumental in the successful staging of numerous non-baseball events at the ballpark including WWE’s 2003 WrestleMania, U.S. Men’s and Women’s Gold Cup Soccer, the 2001 Seattle Bowl college football game, WIAA State High School Baseball Championships, numerous graduations, weddings, proms, trade shows, birthday celebrations and holiday parties.
Beginning with the Paul McCartney concert in 2013, T-Mobile Park has become a first-class venue for live music hosting concerts by Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, The Eagles, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Billy Joel and more. The grounds crew works closely with tours to ensure the best possible setting for the performers and fans while protecting the field from damage.
With large in-person events on hold in the state of Washington until further notice, Wilson and his team will spend a relatively quiet baseball offseason before gearing up for the start of the 2021 season in earnest beginning in February.
Next season, Mariners players and fans can expect a few changes to the playing surface. Wilson says he wants to try out some new mowing patterns and rotate them over the course of the season. He says the quality and playability of the field is always the primary focus while the aesthetic component for the fans is something he values as well.
But one thing that won’t change is the TLC which has helped make T-Mobile Park a true homefield advantage.
Fun Facts:
- Wilson proposed to his wife Maureen at T-Mobile Park.
- Their 2003 wedding was held at home plate and was officiated by Tim’s father, Dan Wilson (not the Mariners Hall of Famer).
- Tim, Maureen and their two sons, ages 13 and 10, live in Bothell.
- Tim has traveled to Korea twice over the years to work with Korea Baseball Organization teams to build baseball fields and train grounds crew members for KBO teams.