Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have hired Danny O’Shea as the team’s new head groundskeeper.
“I’m excited to join the Somerset Patriots and return to professional baseball,” said O’Shea. “I’m looking forward to becoming part of the organization, working with the team and helping provide the best possible playing surface for the players and fans.”
Originally from Newtown, Pennsylvania, O’Shea has been working in turf management for 11 years, most recently as an assistant superintendent at Shackamaxon Country Club in Scotch Plains.
Prior to his transition into golf course management, O’Shea spent five years working in professional baseball. He was an assistant director of grounds at the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals spring training facilities in West Palm Beach, Florida.
He was also a game day grounds crew member for the Philadelphia Phillies.
O’Shea becomes the third head groundskeeper in Patriots in history, joining the late Ray Cipperly (1998 – 2010) and Dan Purner (2011 – 2026). Purner recently accepted a position with the New York Jets.
“First, we’d like to thank Dan Purner for his remarkable work as our head groundskeeper for 15 years and wish him the very best in the next chapter in his career,” said Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “We are very excited to welcome Danny to our team. His experience and knowledge in the field make him a strong fit for the position. We look forward to having him continue the tradition of excellence in providing the major league caliber playing surface our team and fans have come to expect at our ballpark.”
About the Somerset Patriots
The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots were named Double-A Organization of the Year by Minor League Baseball (2025) and Baseball America (2024). Home games are played at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball. The 2027 season begins at home on April 2. To learn more, visit: somersetpatriots.com.