Potomac Nationals install new grass field at Pfitzner Stadium

Early last season, the Single-A Potomac Nationals had to move some home games to Frederick, Md., and had other games postponed because their home field, Pfitzner Stadium, was deemed unplayable by minor league officials. The Nationals improved the clubhouse facilities for the home team during last season, expanding the locker room and coaches' offices, and added a new conference room behind the first base dugout. This season, improvements include a brand new grass field, installed last month, replacing the entire maligned surface from last year.The team has also hired a full-time groundskeeper, who is overseeing the maintenance of the new field. Potomac Nationals director of broadcasting Will Flemming said the improvements will be very beneficial to the players and should instantly improve the quality of play. The fans will be impressed with how good the field looks compared to last season, he said. "The new field is totally in," Flemming said. "They totally renovated, regraded and put in the new field over the past month. It is a beautiful surface and is totally overhauled. It looks brilliant. it is top to bottom - the whole field, the infield, the outfield. We regraded everything, all the warning tracks, including the bullpen mounds. Everything is new." The field is covered now during the winter months to protect it against possible freezing weather. The P-Nats' home opener is scheduled for Friday, April 13 against the Lynchburg Hillcats.