I am a sophomore at Clemson University studying Turfgrass Management, recently completed my first internship.  I worked with the Savannah Sand Gnats who are the Class A affiliate of the Texas Rangers.  Under the tutelage of Chuck Canon, winner of the “Midwest Playing Field of the Year Award” while with the Beloit Snappers, I was exposed to every nuance imaginable at the ballpark.  Although I did not get to participate in the actual cutting of the field, I carried out every other job as did my mentor at Grayson Stadium.  Upon arrival, the field at the historic stadium was in disrepair after early heat killed off the rye grass and the Bermuda had yet to come out of dormancy.  After being fertilized twice and aerated, the field regained its green luster after a month and a half of patchy brown areas.  Soon into my job, I quickly realized that the dirt should be the focal point of his work.  I learned how to effectively pack dirt in such a way that it could withstand nine innings of professional baseball.  My early jobs included packing the bullpens and the game mound, the home plate, edging the diamond and warning track, and setting up for batting practice.  As the season progressed, I would learn how to paint the outfield lines and chalk the infield foul lines as well as water the dirt.  I list pulling the tarp as my least favorite and most physically demanding aspect of the job.  All in all I experienced everything from rainouts to rain delays and even two double-headers due to inclement weather.  Two more summers of internships like this will help me prepared  well on my way to a successful career.