PORTLAND, ME – Eastern League President Joseph McEacharn is pleased to announce that Jake Tyler of the Binghamton Mets has been named the 2004 Eastern League Groundskeeper of the Year.  Jake was a near unanimous selection for the award, which is voted on by Eastern League umpires and field managers.  Tyler, who also won the Eastern League Groundskeeper of the Year Award in 2002, has been the Head Groundskeeper at NYSEG Stadium in Binghamton since the start of the 2002 season.  The 24-year old began his career in baseball as an Assistant Groundskeeper with the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx of the Southern League at Pringles Park in his home town of Jackson, Tennessee.  After spending a second season with the Diamond Jaxx as the Head Groundskeeper, Jake moved on to a position as the Assistant to the Head Groundskeeper at Louisville Slugger Field with the Louisville Bats of the International League.  Jake spent two years in his position with Louisville before joining the B-Mets.   “It’s no surprise to hear Jake has received the league-wide award,” stated Binghamton Mets General Manager Bill Terlecky.  “Both our players and visiting players have nothing but praise for our field.”   “We are also pleased to announce that Jake has accepted the Toledo Mud Hens Head Groundskeeper position and will be leaving us at the end of the season,” added Terlecky.  “A great reward for him and his family and well deserved based on his hard work and expertise.”  The Assistant Groundskeeper in Binghamton is Steve Wiseman, who has held that position for the past three seasons.  Wiseman will take over the Head Groundskeeper duties in Binghamton at the completion of the 2004 season.

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