The New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference

BABSON PARK, Mass. - Babson College and its baseball program earned a highly distinct honor recently, as Govoni Field was selected as the recipient of the 2007 American Baseball Coaches Association's College Division ABCA/TURFACE Field Maintenance Award. This prestigious award is presented annually to one college recipient across all divisions (including the NAIA) as well as to one high school recipient. As part of the award program, Babson will receive one ton of TURFACE MVP infield conditioner and $400 for maintenance equipment.

Named after legendary assistant coach and Professor of Marketing Norman Govoni and his late wife Terry, the 23-year-old diamond is widely regarded as one of the finest playing surfaces in all of college baseball. Built largely by Govoni himself and maintained by longtime groundskeeper Jim Lexander, the field is utilized by countless groups from March to October each year, including local college, high school, youth, and amateur teams as well as recreational groups. In addition, the field plays host to Babson's annual summer camps, numerous regional college and high school tournaments, and is a popular tryout and workout location for professional teams such as the Boston Red Sox.

There are many luxurious features that help separate Govoni Field from other facilities in the region, including an LED nine-inning scoreboard, double-barrel bullpens down each foul line, a fully-wired press box, portable and permanent batting cages, a state-of-the-art Bose sound system, and a full-sized tarpaulin that helps keep the field playable early in the season despite New England's harsh spring weather.

Perhaps the most impressive feature of Govoni Field is the fact that it boasts just one groundskeeper. For the last two decades, Jim Lexander has almost single-handedly kept the facility in pristine condition, earning both the utmost respect and admiration of the entire New England baseball community.

"The ABCA, in teaming with the premier producer of field maintenance products to sponsor this award, clearly demonstrates just how important college coaches nationally value good playing facilities and conditions," Govoni said. "And, for sure, we are overwhelmed at being recognized by our coaching peers for having a great baseball field. The honor becomes added incentive to keep making improvements to show we are a worthy choice for the award."

"Beyond Jimmy, whose dedication is unsurpassed, we are indebted to the many baseball alumni and friends of Babson baseball who have contributed mightily in various ways to making our field a real gem."

The ABCA and TURFACE officially presented the award to head coach Matt Noone at their annual Honors Luncheon at the Marriott Philadelphia Hotel on January 5. Lexander was also be recognized at the event.

Babson's Govoni Field Receives ABCA/TURFACE Field Maintenance Award