September 14, 2009
Joe Faber Field: NWL's Best Playing Surface
The Northwoods League has numerous post-season awards that are up for grabs year after year. This season marked the first year for a different award, best playing surface in the NWL. That award was given to Joe Faber Field, home of the St. Cloud River Bats.
This award wasn't nominated by fans or front office members, but instead the people that compete on these surfaces day in and day out. Managers and coaches were asked at the end of the year to vote on numerous awards. They voted and the debate is officially over, Joe Faber Field is the best playing surface in the Northwoods League.
The River Bats have been playing at Faber Field since 2007, where they moved from neighboring Dick Putz Field. Joe Faber Field was ready after a renovation that included adding a spacious lobby and concession area, special group hospitality areas, a general admission section down the right-field line, and a three-tiered 400 person party deck the stretches down the left-field line.
The field itself is manicured to perfection. "I think it says a lot about your field when in a premier league like this with 13 other teams your facility gets voted as the best playing surface." said River Bats owner Joel Sutherland. "We take a lot of pride in an award like this and the hard work that the city puts in really shows. This staff couldn't be more deserving of an accolade of this stature."
This past season marked the 13th season for the St. Cloud River Bats. In those 13 seasons the Bats have made the playoffs nine times, advanced to the championship series six times, and have been Northwoods League Champions three times. In fact, no other team in Northwoods League history has won more playoff games than the River Bats.
St. Cloud plans to continue their success with their 14th season 2010. The River Bats are proud to bring good, wholesome family entertainment to the nearly 2,000 fans that come out each and every game.
For a 360 view of Joe Faber Field from a players perspective click the "Joe Faber Field" tab above.
