Red Sox groundskeeper Dave Mellor announces retirement

Red Sox

Red Sox groundskeeper Dave Mellor (left) chats with Globe sportswriter Alex Speier before a game against the Oakland Athletics this past July 11 at Fenway Park. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff
By Staff and Wire Reports, The Boston Globe
September 29, 2024 | 9:14 AM
Dave Mellor, the Red Sox groundskeeper at Fenway Park for the last 23 years, announced Saturday that he will be retiring after Sunday’s game.
Mellor has spent 39 seasons in Major League Baseball, also caring for the diamonds of the California Angels, San Francisco Giants, and Milwaukee Brewers. Once dubbed the “Rembrandt of groundskeeping” by Brewers icon Bob Uecker, legendary Fenway grounds boss Joe Mooney hand-picked Mellor as his replacement in 2001. That was enough to woo Mellor from Milwaukee, where Mellor also spent eight years servicing historic Lambeau Field for the nearby Green Bay Packers.
“With mixed emotions I’m stepping back from my daily responsibilities as Senior Director of Grounds for the Boston Red Sox,” Mellor wrote on social media just before the start of Saturday’s game against the Rays at Fenway Park. “I look forward to contributing to the industry and causes near my heart while I spend time [with] my family and pups. I am honored and humbled to have worked 39 years in MLB.”
Mellor thanked his wife and family for “their support through the years and understanding for the many hours it takes to care for a MLB field.” He also thanked Bud Selig and the Brewers for giving a chance to “a persistent young man to gain access to the industry to prove himself.”
Mellor, regarded as one of the best in his business, has published two books about his business. “Picture Perfect: Mowing Techniques for Lawns, Landscapes, and Sports” is considered the textbook for lawn patterns; Mellor also published “The Lawn Bible, How to Keep It Green, Groomed, and Growing Every Season of the Year.” He has co-authored or contributed to 11 other books.
His mowing patterns have been featured in the American Folk Art Museum, and an international art exhibit.
“Please remember any day you wake up is a great day and to make the time and choice to celebrate the day, telling those around you how important they are because life happens quickly,” Mellor said in his post. “To all lawnatics, we share a similar passion, Mow Like a Pro & Have Fun!”
Mellor, who has spoken about his battles with mental issues in the past, also wrote “One Base at a Time: How I Survived PTSD and Found My Field of Dreams.” In his announcement, he credited counseling for greatly improving his quality of life.
“To anyone facing challenges, please know you are not alone, help is available and treatment works,” Mellor said in his post. “I used to think it was a sign of weakness to ask for help, now I know it is a sign of strength. I am proud to be a survivor. Anything is possible One Base at a Time!!!”

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