Stricko returns as head groundskeeper
NILES — In one year Dan Stricko went from selling real estate to taking care of some.
Stricko, an Austintown native, was recently hired as the new head groundskeeper for Eastwood Field and the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.
The former Fitch High standout worked for three or four years on the grounds crew at Eastwood, but he real love was coaching and teaching.
He played baseball at Muskingum College and has been coaching around the area for several years.
He spent four seasons as an assistant coach with the Youngstown State baseball team and last season coached the freshman team for Canfield High.
He knew former Eastwood groundskeeper Wes Ganobcik and when the job opened up he applied.
“We wanted somebody who knew the job and at the same time added a little local flavor to it,” said team general manager Dave Smith.
Stricko said that the playing surface was not in very good shape when he took over.
“They hadn’t had a groundskeeper for almost a year and the field was in pretty poor shape when we got here,” Stricko said.
“We’ve had to build up the infield and patch up some spots in the infield and outfield turf, which are really taking shape now.”