Additional Information (Meet Team Members)

Groundskeeper Willy: The Sock Puppets’ Turf Legend

• Origin Story: Born and raised in the Scottish Highlands, Willy learned the art of turf management on windswept, rain-soaked pitches before bringing his trusty aerator to Burlington, North Carolina.

• The Mission: As head turf manager for the Burlington Sock Puppets, Willy treats the outfield grass at Burlington Athletic Stadium like sacred ground. His slogan: "If ye step on the infield clay before game time, ye’ll be rakin’ it yourself!"

• Matchday Identity: Easily spotted by his faded overalls, flannel shirts, and loud Scottish brogue over the PA system, Willy is famous for his wildly competitive drag-mat sprints during the 5th-inning stretch.

• Signature Move: "The Scrape & Shout" — clearing the home plate dirt after an umpire's questionable call with absolute intensity, earning him as much applause from the home crowd as the players.

• Cult Following: Fans regularly rock fake orange beards and plaid kilts in section 103 to cheer on Willy as he meticulously paints the foul lines before every home series.

Bubba Lhamon:

Bubba Lhamon serves as the head groundskeeper for the Burlington Sock Puppets, a collegiate summer baseball team competing in the Appalachian League out of Burlington, North Carolina.

• Role: Operations and Turf Manager for Burlington Athletic Stadium.

• Responsibilities: Managing playing field maintenance, turf care, and game-day venue preparations for the team's home games.

 The Apprentice to Bubba La Manna

• The Title: Official Turf Management Apprentice & Dirt Technician under Burlington Sock Puppets head groundskeeper Bubba La Manna.

• The Specialty: Master of the chalk line, post-game clay repair, and keeping the Burlington Athletic Stadium infield smooth as glass.

• Daily Routine: Clocking in hours before gates open to water the basepaths, drag the infield dirt, and learn the secrets of perfect Bermuda grass maintenance from Bubba himself.

• Game-Day Role: Leading the 5th-inning stretch drag-mat crew, sprinting across the baseline, and hyping up the crowd between innings.

• Goal: Earning full groundskeeper credentials and ensuring the Sock Puppets home field remains the premier playing surface in the Appalachian League.