HOUSTON – The field will also look especially nice when the Astros take on the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park thanks in part to a long-time groundskeeper.
Willie Berry has been tending to the field for more than 40 years.
On game day, Astros fans will see Berry close to the field in the umpires tunnel. They can admire his work by keeping an eye on the pitchers mound -- the part of the field he calls his baby.
Berry, a father of two and grandfather of five, says while growing up in Louisiana he loved playing baseball. In fact, he bragged to his buddies that one day he would be in the majors.
"I used to tell teammates, 'Y'all are going to see me in the major leagues.' I was thinking more of a player," said Berry.
He has a passion for the game and his job.
He's hoping for a better season this year.
"I don't think we're the kind if team this year that's going to lose 100 games. Now how many we're going to win, I have no idea," said Berry.