Joe Mooney (groundskeeper)
Joe Mooney (born September 6, 1930) is a retired groundskeeper who worked for the Boston Red Sox organization.[1]
Born in Dunmore, Pennsylvania, Mooney began his career as a youngster by serving as a clubhouse boy and assistant groundskeeper from 1948 through 1951 for Class AA Scranton Red Sox.[2] He then worked as a groundskeeper in the late 1950s for a Minor League Baseball team based in Minneapolis.[1]
Mooney went on to work at D.C. Stadium, later renamed RFK Stadium, during the time that Vince Lombardi coached the NFL's Washington Redskins and Ted Williams managed the MLB's Washington Senators. He joined the Red Sox in 1971, after being recommended by Williams to the team's owner Tom Yawkey. Mooney became the head groundskeeper at Fenway Park and held that post for the next 31 years, being replaced by Dave Mellor in 2000.[1]
During his long stint, Mooney became a legend at Fenway while contributing in different functions as superintendent of grounds, park and maintenance. He currently holds the title of Director of Grounds Emeritus.[3]
Mooney was enshrined in the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2012.[2]