Joe Mooney | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1930-09-06)September 6, 1930 Dunmore, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | November 29, 2020(2020-11-29) (aged 90) Wakefield, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Occupation | Groundskeeper |
| Notable work |
|
Joe Mooney (September 6, 1930 – November 29, 2020) was an Americangroundskeeper who worked for theBoston Red Sox ofMajor League Baseball (MLB).[1]
Born inDunmore, Pennsylvania, Mooney began his career as a youngster by serving as a clubhouse boy and assistant groundskeeper from 1948 through 1951 for theDouble-AScranton Red Sox.[2] In the mid-1950s, he was groundskeeper for theTriple-ALouisville Colonels.[3] In the late 1950s, he was groundskeeper for the Triple-AMinneapolis Millers.[4]
He went on to work atD.C. Stadium, later renamed RFK Stadium, during the time thatVince Lombardicoached theNFL'sWashington Redskins andTed Williamsmanaged MLB'sWashington Senators; Mooney was hired by the Senators in December 1960.[5] In February 1969, someone stolehome plate from RFK stadium, and aUPI photo showing Mooney and a security guard investigating the theft appeared in various newspapers.[6]
Mooney joined the Red Sox after the1970 MLB season,[7] upon recommendation by Williams to the team's owner,Tom Yawkey. Mooney became the head groundskeeper atFenway Park and held that post for the next 31 years.[1] In October 1975, he again appeared in various newspapers when Game 6 of theWorld Series had to be postponed three times, in consideration of rain and the condition of the field at Fenway Park.[8]
During his long stint with the Red Sox, Mooney became a legend at Fenway while contributing in different functions as Superintendent of Grounds, Park, and Maintenance. He was succeeded by Dave Mellor in January 2001.[9] Mooney was given the title of Director of Grounds Emeritus,[10] and was enshrined in theBoston Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2012.[11] In 2015, Mooney was inducted into the MLB Groundskeepers Hall of Fame.[12][13]
Mooney died at his residence on November 29, 2020.[14]