This Is Purdue Podcast Summary: "Behind the Scenes of Wrigley Field with Cubs Head Groundskeeper Dan Kiermaier"

Release Date: March 20, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of This Is Purdue, host Kate Young sits down with Dan Kiermeyer, the head groundskeeper for the Chicago Cubs at the historic Wrigley Field. A proud Purdue University alum with a degree in turf management and science from Purdue's College of Agriculture, Dan shares his inspiring journey from a young Cubs fan to maintaining one of Major League Baseball's most iconic venues.

Early Memories and Career Path

Dan’s passion for baseball and Wrigley Field ignited during a memorable visit at the age of ten in the summer of 1998, amidst Sammy Sosa and Mark McGuire's legendary home run chase. Reflecting on that day, Dan recalls:

“I remember just coming to the ballpark and just being astonished by just the ambiance of the place and just how beautiful the grass was, the ivy, the scoreboard… It was something special.” (02:46)

Initially dreaming of becoming a player, Dan pivoted to turf management after realizing his athletic aspirations wouldn’t materialize. His college years at Purdue were transformative, steering him toward a career he hadn’t previously considered.

Maintaining Wrigley Field's Unique Atmosphere

As the head groundskeeper, Dan is responsible for preserving the pristine condition and historic charm of Wrigley Field. He emphasizes the collaborative effort required:

“We want that field to wow people every time they walk out there or step into the ballpark.” (05:36)

Dan and his team meticulously maintain the field’s grass, iconic ivy, and other elements to ensure both player safety and an optimal playing environment. He highlights the balance between maintaining tradition and incorporating modern turf management practices.

Challenges and Innovations

Maintaining a century-old stadium comes with unique challenges. Dan discusses logistical hurdles, such as transporting materials in a densely populated neighborhood and limited storage space:

“Logistically it's a little bit tougher here because the ballpark is like 110 years old now… Some of these newer stadiums have service tunnels or shops. We're kind of stuck with the footprint that we have.” (08:09)

Despite these challenges, Dan’s innovative approach and his talented team enable them to find effective solutions, ensuring Wrigley Field remains in top condition.

Handling Weather and Weather Delays

Chicago’s unpredictable weather poses a significant challenge in maintaining the field. Dan explains the team's strategies to mitigate weather-related issues:

“Player safety is number one. We want the ball to play as consistently as possible each and every day.” (06:40)

From prepping the field in varying seasons to swiftly handling rain delays, Dan and his crew prioritize maintaining the field’s playability while keeping communication lines open with players, managers, and other stakeholders.

Preparing for Non-Baseball Events

Wrigley Field isn't just a baseball stadium; it hosts a variety of events including concerts, football games, and more. Dan shares his experience in adapting the field for different events:

“For football, we have to remove a dugout and build a football field over top of it… We just try to keep an open communication and dialogue.” (15:34)

He underscores the importance of meticulous planning and collaboration with event organizers to ensure seamless transitions between events.

Favorite Memories and the 2016 World Series

One of Dan’s most cherished memories is being part of the Cubs' historic 2016 World Series win, ending a 108-year drought. He vividly recounts the exhilarating experience:

“When the Cubs got off to a hot start… Rajai Davis hit a home run…the celebrations afterwards were amazing.” (19:17)

Witnessing Game 7 in person, Dan describes the electric atmosphere and the profound sense of accomplishment shared by fans and the team alike.

Connection Between Purdue and the Cubs

A unique bond exists between Purdue University and the Chicago Cubs, notably through the collaboration on Wrigley Field’s ivy maintenance. Dan reveals:

“About 20 years ago, the groundskeeper… contacted a botanist at Purdue to propagate our ivy. Now, Nathan Depp at Purdue maintains the backup plants we need.” (30:22)

This partnership ensures the preservation of Wrigley’s iconic ivy, showcasing Purdue’s significant role in maintaining the field’s historic aesthetic.

Personal Stories and Family Connection

Baseball runs deep in Dan’s family. His younger brother, Kevin Kiermeyer, enjoyed a decade-long career in the MLB, most recently winning the 2024 World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Dan shares heartfelt anecdotes about hosting his brother at Wrigley Field:

“We had that cool little moment…present the lineup cards to the umpires together. It was a fun moment for us.” (35:10)

Their shared passion for baseball underscores the strong familial bonds and mutual support in their respective careers.

Advice and Closing Thoughts

Looking back, Dan offers valuable advice to his younger self and aspiring turf managers:

“Follow your passions and dream big. If you work hard enough, things do play out, and you will end up where you want to be.” (38:15)

He emphasizes the importance of perseverance, passion, and seizing opportunities, highlighting how his Purdue education and professional relationships have been pivotal in his success.

Conclusion

Dan Kiermeyer’s journey from a young Cubs fan to the head groundskeeper at Wrigley Field is a testament to following one’s passion and the impactful education received at Purdue University. His dedication ensures that Wrigley Field continues to be a cherished venue for fans and players alike, blending historic charm with modern excellence.

Notable Quotes

• “I will always remember… stepping into Wrigley Field as a big fan.” – Dan Kiermeyer (02:46)
• “There’s not a bad seat in the house. It just has that it factor.” – Dan Kiermeyer (04:33)
• “Player safety is number one.” – Dan Kiermeyer (06:40)
• “2016 was a very magical year.” – Dan Kiermeyer (19:17)
• “Follow your passions and dream big.” – Dan Kiermeyer (38:15)

For more insights and detailed discussions, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode on This Is Purdue.