Revs offer reward to find person who ruined up to 30% of WellSpan Park grass

Groundskeepers work tirelessly to make sure professional baseball fields are well manicured.

Not just because it makes the field more attractive, but because it makes it safer for the players who use it.

York Revolution officials announced Thursday that someone has ruined that work and safety at WellSpan Park. The team is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the vandal who damaged as much as 30 percent of the grass, which could lead to issues with the Codorus Creek.

"Between July 1 and July 5, a yet-to-be-determined substance was poured on the professionally manicured grass at the ballpark, resulting in large swaths of brown areas where the grass has been killed," officials said in a news release.

Head groundskeeper Chris Carbaugh, who has cared for the field for nearly five years, ruled out natural occurrences. Because of the brown patterns on the field, it was determined someone had vandalized the field.

A report has been filed with York City Police Department, which led to the reward.

"That reward amount is nothing compared to the potential costs required to restore the field," Revolution president Eric Menzer said. "We believe it will take tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars to repair the damage to the field."

Team officials will be working with a laboratory to determine what killed the grass.

Repairs must be made to the field not just of aesthetics, but to make sure players have a consistent surface to protect their footing during games.

Menzer calls this an "attack on the York community," not just on his team and the rest of the Atlantic League.

"WellSpan Park is a true community resource," he said. "We hosted a huge, multi-day youth baseball tournament this past weekend, for example. We are hosting many events for a diverse group of area nonprofits and businesses in the coming weeks and months."

Menzer isn't just worried about the grass in WellSpan Park. He's concerned that whatever the vandal used on the grass could end up in the neighboring creek, because the field drains into it in wet weather.

"Whatever was put on our field could very well have ended up in the Codorus," he said. "This is not just a baseball issue. It is a York issue."

Anyone with information regarding the vandalism is asked to call York City Police at 717-846-1234 or visit www.yorkcitypolice.com and click on "Submit a Tip."