STWF Sports| FRISCO, Texas| October 6, 2026 — The Frisco RoughRiders added another organizational honor Tuesday when Minor League Baseball announced that longtime groundskeeper David Bicknell has been named the 2026 Texas League Groundskeeper of the Year.
Bicknell, known around the organization as “Diamond Dave,” earned the recognition following a league-wide evaluation process that included surveys of managers, players and executives throughout the 2026 season, along with input from a nominating committee.
The honor reflects the consistency and quality of the playing surface at Riders Field, where Bicknell and his crew have become a key part of the RoughRiders’ day-to-day baseball operations.
RoughRiders President and General Manager Scott Burchett praised Bicknell for maintaining a high standard over nearly two decades with the organization.
“We are incredibly proud of ‘Diamond Dave’ and we are thrilled that he is being recognized for his efforts,” Burchett said. “Dave has set a lofty standard over the years for the playing surface at Riders Field and we are pleased that he and his crew are being honored through positive feedback from players and coaches.”
Burchett also emphasized the importance of field presentation and maintenance as part of the overall ballpark experience.
“The quality of a field is one of the first things fans see when they enter any ballpark and Dave always ensures that this field is the best in the league,” he said.
Longtime RoughRiders Fixture
David Bicknell: A Legacy of Excellence in Groundskeeping
The 2026 season marked Bicknell’s 19th year with the RoughRiders, making him one of the most established members of the organization.
A Dallas native, Bicknell began building his sports turf career at Texas A&M University, where he earned a degree in Agronomy and assisted with the management of Division I athletic fields.
After gaining additional experience in the golf industry, Bicknell transitioned into professional baseball. His career included stops with the Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers and San Antonio Missions before eventually becoming a long-term fixture in Frisco.
His background also includes work outside of baseball.
Among the notable experiences in Bicknell’s career was assisting with course preparation for the PGA Tour’s International event at Castle Pines Golf Club in Denver.
He also served on the grounds crew during the Boston Red Sox’s historic 2004 World Championship season, adding a memorable championship chapter to a career centered on sports turf management.
Recognition Beyond the Box Score
While groundskeeping often happens behind the scenes, the condition of a professional baseball field plays an important role in every game.
The playing surface affects player safety, footing, ball movement and the overall quality of competition. Maintaining that standard over the course of a full Minor League Baseball season requires daily preparation, attention to detail and the ability to respond to changing weather and field conditions.
Bicknell’s award is especially notable because the voting process included direct feedback from those who use the field throughout the season.
That recognition from players, coaches and executives underscores the reputation Bicknell and his crew have built at Riders Field.
The RoughRiders will formally recognize Bicknell and present him with the award prior to a game during the 2027 season.
For Frisco, the honor celebrates more than one season of work. It reflects nearly two decades of consistency from a staff member who has helped shape the look and quality of Riders Field.
After 19 seasons with the RoughRiders, “Diamond Dave” now has an official Texas League honor to add to his résumé.
