BrightView’s Murray Cook Inducted into Virginia Sports Hall of Fame

Murray Cook, President of BrightView’s Sports Turf division, was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame as part of its Class of 2025 in a ceremony on April 26 held in Virginia Beach. A native of Salem, Va., Cook’s distinguished career in sports field design, construction, and management has left an indelible mark on fields worldwide.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with amazing teams and organizations that have allowed me to build fields in some of the most unique and historic locations,” Cook said. “This honor is not just mine, but it also belongs to everyone who has supported my dreams and has worked alongside me throughout my career.”

Cook began his unique journey into sports turf and field management at the age of 13 as a bat boy for the single-A Salem Pirates and became the head groundskeeper in 1975. In 1991, he was appointed as Major League Baseball’s Official Field Consultant, a role in which he has overseen the development of playing surfaces in more than 60 countries. His expertise has been instrumental in high-profile projects, such as the MLB at Field of Dreams games in Iowa, the London Series at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the recent renovations at historic Rickwood Field in Alabama, and the upcoming MLB Speedway Classic in Tennessee.

In recognition of his numerous contributions and astounding work, Cook was inducted into the Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006, and in 2021, the Salem City Council proclaimed every September 27 as “Murray Cook Day.” He has also previously been named as the 1991 Sportsturf Man of the Year and served as the president of the National Sports Turf Managers Association (now known as the Sports Field Management Association).

“It’s truly an honor to recognized by the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame,” Cook said. “Growing up here in the Roanoke Valley, I never imagined shagging baseballs as a kid would take me around the world as it has. I want to thank my family, friends, colleagues, and mentors who have helped me throughout my career. Without them, I wouldn’t be standing here today. Their support is everything.”

The 2025 Class also included basketball player and current NBA referee Brandon Adair, broadcaster Dan Bonner, former NFL and Canadian Football League player Ed George, former professional soccer player Ali Krieger, sportswriter Harry Minium Jr., former NBA player Joe Smith, high school football coach Mike Smith, and former MLB player Lou Whitaker.