Coach Baughn dragging the infield dirt after practice. photo by Jesus Flores-Sanchez
The overlooked heart of TJ Baseball is a diamond of dedication.
In sports narratives, the results are often the most celebrated part of the story. Wins and losses, standout players, and dramatic moments tend to dominate conversations. But here at Thomas Jefferson High School, there’s another aspect of the boys’ baseball program that deserves recognition: the field itself. The TJ baseball field is more than a patch of dirt and grass; it’s a reflection of dedication, craftsmanship, and hard work.
Over the past few years, the field has undergone an incredible transformation. In the summer of 2021, the infield was laser-leveled, and years of uneven surfaces that once made routine plays unpredictable and even dangerous were finally addressed. Players no longer risk rolling ankles, and the game is smoother. This marked the beginning of a series of improvements that turned the field into one of the best high school diamonds in Colorado.
The upgrades continued with a new pitcher’s mound and a strong backstop, offering players more safety and better functionality, as well as giving the field a professional look with “Spartans Baseball” prominently displayed, a touch that makes the diamond truly stand out. Concrete paths and fresh sod were added around the field, making it more accessible and comfortable for fans and team members to enter the facilities. These enhancements have turned TJ’s field into a source of pride, and in 2023, they were officially recognized when the Colorado Dugout Club Coaches Association named it “Field of the Year.”
Behind all these improvements is head coach Graham Baughn, whose work goes far beyond managing the team. For Baughn, the field is as much a part of the program as the players themselves. When the team is off the field, he can often be found mowing the grass, watering the dirt, or dragging the infield. His work ensures not just that the field is playable, but that it stays in good shape throughout the whole year, even in the off-season.
The hours spent caring for the field add up quickly. Mowing the field with a personal riding lawn mower is no small feat, often taking hours at a time. Additionally, the field needs to be prepped before every single game, which can mean multiple hours of work, from tamping the pitcher’s mound and batter’s box to carefully chalking the lines. Yet, for Baughn, this effort is made out of love for the game. As stated in an interview by Kyle Newman in the Denver Post, TJ’s coach Baughn said, “I want to provide our guys a positive experience as well. And I get a lot of pride from seeing the end result.” He views the field as a way to show his players that pride in their program extends beyond practices and games.
The transformation of the TJ field didn’t happen overnight, nor did it happen without effort. Every upgrade, from the new sod to the concrete paths, required vision and advocacy. Baughn worked with school administrators to secure the resources needed to bring these improvements to life. His commitment to the field shows that being a high school coach means more than just guiding athletes in the program; it also means keeping the facilities in the best shape possible.
When fans sit in the stands to watch a Spartans game, they’re not just witnessing the action on the field. They’re also experiencing the results of countless hours of care and dedication. The TJ baseball field is proof of what can be achieved when passion and effort come together. It’s a symbol of the program’s values and a reminder that excellence isn’t just found in stats, it’s in every detail, from home plate to the outfield fence. The TJ baseball program’s story is about more than just the players and their performance. It’s also about the field that stands at the center of it all and the people who pour their hearts into making it a place worthy of the Spartan legacy.
