How do those uniforms get so clean?

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – It is opening day for the Richmond Flying Squirrels and when the players hit the field Thursday night, they’ll be decked out in spotless uniforms. But, how do they stay that way with all those falls on grass and clay? Meet Joe T.

“We have the dirty squirrel every night,” he explains. “Tomorrow morning, these will look nice and white again.

“You can find some type of powder, like an Oxyclean that comes in powder. Put it in the washer overnight, let it sit in hot water, start it up the next morning and rewash them. Most of the time that does the trick.” — Squirrels Clubhouse Manager Joe Tarnowsky.

“If it comes out and the stains are still there, we will use what’s called Spec-Tak. We will mix that in a barrel with hot water. When I come in the next day, I’ll wash them and hopefully the stain is out of them.”

The man with the wash plan is Joe Tarnowsky (also known as Joe T. in the clubhouse), the Squirrels Clubhouse Manager. He is the man behind these crisp, white uniforms. Tarnowsky has been managing clubhouses since 1983, and it’s no easy task.

“I think of it like babysitting,” he quipped. “I mean you have thirty guys in here — you have to feed them, get their equipment ready for them, and get the laundry done.”

That means long nights for Tarnowsky and his team.

“It takes four hours after the last person walks out of the clubhouse, so hopefully we’re out here by 2 or 2:30 a.m., and then turn around and right back at it at 9 the next morning,” he told 8News.

It’s hard work but Tarnowsky says it’s all worth it, especially when players succeed.

“Anything we can try to do to help get these guys to the big leagues is rewarding,” he stated.

Tarnowsky has some advice for baseball and softball moms and dads — if you have a stubborn stain, here’s the trick from a pro like Joe T.

“You can find some type of powder, like an Oxyclean that comes in powder. Put it in the washer overnight, let it sit in hot water, start it up the next morning and rewash them,” he explained. Most of the time that does the trick.”For complete Richmond Flying Squirrels coverage, please click here.Find 8News on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram; send your news tips to iReport8@wric.com.