BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL
the home plate batter ’ s box and chalking the batter ’ s box along with foul lines .” Smith cautions against falling prey to a few common mistakes in maintenance .
“ For the infields , the main mistake is not doing a little maintenance each day or each time the field is used . The second-most often made mistake , in my experience , is always dragging from the center in a spiral to the outside to avoid equipment tracks if they end in the center . This is the number-one cause of what is called the ‘ infield lip ,’ which is when the infield mix is deposited into the first two to three feet of the outfield edge . This raises the rootzone and the grass grows through it . Then it gets raised again , the grass goes through it again .”
Munie noted that an infield lip , “ can cause the ball to take some weird hops ” that could possibly injure a player . The lip also creates a dam that keeps water from draining properly .
According to Munie , another typical mistake is for a worker to rush through the process of dragging the field ; jokingly adding that it “ makes the driver look like he is building skills for a national drifting competition .”
Excessive speed can also cause infield material to be deposited into the grass of the field itself when the driver makes a turn .
“ That being said , slow down and stay away from the edges as much as possible when dragging an infield ,” said Munie . “ Finish the edges with a rake or with one slow lap , being careful to stay on the infield .”
The warning track sometimes becomes an afterthought on a field , since so much attention is paid to other components . And that , said Munie , is part of the problem .
“ The proper selection of surface materials is important as the warning track is an underrated component ,” he said . “ It can also serve several other functions , including drainage , acting as an access road for equipment and personnel , a place for pregame warmups and pregame ceremonies . The warning track can also serve as the location for drainage trunk lines , as well as valve boxes and irrigation components . But it ’ s important to remember the track needs to be wide enough to fulfill its purpose . If it ’ s not , an athlete moving at a full run might only have one
Photo courtesy of Stantec Sport Group .
Photo courtesy of Byrom-Davey Inc .
step on it before encountering the fence .” Synthetic fields often have synthetic infields as well . And while the care regimen is entirely different , preseason maintenance is just as important . If , for example , the pitcher ’ s mound needs to be replaced , it will be necessary to take the level of play into consideration ; pitching distances , as well as mound heights , will vary . It is possible to purchase pitching mound forming systems designed specifically for synthetic turf facilities , and to find products that allow the height and size of the mound to be tailored to adhere to standards set forth by the national governing body .
Beyond that , the best way to keep the infield looking and playing its best is to keep an eye on it , and to give it the same care and attention you give the turf itself . Walk it regularly , looking for playing lines that look wavy or places where the field seems to undulate – both of which indicate a displacement of infill . Groom the infield the same way you do the field . Check to make sure seams are intact and that all irrigation and drainage systems work well . After that , it ’ s time to play ball .
Mary Helen Sprecher wrote this article on behalf of the American Sports Builders Association ( www . sportsbuilders . org ), the national organization for builders , design professionals and suppliers of materials for sports fields , running tracks , tennis courts and indoor and outdoor courts and recreational facilities .
For those who would like to become more knowledgeable about their options , the American Sports Builders Association publishes Sports Fields : A Construction and Maintenance Manual . The book walks readers through the decision-making process that should precede deciding upon a field surface , as well as its location . It also discusses various types of field surfaces : natural , synthetic and hybrid , as well as their relative advantages and disadvantages . The book is available in both hard copy and electronic form from the ASBA website , www . sportsbuilders . org . sportsfieldmanagementonline . com March 2023 | SportsField Management
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