Turf fields
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My DD has played on fields with a turf OF a few times and wore metal spikes. I know most don't allow you to do that. My suggestion would be a Ringor or Boombah turf shoe. Should give enough grip in the infield dirt (assuming their is some) and plenty on the turf spots.
Turf shoes seem the best. Some of our kids liked tennis shoes and volleyball shoes. Younger/lighter kids can get by with running shoes, but they do not have enough lateral support for hard cuts. Metal cleats were not allowed on the turf fields we played.
I like the turf fields especially in the summer months where the dirt/limestone fields are really hard and dusty with crators in the batter's box and pitching circle. The turf is fast, but the hops are true. Fast kids look even faster on turf.
I like the turf fields especially in the summer months where the dirt/limestone fields are really hard and dusty with crators in the batter's box and pitching circle. The turf is fast, but the hops are true. Fast kids look even faster on turf.
Let me guess - you are headed to the ASA qualifier in Gainesville? We played there a few weeks back. Turf or molded cleats are much better than running shoes especially at the 16-18U level. The biggest difference is the difficulty in stopping. Noticed this when my lead off hitter stole 2nd and was tagged out on a late throw when she slid 3ft past the bag. Pitchers also had a hard time getting good front side resistance and had to be less aggressive with the lower body. Their velocity dropped and had to really spin the ball to be effective. The infield was slower than the hard clay we usually play on. On the up side there were no bad hops. Takes about a game to get used to it but after that they were fine.
We are actually playing our Babe Ruth state tournament there and also the Babe Ruth World Series is being there also. I heard a friend of mine say that the bounces I get are true bounces. We will be playing 8u so the pitching won't be a concern. I'm thinking tennis shoes will be probably better than molded cleats, if not we will just stay with cleats.
Champions Park is by and large a nice facility. They just made a big mistake with the plywood walls trying to make it look like and old time ball park. As a result the air does not move and it gets very hot. Supposedly the plywood will be removed and replaced with chain link which will make all the difference in the world. Good Luck!
DD3 once played on a very nice turf field in Mauston, WI. Being 12u, all her team had rubber cleats which worked well.
A 16u team from our town had to ditch their metal cleats and play in sneakers. That didn't go as well.
A 16u team from our town had to ditch their metal cleats and play in sneakers. That didn't go as well.
From my girls who have played on too may turf fields (none of them like the turf fields at all) They have said they prefer tennis shoes over cleats on these fields that coming from IF and OF.
- Feb 3, 2011
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The sliding will take some getting used to. I suggest turf shoes, but if the early-morning dew is gone, your outfielders may be fine with running shoes. I recommend having your catchers wear molded cleats, though.
