New Backstop question

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obbay

Banned
Aug 21, 2008
2,199
0
Boston, MA
As some of you know, We’re looking to build a new field at the HS. A question has come up regarding the construction of the backstop- Standard chain link fence vs Black netting on poles. Currently There is no plan for seating behind the backstop and this field will (or will not) be maintained by the town.
Anyone know how long the nets can be expected to last in new england?
My thought is that chainlink will last much longer and the town isnt going to want to shell out big bucks to replace the netting every 10 years (or whatever) i might be wrong, which is why im asking youse.
Thanks!
 
Sep 21, 2017
230
43
PA
The last field renovation I went through, years ago, we went with a brick knee wall from dugout to dugout with black netting. It looked incredible and held up just fine. I'm always going to recommend netting, but it's all about what you want, can afford and you believe looks best.

Just post pics when it's done!
 
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Feb 26, 2018
328
28
The org my DD played for last year had just had all new fields built and they were built exactly like Coach Foster described, but they but some padding/cushions on the inside on the block wall. The fields looked spectacular. I wish more fields were built that way
 
Nov 29, 2009
2,975
83
The chain link will be the best investment. The netting is weather proof.

The netting is weather resistant. It will last for several years, but it will have to be replaced in the future.

Chain link will last virtually for the life of the field so long as coaches do not do soft toss into it. For the situation you're in it sounds like chain link would be your best bet if the city is involved in any way.
 
Aug 10, 2018
1
0
if they go with a knee wall, please for the love of god have someone sit behind a mockup of it. i hate fields where the knee wall blocks your view if you sit between the dugouts and home or behind home.
 
Feb 26, 2018
328
28
Block is 3 courses high, so less than 3ft. I like how high the netting went up, it really cut down on the amount of foul balls that went out of play.

20180610_164043.jpg
 
May 1, 2018
659
63
The chain link will be the best investment. The netting is weather proof.

Call this guy and he can hook it up. The only thing I would guard against is to make sure you take down the netting in the winter. You don't want the weight of the snow on the poles.
 
Feb 26, 2018
328
28
Our netting stayed up all winter, the fields are in SE Mich and we see our fair share of snow. Granted the poles are steel because they intended on adding lights in the future, so I guess it all depends on construction.
 

obbay

Banned
Aug 21, 2008
2,199
0
Boston, MA
.Call this guy and he can hook it up
Agreed- this guy has been extremely helpful and i will be talking to him more!

As i see it
Pro- we may build bleachers behind home in the future, so this would be great!
Cons- cost and durability compared to chainlink. Also, the padded kneewall seems like another demand for maintenance (and vandalism) but without the pads PBs would be shooting all over the place.
 
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