What Condition Are Your Ballfields?

[lostbayou21]

We played in a State Tournament recently at a complex that had grass infields. The grass was relatively green but very uneven and it was apparent the dirt portion of the infields (Diamond Dust) had not seen water in a long, long time. Even though we haven't had measurable rain here in Louisiana I felt it wouldn't be too much to ask for a tournament director to water and chalk the fields between games, especially at a tournament at this level. The dust hung in the air all day and everytime there was a slide you'd lose sight of the player in a cloud of dirt.



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[quincy]

Our Club is hosting 4 or 5 year end tourneys and, is like always, doing a great job,

Last year we fought the rain, this year the heat and dust. We have been moving games around as much as possible so the Team’s can stay out of the heat of the day.

Yes, the fields are chalked before every game. If you are the 1st Team playing on a field, it will be chalked a minimum of 1 hour before the game.

We have given up on everything accept for the circle and batter’s boxes. Every dries up to quickly. Gives a new meaning to the “cloud of dust” quotes.

When players catch the ball, like the 1st basemen, their mitt explodes in a cloud of dust the hangs over 1st for a couple minutes.

There might be better ways to do it but it is all volunteers doing the work.

(I just looked at your picture, ouch. Maybe we are doing OK)

 

[02Crush]

Wow that is crazy....Looks like they need more than water....Like a nail rake and adding some clay. Then....Removing all that sand in the field

 

[Coach Al]

I take care of the fields in our complex. All the fields are dusty. Two of our baseball fields that have what they call "Baltimore Mix" seem to hold moisture better. Our two softball fields are sandy and don't hold water well. We have one grass field with slide boxes that right now have four sandboxes. Our one baseball 60' base field has a cheap mix w/granite dust(I didn't buy it!) is like playing on cement. This is it the Buffalo, NY area. We have had very little rain in the last month.

 

[InsidePitch]

We had our home tourney last week playing on infields that were wet down and lined between each game. It was still a little dusty as our water pressure isn't great enough to give the a good soaking. We spent about an hour on the championship field and were able to wet it down pretty good and even get the team names written in front of the baseline on their side.

One of our outfields is a little clumpy in the grass dept. The others seem to be filled in and more uniform.

 

[3sDad]

We've seen that before...truth is...a team hosting the tournament cant control the amount of water available easily...when its as hot as it has been, it would take a LOT of water to make a difference...fine line between enough and to much...also...does the facility have enough water pressure...a plain garden hose wouldn't wet it fast enough...Seen a field dampened like that be bone dry in 5 minutes given sun and wind...BEST thing Ive seen used is a fire truck but that's not always feasible...