Download Field Care

Five Never EVER Infield Hints
Presented by Turface Athletics™, Official Sports Field
Conditioner of Ripken Baseball
As the Official Sports Field Conditioner of Ripken Baseball,
Turface Athletics™ is proud to provide education to coaches
and volunteers on proper field maintenance. We know it is
important to have your fields in safe and playable conditions
for the well being and performance of your athletes. We also
know you cannot afford to miss a game due to wet or muddy
field conditions. Below are five common mistakes field
managers, coaches, or parent volunteers make when preparing their fields for play.
By avoiding these common pitfalls and taking advantage of Turface’s comprehensive
online educational resources at www.Turface.com, you will ensure that your fields
remain in top shape from the first pitch to the final at-bat.
1. Never rake across baselines
This tends to pull material to the edges of the baseline, creating high places and lips on
edges, and gullies in the center that hold water.
Instead, rake lengthwise from home towards first and third.
2. Never drag within 12" of turf areas
This causes the drag to sweep into the grass, depositing infield mix in the turf and
building lips over time.
Instead, hand rake this 12" strip after you have dragged the rest of the infield.
3. Never "broom" standing water puddles on infields
This moves the water but leaves a hole in its place that will grow over time.
Instead, remove excess water with a cup, sponge or pump and usa a drying agent such
as Turface Quick Dry or Turface MVP to absorb the remaining water.
4. Never leave the field "loose" from scarifying or tilling if heavy rains are expected
and the field is to be used soon.
Rain will penetrate and accumulate in the infield mix.
Instead, firm or roll the infield tight so excess rain will shed and follow natural
drainage.
5. Never attempt to fill holes in batter's boxes or mounds without a professional
mound clay, water and a tamp.
Dry material filled into the hole looks goods at first, but will kick out with the first batter
or pitch, leaving a new hole in its place.
Instead, sweep the hole clean of loose material, moisten the hole, add Turface
Professional Mound Clay and tamp until you have a firm foundation for players.
More detailed information, along with additional field maintenance tips, can be found at
www.turface.com/education.
The mission of Turface Athletics™ and our Keep America Playing™ initiative is simple:
Enhancing sports field education for America’s communities. To that end, Turface
Athletics™ is committed to providing the educational materials, instructional videos,
field schematics and special learning events that will help you grow in your knowledge of
sports field management. You can find additional information and resources at the
completely redesigned Turface Athletics™ web site: www.turface.com.