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Baseball
Field Maintenance Blog

Do your coaching efforts stand out? Are your players at peak performance? If not, get regular tips and hints from this baseball field maintenance blog.

Click on that orange button to subscribe to my RSS feed. The field maintenance updates and tips below will help you enjoy a better baseball experience.



Mar 10, 2010, Baseball fields gone bad - 7 case studies

Baseball fields gone bad - problem, impact on players and what you can do to fix it.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Baseball fields gone bad - 7 case studies"


Mar 8, 2010, The player with a winning baseball field - part 1

The story of a young man from T-Ball to MLB. See how baseball field quality affects a player's potential.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "The player with a winning baseball field - part 1"


Mar 7, 2010, Baseball Field Maintenance & Renovation for Youth, Collegiate, and Pros

Use this 'how to' baseball field maintenance guide to make your baseball field safer and more playable.

Permalink -- click for full blog post " Baseball Field Maintenance & Renovation for Youth, Collegiate, and Pros"


Mar 7, 2010, Fix lip buildup on your baseball field

Fix lip buildup at edge of your baseball field grass. Make it safe and playable.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Fix lip buildup on your baseball field"


Mar 5, 2010, baseball field turf maintenance checklist

A great 10 step baseball field turf maintenance checklist

Permalink -- click for full blog post "baseball field turf maintenance checklist"


Mar 4, 2010, Baseball Field Maintenance Handbook

Baseball Field Maintenance Handbook: Secrets to Your Own Winning Baseball Field. Baseball Field Maintenance Made Easy!

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Baseball Field Maintenance Handbook"


Mar 3, 2010, Baseball Project - Spring turf maintenance for the baseball field

Need an example of spring turf maintenance project for a high school baseball field? Look here.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Baseball Project - Spring turf maintenance for the baseball field"


Mar 3, 2010, Getting Rid of Weeds in the Dirt!

getting rid of weeds

The most common problem we face right off is, "how do I get rid of all those weeds in my infield dirt, my base paths, and on the warning track?"

Many of you have asked me this question.

Of course you can use weed killer
But what if you aren't allowed to?  Then what?

Here are three options that work depending on how thick and how mature the grass or weeds are in the dirt areas:

1. Use a hula hoe and hoe them off at the ground; then rake up the grass. This works best if the ground is not muddy, and the grass is spotty and not too thick or mature yet - more like seedlings. This could be a lot of work - put the players to work on it if needed.

2. Use a sod cutter and set it as shallow as it goes - something like half an inch. This works on both young scattered weeds as well as thick grass. Either roll up the weed sod after using the sod cutter or use a bow rake or three prong rake to break up the dirt and grass. Then use a field rake to drag out the grass from the dirt. The sod cutter is a good option because you can also use it to edge your grass at the same time you get rid of the weeds or grass in the dirt path.

3. Use a spike drag or a nail drag over and over on the path until the grass is tore up and dragged to smithereens. Or until you can rake it up. But you may need to put heavy weight on the drag for this to really work and you need a tractor to pull it around. This option works best if the grass in the path is spotty and not thick like a lawn and the ground is not muddy.  It can be fairly most, just not muddy.

By the way... watch this video and see how you can prevent lip build up on your baseball field.  Not only do you want to remove the weeds in the dirt, but you also need to keep the grass edges flat with the ground.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIVXSuJWp_g&fmt=18


Mar 2, 2010, Article archive - a treasure of baseball field articles

Visit the article archive for a treasure of field care tips and hints

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Feb 27, 2010, Turface Rebate Offer!

Spring 2010 Turface Rebate Offer

 Many of you use Turface on your fields.  Great stuff.  I recommend it.

        Turface has a special spring offer for you as a subscriber to my newsletter and quick tips.  Head on over to my website to check out the rebate form.

        You might also enjoy the Turface educational resources at turface.com

       Click here for the Turface Rebate Form

Turface Rebate


Feb 27, 2010, Getting more done in less time

Getting more done in less time

Fellow Baseball Insiders,

         March is almost here ... and the players and coaches are anxious to hit the fields. YIKES!

         If you’re like me, there are some major baseball and softball field projects you'd like to finish before the season starts ...

         ... time to get busy.  We need to plan our projects, budgets, and schedules.

         There are some things I have personally found work best for me to get myself in “the productive zone” ... including cutting my field maintenance efforts in half and getting my supplies at steep discounts.

         Click here to keep reading …and discover how you can turn even a mediocre sports field into a championship field and enjoy a better baseball experience... in just a few weeks -- and at virtually no extra cost.

Wishing You Every Success,

Jim Reiner
Publisher, Editor, & Groundskeeper
The Ultimate Baseball Field Renovation Guide


Feb 25, 2010, How to roll baseball field turf so it is level

How to roll baseball field turf to make it level and get rid of the lumps and bumps

Permalink -- click for full blog post "How to roll baseball field turf so it is level"


Feb 24, 2010, Learn from baseball field projects and case studies

Need baseball field projects to learn from? Here's a visual guide of many different projects.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Learn from baseball field projects and case studies"


Feb 21, 2010, Baseball field maintenance newsletter tips and hints

Baseball field maintenance newsletter - tips and hints for dirt and turf renovation

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Feb 19, 2010, Conversation with Baseball's Turf Manager of the Year

Want to improve your baseball field? Check out this conversation with the turf manager of the year

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Conversation with Baseball's Turf Manager of the Year"


Feb 18, 2010, Your Baseball Mound - best way to tamp and maintain

Tips and hints to tamp your field's baseball mound

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Your Baseball Mound - best way to tamp and maintain"


Feb 17, 2010, Are you making these sod installation mistakes?

sod installation mistakes

This year I've seen several sod installations go bad. 

There are several reasons for this. 

  1. Not doing any planning or preparation BEFORE the sod is delivered.
  2. Leaving the sod out in the sun for half a day before attempting to use it - it dried up and died.
  3. Not soaking it after laying it - the roots had little water; the grass died.
  4. And the worst of all - not watering it regularly after installation to ensure it takes - again, no water equals dead grass.

But I've also seen two installations that went very well and were ready for competitive play within three weeks.

[Note: If you
are considering sod for your field, then you need to be aware of decisions you need to make and tips and hints for successful sod installation.]

 


Feb 16, 2010, Baseball websites with good info for your baseball field needs and interests

Interested in more good baseball websites for more field maintenance info? Check these out.

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Baseball websites with good info for your baseball field needs and interests"


Feb 14, 2010, Products that help your team play better

Spring Package 2010 - 2 valuable handbooks

Spring Package 2010– 2 Valuable Handbooks

The formula for transforming your field fast. The only thing that can ruin your son’s chances of reaching his full God-given potential is a career-ending injury. It doesn’t have to happen when you have access to the latest research and information. The results are undeniable, and I guarantee that our products will help you establish the techniques required to improve your ballpark so you maximize safety and playability.

transform your baseball field 

how to fund your projects


Baseball Field Maintenance Handbook

132 page Handbook. Fully researched reference with practical examples so you can immediately use the material. Includes: Develop a Sports Field Improvement Plan That’s Right for You, Turf Maintenance Made Easy, Baseball Dirt and its Conditions, Using Proven Equipment, Using Quality Materials. Packed with checklists, samples, and step-by-step instructions. And more!

 

How to Fund Your Baseball Field Improvements
55 page Handbook. Marketing principles applied to sports. Real examples. Proven results. Includes: How to Develop Your Fund Raising Message, Concepts for Getting Money and Support for your Baseball Field Projects, Getting donations and discounts, Pursuing a grant: the process and case studies. Packed with successful, real life sample letters, forms, and examples.

8 week no-questions asked money back guarantee.

Spring Package 2010– Find Out More

 


Feb 13, 2010, Contact me with comments or questions

leave comment s or questions

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Feb 13, 2010, Find your baseball field diagram, measurement, and specification here

Find Your Official Baseball Field Diagram, Measurement, and Dimension Here

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Feb 10, 2010, Complete Turf Maintenance for Spring Ball

spring tuf maintenance magic

Dear Baseball Insiders,

This is one of my favorite things to do in the spring for a baseball or softball field. The results are great and you'll get lots of compliments.

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Complete turf maintenance process for spring ball
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This process is ideally done 3 to 4 weeks before your spring season starts.
You can also do this before summer tournaments and in late fall when you are done for the year.

So, here’s what you do:

Once your field is dry enough, start your baseball turf maintenance by mowing your turf.

In the early spring and fall, cut it a bit shorter than you normally do. That allows for 3-4 weeks of growth. Next, mark your sprinklers so you don’t hit them when you aerate and edge your turf.

This is followed by adding topdressing if possible. Usually a dirt mixture that includes sand is best.

Then over seed the turf.

Now the magic steps. Drag the turf to blend the seed and dirt, to smooth the surface, and to force materials into the aerification holes.

After the above process has been completed, fertilize the turf and start watering. After about 2 weeks spot seed any areas where there is thin growth.

Once the turf has grown to 2 to 3 inches, it is time to start regular mowing.

Each step is described here including bonus tips & hints as well as common mistakes to avoid:

Best baseball turf maintenance program there is


And here's another resource you might want to take a look at too:

How to fix a dead spot in the grass

 


Feb 8, 2010, All about nail drag and bolt drag for a baseball field

How the nail drag and bolt drag fit into your arsenal of baseball field maintenance tools

Permalink -- click for full blog post "All about nail drag and bolt drag for a baseball field"


Feb 5, 2010, Special Report - Seven Field Maintenance Secrets

FREE Special Report - Seven Field Maintenace Secrets to turn your baseball or softball field into a winning field

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Special Report - Seven Field Maintenance Secrets"


Feb 4, 2010, Announcing: Baseball Field Maintenance Handbook now available

Baseball Field Maintenance Handbook now available!

If you hate the bad hops on your field - can’t stand the poor footing - and are just plain embarrassed when others see your playing fields -

  - now you can have better play more often using the same field maintenance tips and techniques the pros use. 

Now is the time to start getting ready for the spring season!

The complete Baseball Field Maintenance Handbook.

Check it out.  Decide if this handbook is for you and your players. You could be making improvements right now!

best regards,

Jim Reiner
Jim@Ultimate-Baseball-Field-Renovation-Guide.com

p.s. This edition of the handbook also includes a bonus that could be worth hundreds, if not thousands of dollars for your baseball or softball program. 

Have a better baseball experience.

baseball maintenance handbook


Feb 1, 2010, Announcing: New Section for Specific Answers to Baseball Field Questions

Specific Answers for Baseball Field Questions

We're starting a new section on the site.  We'll be adding hundreds more pages in the next month. In this section you get specific advice from me and my hand picked team of field experts.

Specific Answers
Field maintenance strategies, plus Q&A

Baseball field questions and specific answers

 


Jan 31, 2010, Easy way to remove lip build up when rolling your baseball field

where to measure the bases

If you are rolling your baseball field this spring, then take advantage of the opportunity to remove lip build up at the same time.

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Easy way to remove lip build up when rolling your turf
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Your ball field may benefit from using a heavy roller such as a 1 ton steam roller.  A roller this size is great for flattening and leveling the infield dirt and the baseball turf.

So, take advantage of the opportunity to remove lip build up too.

  1. dig a small 3 inch trench next to your turf edge
  2. roll the turf and dirt; lip flattens into the small trench
  3. rake to smooth the dirt and turf edge
  4. no more lip!
  5. ready to edge

You haven't seen flat until you have done this.  We now have a new webpage with a nice set of photos to show you how to do this.

So, here you go:

How to remove lip build up when rolling your baseball field


Jan 30, 2010, Project for Little League basball field turf and lip removal

Need to fix lip build up on your little league field? Find out how we did it with our project

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Project for Little League basball field turf and lip removal "


Jan 28, 2010, Where to measure the bases

where to measure the bases

Joe asks:

When measuring home to 1st base, do I measure from the apex to front of 1st base?
A  where-to-measure-from diagram would be very helpful from home to every base.  Thanks.

Hi Joe,

When measuring home to 1B or 3B, you measure from the back point of home plate to the back of the base.   The measurement for home to 2B goes from the back point of home plate to the center of 2B. Right where the peg goes.

Have a great spring season!

Here's a diagram showing you where to measure the bases:


Jan 24, 2010, 3 Ways to Mark Cutouts and Edge Your Ballfield

3 Ways to Mark Cutouts and Edge Your Ballfield

"Wow! What a great looking field! 
And, look at those edges. How did you do it?"

That's what I want you to hear.  And then take pride in knowing how to do it.
Yes, we all want straight edges on our turf in the right places.

Do you need answers to these common questions:

  1. where do I draw the lines for the cutouts?
  2. what tools are needed?
  3. how do I draw the lines for the edge?
  4. what if I make a mistake?

This is one of my favorite tips.  You can upgrade your field quickly and be a real hero to everyone who sees and uses your field.

I'll show you how to do this job, describe mistakes to avoid, and give you some tips and hints for a professional looking job. 

So, here you go:

3 Ways to Mark Cutouts and Edge Your Ballfield

best regards,

Jim

Do your coaching efforts stand out?
Are your players at peak performance?

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We have the handbook "How to Transform Your Baseball Field into a Winning Field" and
an eight week money back no hassle guarantee.

Be a hero.  Knowledge is power.  Use your power to make a difference...

Just click on the link below. (Email me if you have a question)

Baseball field maintenance handbook


Jan 23, 2010, Baseball Dirt: How to add and level it

Step by step guide to successfully add and level baseball dirt to your infield

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Baseball Dirt: How to add and level it "


Jan 20, 2010, Quick fix to baseball field maintenance problems

Field maintenance: the quick fix or short cuts to consider

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Quick fix to baseball field maintenance problems"


Jan 17, 2010, Look at last year's best -- and plan ahead for 2010

Top 10 Most Viewed Content in 2009

2009's Top Content

  1. Field Diagrams and Measurements
  2. A Complete Program of Dirt Maintenance
  3. Baseball Field Maintenance Handbook
  4. Field Maintenance Equipment for Your Ballpark
  5. A Gallery of Project and Proposals
  6. All About Infield Dirt, Seed, Sod, Fertilizer, and More
  7. How to Figure Out Square Footage on Your Field
  8. A Complete Program for Turf Management
  9. Infield Dirt: Tips and Hints, Choices and Decisions
  10. An Infield That is Level and Has Firm Footing


Related Content

 

FIELD MAINTENANCE BLOG
News just published

HOW TO GET STARTED
The essentials to begin

MAINTENANCE GOOFS
Avoid project failure





Most viewed video
Video: how to edge like  a pro
How to edge like a pro

   

 


Jan 16, 2010, Baseball field checklist for field maintenance and pre-season audit

If you're looking for baseball field checklist and audit ideas, here are the best ones to develop a proper maintenance routine for your baseball field

Permalink -- click for full blog post "Baseball field checklist for field maintenance and pre-season audit"


Jan 16, 2010, Fixing common problems with mound clay

Untitled Document

Mike in San Diego writes:

Hi, Great site.

I am installing an indoor mound and we want to use clay. We started with about 6 inches of good infield dirt packed it down good and then added another 6 inches or so of clay.

When we rake the new clay it gets very clumpy.
Why is that happening? How can we keep the clay from clumping?

Thanks

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Hi Mike,
Regarding the clay getting lumpy:
a couple thoughts on this.

This can happen if the clay was very dry and powdery when you added it.
If so, keep working with it and over time it will settle down and be nice to groom and pack. It could take 5 or 6 groomings for it to become right. I had this happen with a little league mound last year.

And if it started out as solid clay chunks or blocks, you might consider adding just a bit of soil conditioner such as Turface in either the MVP size or the quikdry form. These will help condition the clay so it grooms better.
I had this happen with a high school and a college field a couple yers ago.
Adding the soil conditioner instantly fixed it.

Here is some info on calcined clay soil conditioners like Turface.
http://tinyurl.com/ych3ppp

Glad to hear this site is helpful for you.

And here's photo story about adding clay bricks to a mound: