Infield Maintenance

Prep work for Spring Sports
When spring is on the way and it is time to begin thinking about warmer weather and spring sports.  When the Red Sox have sent the equipment truck to Florida and the players begin to report for spring training, we know it is time to finalize our specific action plans for each of the fields that we maintain.

One area that is extremely important is to look at is the skinned infield surfaces that you have at your baseball and softball fields.  The proper maintenance of these areas is extremely important for safety and playability.  

The following is an overview of topics to consider for your spring preparation. 

• Review how the field was put "to bed" last fall.
• Review the anticipated use of the field for the upcoming year.  Very often schedules and use    of fields may change from year to year.  This can be critically important, especially if the use    will intensify.
• Plan for edge/lip management.  The transition area from clay infield mix/soil to grass areas is a    key element to proper infield maintenance.  These areas are critical for the proper drainage,    maintenance, safety and playability on your field. 
• Assess the clay infield soil surface.  How is the grade?  Are there any depressions or areas    that puddle.  Has clay infield mix migrated to the turf areas or been diminished from wind?  Is additional infield soil mix necessary?  Would laser grading improve the areas or can dragging and raking correct any imperfections?
• If work will be performed on the field in terms of edge/lip maintenance work or infield surface work, use this opportunity to check the layout of the field.  Measure the field dimensions and mark changes with paint or chaulk.
• Confirm the specific layout and condition of the bases.  Adjust and/or replace as necessary.

• Review critical areas like the pitcher's mound and home plate.  The mound and home plate are the only areas of the field that see action on every pitch.  Quality materials with proper maintenance will keep these areas in top form.
• Assess if you an infield conditioning product should be applied.
• Review the standard work for daily and weekly maintenance practices for your fields.  Are any chances in the processes necessary for this year?
• Update your field use guidelines documents for any special instructions to coaches, players,    visiting teams or periodic users of the field.