Installing a Baseball/Softball Base Anchor -

Installing a set of base anchors can be a time consuming project if an incorrect method, or tools are used.  In this post, I will go into detail on setting a 3rd base anchor for a fast pitch softball field.  (PLEASE NOTE - setting the anchor at first is a similar process, but setting the second base anchor is different in that the base distance is to the middle of the anchor. --- That will be explained in a future post.)

A few general items before the base anchor installation begins:

1. Click HERE for a list of field dimensions provided by Diamond Pro.
2. To see how to build a set of base anchors go to Building a Set of Base Anchors.
3. Base and anchor prior to installation - NOTE: the anchor is square, not round.  Round anchors can spin in the ground.

Let's get started.  First thing is to run a tight string line from behind the apex of homeplate to the LF foul pole.  If you are unsure if your field is square, consider hiring a surveyor, or visit two past blog posts - Replacing a Plate Without a Surveyor and Replacing a Pitching Rubber Without a Surveyor.

Next, run a tape measure from the apex of homeplate to the back corner of 3rd base - this should be 60ft for fastpitch softball.

Next, flip the base over and trace out the outline of the base with a shovel.  This will provide a general location of the base.  Then, begin to remove the infield mix to prep the sub base for the anchor.  NOTE: keep the string extremely tight.  During removal of the infield mix the string may have to be moved or may be kicked etc.  The string will snap back into place if maintained in an extremely tight manner.

When the sub base is close to completion, place the anchor for a "dry fit."  Use a 2x4 or a grade stake to bridge the hole to ensure the anchor will be slightly below grade.  Also, double check that the string is square and the back corner of the base is still at 60 ft.

After determining the anchor is at the correct grade, begin to backfill around the anchor with infield mix at 2 inch lifts.  NOTE: a batting glove is used to keep the anchor clean.  A whisker plug will break apart if/when a tamp hits the whiskers.

Following another grade check, place the base into the anchor and check the dimension and ensure the base is square and in line with the plate one last time.  NOTE: after installation and when chalking the baseline, the baseline should run under the base, not next to the base.

Third base is now installed.  You can now continue on to 1st and second.  Here is the finished product.

Look for a future blog post on Installing a Second Base Anchor.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

Tricks of the Trade - Grounds Crew Shoe Rack

Many times grounds areas are are full of different types of shoes.  Rain shoes, tarp shoes, running shoes, game shoes etc.  How do you keep them neat, clean and orderly?  Consider building a shoe rack.  Here is a photo of the grounds crew shoe rack at Victory Field.  Simply using 3/4 inch plywood and sealing it with black paint did the trick for this application.  Then, each area is labeled for each grounds crew member.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Late Summer Seeding of Cool Season Turf

Considering seeding an athletic field in the next week or two?  Consider reviewing an article written by Dr Aaron Patton from Purdue University.  Click HERE for the link to the article.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Tricks of the Trade - Soccer Goals with Wheels - Rotate Traffic

A quick post from Covenant Christian High School today.  All the soccer goals at CCHS are on wheels.  After practice all the goals are moved off the field, and during practices the goals are moved to alleviate turf wear in the goalie box.

Notice the locations of the goals on the photos.  Yes, CCHS practices boys soccer on the baseball outfield with great success.  Bottom line, natural grass can take a tremendous amount of traffic if the field is under a great management program and traffic is rotated.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Fountain Central High School - Halfway Through the Season

An update from Fountain Central High School.  The season has reached the halfway point.  Let's take a look at the playing surface and see how it has been playing:

The Riviera bermudagrass stand of turf has been overseeded with perennial ryegrass at a rate of 20 lbs per 1,000 sq ft.  The field continues to be cut at 1 1/4 inch.

The middle of the field is holding up very well:

A close up view of the turf:

The playing surface has a minimum of 3 more games not including the playoffs for the undefeated Fountain Central Mustangs.

Click HERE, HERE, and HERE to see earlier posts on this project.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Adding Infield Mix to a Leadoff Area for Baseball

With fall baseball quickly approaching, many coaches and groundskeepers are looking for a way to add material to the leadoff area at 1st base to bring the area up to grade.  This will get play through fall before the entire infield surface will be laser graded after fall play.  Below is a step by step method to adding material to a leadoff area.

Begin with removing all conditioner from the area and ensure that the base material (infield mix) has proper moisture for tilling.  Then add infield mix and/or amendment.  In this example additional Dura Edge Pro infield mix was added along with FieldSaver90 at a rate of 4 lbs per sq ft.

After material is added, use a piece of lumber to level the leadoff area to match the existing infield grade.  NOTE: It is best to laser grade the infield once a year to ensure proper grade.  This method is for "in season" repairs.

After leveling is complete, till the area at a depth of 4 inches.  This will ensure a homogenous infield mix, blend in the amendment and avoid "chipping out" the material.

After tilling, roll the area with a 3 ton duel drum roller to compact.  Then work up the area with a rake if necessary and re-level and re-roll:

Finally, water the area heavily to lessen the chance of settling set/bind the clay.  (Note the area on the bottom right of the photo was not blended properly, a pick ax was used to re-blend this small area.)  Then recondition the area with conditioner.  The area is now back in play:

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Tricks of the Trade - On Deck Circles - Batting Practice Mats

Another post from the Tricks of the Trade portion of the SmartTurf Blog.

Today we are at Butler University softball.  Do you have on-deck circles and cannot afford a batting practice mat? Consider placing them of the batters boxes when the field is not in use and keep them over the batters boxes for batting practice.  This will allows for the clay to stay moist and better wear in the boxes and reduce the need for repairing the area after BP and reduce clay needs.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Bush Stadium - Renovation Complete

The last post from the now completed renovation of historic Bush Stadium on the northwest edge of downtown Indianapolis.  The last game at the facility was played in 1996.

Here are three posts from previous blog posts:
http://janddturf.blogspot.com/2012/04/indians-opening-day-whats-going-on-at.html
http://janddturf.blogspot.com/2012/07/bush-stadium-renovating-historic-venue.html
http://janddturf.blogspot.com/2013/05/bush-stadium-renovating-historic.html

Here are photos taken on Tuesday September 10, 2013:

The main entrance:

The third base seating bowl:

The old scoreboard:

The facade on the first base side:

What a great renovation to a historic venue no longer needed for baseball.  To learn more about the new Stadium Lofts, click HERE.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Tricks of the Trade - Sharpen a Rake for Mounds and High Areas

Do you need a tool that is sharp and can cut into high areas on the mound, plate or on the infield?  Simply, take a standard tine rake and sharpen the teeth on a bench grinder.  Here is a close up of a rake I used during the mound construction at the University of Notre Dame late last week:

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Catcher's Area for Bullpens - Synthetic Turf

"What material should I use in the catcher's area in my bullpens?" That is a question I receive numerous times during the course of a year.  Of course, there are many options: mound clay, polymer coated clay, warning track material, etc.  Another option to consider is synthetic turf.  

In this example, synthetic turf was placed over a 4 inch crushed limestone base and nailed in the material.  While this is not as permanent as a typical synthetic field application, the process typically lasts for at least one season.  From time to time, the base material requires re-grading and the turf re-installed.  Another option would be turf over concrete.  ALWAYS make sure the turf is flush with the surrounding grass areas.

Brian Wilson Field Bullpens:

Before (Late fall 2012)

After (Summer 2013)

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer