Platinum TE Paspalum at Marlins Park

The SmartTurf blog visited Marlins Park last year.  At that time only the infield and the foul areas consisted of paspalum.  The outfield was 419 bermudagrass.  In February of this year, the outfield was converted to paspalum.

HERE is an article about the conversion from Joelle Harms in Athletic Turf Magazine.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Should I Be Applying Crabgrass Prevention Products Now?

That is a question I have be receiving recently.  The Growing Degree Day Tracker  brought to you by the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation and Purdue Turfgrass is a great way to assist you decision making on crabgrass control applications and many other applications of time sensitive products.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Early Season Crabgrass Control?

This winter has been challenging on many levels for turf managers.  Crabgrass pre-emergent application season is quickly approaching.  Will you be applying pre-emergent products this spring?  If so, HERE is a great article involving timing of those applications from Dr Zac Reicher with the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

How Do I Get My Infield Ready for Spring Play?

That is a question I have received a number of times over the past week.  Before answering that question, lets look at what makes up an infield mix and what products will make prepping infields easier in the spring season.

Infield Rolled and Ready for Spring Play

First, consider that engineered soils will out perform any other surface this time of year.  Also ensure that your infield mix has been tested and contains the correct amounts of sand, silt and clay.

So, after those items are addressed, we can now get to prepping the infield.  The first step is to roll the infield to settle any frost heave.  After rolling, ensure that the infield has the correct amount of conditioner.  What depth is the best for your facility?  Finally, nail drag the infield to the correct depth, and you are ready for play.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

A New Softball Field at Fountain Central

I made a stop back at Fountain Central High School today.  The finishing touches are being placed to the dugouts and fencing.

HERE is a link from the first post on this project last fall.

Finishing touches placed to new dugouts - new fence installation .

New sod installed along the back arc to bring the infield back to the correct dimensions. 

Another shot of the dugout.  Notice the fence "pinches" towards the foul pole. 

Look for additional photos later this season as the first season of varsity softball takes place on the renovated playing surface.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Warm Season Turf Winterkill??

Many turf managers across the Midwest are concerned with the possibility of winter kill.  HERE is a link from Purdue University discussing winterkill.

Cool Season (L) Warm Season (R)

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

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer 

Baseball Field Dugout Design and Layout Vol 3

In this final installment of dugout design and layouts, I am going to look at a few "extras" that can be placed in dugouts.

Reds Urban Youth Academy - Cincinnati, OH - dugout storage 

Huntington Park - Columbus, OH - lighting along the back wall 

University of Notre Dame Baseball - South Bend, IN - heaters on roof and helmet racks running the length of the dugout 

University of Notre Dame Softball - Notre Dame, IN - heaters on roof and doors leading to clubhouse

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

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

Baseball Field Dugout Design and Layout Vol 2

The second of three installments on baseball dugout design and layout.  Today we are looking at travel teams, colleges and professional dugouts.

"Fenway Park" at the Ripken Complex in Aberdeen, MD - open concept 

Prasco Park in Mason, OH - below grade with padded rail 

 Legacy Field in Mason, OH - basic dugout with nice finishes

 Wabash College in Crawfordsville, IN - block design with padded rail 

DePauw University in Greencastle, IN - on grade dugout with uncovered seating 

Werner Park in Omaha, NE - professional design with drainage in the middle if the dugout

In tomorrow's final installment, we will look at "extra" features to dugouts.  

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

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

Baseball Field Dugout Designs and Layout - Vol 1

Dugout designs and layouts come in all different shapes and sizes across the country.  In this 1st of 2 posts on this subject, the focus in on high school and park and recreational settings.  

Brown County High School, Indiana - facade the matches the area 

Dublin, OH - open concept with roof at a miracle league field 

Noblesville High School, Indiana - covered and non covered areas

As you can see, dugout design and materials can vary greatly.  If you have questions in regards to dugout design and construction, please let me know.  Look for travel teams, colleges, and professional dugout designs in the next blog post.

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

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer