The renovation is under process and the unveiling ceremony will take place on Tuesday, January 10, 2011. With the leadership of Houston Astros Director of Field Operations, Dan Bergstrom and approximately 23 grounds crews representatives from MLB clubs have overseen the complete renovation of the playing surface during the summer and fall months.

To see the work being done at the field, click here. And, remember to check back in early January to view photos of the official unveiling.  

Each year, the Major League Groundskeepers convene for Industry meetings, during which the Groundskeepers go into a community and renovate a baseball field that is in need of repair. This year, aided by a grant from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund and with donations of supplies and labor from three major sponsors (Toro, Turface Athletics and Covermaster Incorporated), the Groundskeepers have joined forces to complete the renovation of this field. 

This first one is a regulation baseball field, for highschool and college level fields.

This is what a youth baseball field design layout should look like:

Due to the large size of the softball infield, irrigation systems are installed to irrigate the infield clays.

TIP: An automatic irrigation system will allow more time for the ground crew to focus on the mound, home plate and dragging requirements.

A softball field is predominately flat with a 1% grade, falling from the center of
the mound.

TIP: Due to the large area of clay, the infields require extensive dragging and shaping to reduce low spots.

Today’s tip of the day is an example of a fall annual checklist! Remember, in addition to a daily field maintenance plans, it is a good idea to also have annual field maintenance checklists.

Fall Routine:
1. Perform soil and tissue tests
2. Aerate the field
3. De-thatch or verticut turf
4. Over-seed and top dress the field
5. Fertilize the field
6. Apply post-emergent herbicides
7. Add ground limestone every other year
8. Complete renovations or reconstruction projects if needed

Annual Field Maintenance Checklist

Spring Routine:
1. Perform soil and tissue tests
2. Aerate the field
3. Top dress the field
4. Fertilize the field
5. Apply pre-emergent herbicides
6. Clean, paint or repair dugouts, fencing, bleacher areas and field signs

Day of Game Routine:
1. Remove tarpaulins
2. Mow the grass
3. Scarify the skinned areas with a spiker
4. Drag the skinned areas smooth
5. Water the infield area
6. Sweep and clean dugouts
7. Set the chalk lines and mark officially
8. Place the batting practice pitcher’s mat on the mound
9. Place the safety screens: pitcher, first base and second base
10. Paint or wash bases, pitching plate and home plate
11. Prepare the bullpens
12. Hang flags on the foul line poles and flagpole
13. Check the operation of the field lights
14. Check the operation of the scoreboard
15. Prepare the press box and operation of the public address system
16. Check the operation of the electrical equipment in the concession stand
17. Clean and prepare the locker rooms and umpire rooms
18. Dispose of trash found in and around field and bleacher areas

Daily Field Maintenance Checklist:

TIP: Daily Routine before Practice:
1. Remove tarps
2. Water skinned areas and baselines
3. Install the bases
4. Erect safety screens for pitcher, first base and second base
5. Place the batting cage at home plate

Four traditional patterns to mow a baseball field:

Home Plate to First Base

Home Plate to Third Base

Foul Pole to Foul Pole and the Infield Arc

Home Plate to Second Base