Pod-Cast: Keep Off The Grass: Field Maintenance

Spring has officially sprung… and, field maintenance is the topic of conversation!

With the assistance of MLB Clubs, BTF has begun a new initiative called the Field Maintenance Education Program – an opportunity for MLB Head Groundskeepers to host field maintenance clinics to educate and support the ongoing task of facility maintenance. The first clinic of the season was held in conjunction with the Kansas City Royals Charities on on Saturday, March 24.

A private field maintenance clinic was held for local youth baseball and softball organizations, including BTF and KC Royals Charities grant recipients. KC Royals head groundskeeper Trevor Vance and his crew reviewed techniques and methods of professional field maintenance that could be used for smaller, youth facilities. In conjunction with the clinic, BTF presented a $5,000 grant each to Blue Springs (Mo.) High School and Van Horn High School in Independence, Mo., for baseball field upgrades!

Check out a brief video  and photo gallery of the day in order to get the digital scoop.

The second clinic was held this past Saturday in partnership with the Cincinnati Reds at Brandon Phillips Field. The seminar was hosted by Jamie Mehringer of J+D Turf, Josh Cook from Advanced Turf Solutions and featured guest speaker Doug Gallant, head groundskeeper for the Reds. Doug handed out useful advice and demonstrated proper field maintenance methods to prepare a the field for the all important spring season. BTF presented two more $5,000 grants to the Cincinnati Public Schools/Student Activity Foundation as well as the Morgan County (Kentucky) Middle School baseball field which sustained damage from a tornado last month.  

BTF partners with MLB Clubs to hold these clinics with the steadfast purpose of educating attendees of the importance of ongoing field maintenance. Field maintenance is the cornerstone to keeping a field safe for players and the promise of continued use in the future.  A baseball field has to tolerate many natural disasters, including tornados, hurricanes, blizzards, floods, etc. Through education and grant funds, BTF continues to support field maintenance education and the longevity of a field.  

Upcoming clinics:

• Detroit Tigers (Saturday April 14)
• New York Mets (Saturday August 11)
• Seattle Mariners (Friday August 24)

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FM Quick Tips:

• Walk your field everyday and look for hazards, it’s the only way to truly know your field and be able to recognize safety concerns.
• Water can be the most important maintenance tool. Some pros water heavily at least 8-10 hours before any game to ensure proper moisture which in turn provides firm footing for the athletes.