default
Member
We play all winter long on very fast surfaces. The dirt helps bring back all the intangebles to the game. Grass just reminds me of practicing grounders in the back yard ( not very good ).
default
Member
Go with clay infields and artificial synthetic in the outfields. Be able to play more games that way.
Seems to be the local high schools use the Athletes In Action SportsCenter more often in the Spring when their own fields are rained out.
Seems to be the local high schools use the Athletes In Action SportsCenter more often in the Spring when their own fields are rained out.
default
Member
Over time, the edges where the grass meets the dirt turns into a ramp causing some wicked hops for the SS / 2B. Stick to dirt.
default
Member
Still looking for feedback on this question
default
Member
Would not like it, even though my DD would love it. Played a few years back at War on the Shore in NJ on grass. It makes bunting easier. Plus I would say slappers would love it. It would make speed even more important and with the mound going back to 43, it would change the way the game is played.
default
Member
Our team would avoid it, dirt infields only for us!!
default
Member
The first choice would be dirt infields and grass outfields hands down. I am a TD that uses mainly dirt infields but have to use a grass infield at one complex. There are complaints every year about that grass infield across all age groups and teams have not returned. The word gets around and even the youngest age groups take the dirt seriously.
An all artificial surface will help get games in but is extremely hot and the ball bounces like a tennis ball. We have had some High School games on the football field and it was better than not playing. Sliding/diving on it left some nasty abrasions. I would be hard pressed to play a midsummer tournament on an artificial surface. Between the wicked bounce and the heat I think we'd find somewhere else.
The option of a grass infield is the worst. The grass effects the play in odd ways especially in the transition from grass to dirt; the most spectacular is shooting a ground ball up into the player's face. Softball will wear big holes in front of 1st and 3rd. Water tends to pond in the base paths and the field becomes unplayable very quickly. and you can not tarp a grass infield without killing the grass should the sun come out.
I work with a local Little League that finally built a dirt infield at one of their fields after 50 years of grass infields. The baseball guys are liking the true bounce, the lack of ponding, no grass lip. Most of their tournament games take place on dirt infields so it amuses me to se the al star teams practicing on the 'softball' field. They are considering converting the remaining fields in the complex to dirt. I have seen some complexes use a portable mound for baseball which allows the field to be truly multi-sport.
Do not under any conditions do a grass infield unless you want to be baseball only. The artificial surfaces are not game ready and would be fine for a minor tournament but will not attract the best teams in the middle of the summer. Good Luck
An all artificial surface will help get games in but is extremely hot and the ball bounces like a tennis ball. We have had some High School games on the football field and it was better than not playing. Sliding/diving on it left some nasty abrasions. I would be hard pressed to play a midsummer tournament on an artificial surface. Between the wicked bounce and the heat I think we'd find somewhere else.
The option of a grass infield is the worst. The grass effects the play in odd ways especially in the transition from grass to dirt; the most spectacular is shooting a ground ball up into the player's face. Softball will wear big holes in front of 1st and 3rd. Water tends to pond in the base paths and the field becomes unplayable very quickly. and you can not tarp a grass infield without killing the grass should the sun come out.
I work with a local Little League that finally built a dirt infield at one of their fields after 50 years of grass infields. The baseball guys are liking the true bounce, the lack of ponding, no grass lip. Most of their tournament games take place on dirt infields so it amuses me to se the al star teams practicing on the 'softball' field. They are considering converting the remaining fields in the complex to dirt. I have seen some complexes use a portable mound for baseball which allows the field to be truly multi-sport.
Do not under any conditions do a grass infield unless you want to be baseball only. The artificial surfaces are not game ready and would be fine for a minor tournament but will not attract the best teams in the middle of the summer. Good Luck
default
Member
My DD has played on grass infields and really didn't much care for it. She said it is "SOFTBALL not baseball!" I would have to agree with her.
