I've been reading these posts and I have to say there are a lot of misconceptions about turf fields. I help run the Athletes in Action Sports Complex near Dayton and we have six turf fields including a completely turfed baseball field and two softball fields with turf outfields.
There is nothing anymore "unsafe" about sliding around on turf than the inherent risks of sliding at all. The turf used today is much different than the old school astro turf. S***** player dive and slide around on it all the time and we all know how much tougher softball players are
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I have seen baseball games played in all kinds of weather and while you do slide further on the turf I have never seen anyone slide past the base.
The game is faster especially on hard hit balls to the outfield. Good players adjust and take correct angles to the ball. As an outfielder I would have much preferred to play on turf than uneven grass outfields. The turf takes away bad hops.
While turf is low maintenance there is still a considerable amount of work to keep the quality up and ensure a long life. The fields must be groomed, the rubber evened out, and high traffic areas like batters boxes and areas around the base, must be replaced.
We've had the fields in use for five years and have never had an issue with staph infection. There is powder you pour over blood or puke and hose it down.
Using a vacuum to get up the chalk won't work because you pull up all of the rubber along with the chalk. Just use a hose and wash it out.
My suggestion would be to put a dirt circle in at 43'. You can put down temporary rubbers at shorter distances and chalk a circle.
Yes playing on turf requires some adjustments but you will nearly eliminate rain outs, and all of the headaches that go along with them.