7/2/2013

This is a big week for baseball.  Pitchers and catchers report and the collegiate season begins in earnest this weekend.  These two events present their own set of challenges for turf managers.

The spring training turf manager will be dealing with hundreds of players at multiple levels preparing for their season.  The collegiate groundskeeper will actually enter one of the more manageable times of year.  The NCAA’s 20-hour rule will likely mean your field is getting less use, but far more scrutiny as there will actually be people in the stands.

Regardless of the level of play, take a moment to plan for any and all situations.  Be sure to stock a granular broad-spectrum fungicide because the tarp will be on for much longer than you would like at some point in the coming weeks.  Be sure to have a change of clothes in your office or truck because at some point the organic fertilizer you applied is going to end up as a sort of slurry inside the nicely rolled plate tarp you hurriedly put on just ahead of the storm.

It wouldn’t hurt to have some green sand on hand because regardless of the catcher’s talent level, signing bonus or scholarship percentage there will be a pitcher who isn’t convinced he can throw it 60’6” and will, consequently, walk halfway to home plate to receive the ball.

Download a weather app to your phone, my favorite is MyRadar, because there will be an occasion where a coach or umpire is going to look to you for guidance on whether or not a game can continue.  Stock up on the medicated powder of your choice because . . . well you know.  Last but not least get ready for cold pizza, hot dogs, and the other standard press box fare because baseball season is here!