Hi everyone,

I need to draw everyone's attention to the field damage that can occur when we remove standing water from the infield areas. I have noticed on a couple of occasions this year and in past years that standing water is being pushed off the infield up unto the grass lip of the outfield area using a broom or rake. McCartney #1 is by far the biggest problem followed by McCartney #2 and then Lynn Valley NE. Every year we work with the District to try and eliminate the low areas so that the water will not puddle but because the grass lip is built up from the years of pushing the water and sand off the infield we are fighting a loosing battle. Most recently during an inspection I noticed several inches of sand covering the grass for about a meter back from the edge of the grass. It is very important for all involved to understand that by pushing sandy water onto the grass you build up the edge higher and you lower the infield surface making the problem worse for the next rain fall.

The proper way to remove water from the infield is to bail it by digging a sump hole with a shovel and throw the water at least ten feet past the grass edge into a lower area of the outfield. Once the water is completely removed, refill the hole putting some "Play Ball" in the mix to help firm the area. Removing water with a bailing can or shovel in this manner will take a little longer but it will not make the problem worse for the next field user.

Pushing water around on the infield with a large rake to help it clear is not as much of a problem as long as the water is not pushed up onto the grass edge!

Field crews helping during tournaments and who are operating the Gator should not pull the metal drag net up onto the grass. When finishing off a diamond stop well short of the grass edge or in an apparent infield depression, shake the drag clean and place it on the gator. Also stay one foot away from the grass edge while dragging the infield.

One last request to those teams playing at McCartney #1. For the Home team, the grass is very sparse in the outfield along the third base line due to the heavy traffic from warm up drills and because there is no sprinkler coverage. Please have your girls move out about twenty feet farther during warm up.

Your cooperation is appreciated,

Ray Hughes
Field Maintenance Manager