Update on new field turf?

[1979Shocker]

From WSU baseball ready for next set of improvements at Eck Stadium

Stephenson and Sexton would like to put new artificial turf on the Eck Stadium infield before the 2009 season begins. WSU is finalizing contract details to replace the old turf with FieldTurf, a surface used by Kansas State, Creighton, Tulane and others. Eck Stadium's field will closely resemble one recently installed at Texas, as well as fields at Washburn and Louisville.

"The major-league parks at Tampa Bay, Toronto and Minnesota all went to FieldTurf in recent years," Stephenson said. "I've talked to all of them, and they all liked it."

Stephenson expects the new turf to play slower than the existing AstroTurf. The sliding pits, base paths and batter's boxes will be turf. Only the pitcher's mound will remain dirt. One of the tasks for Stephenson and field manager Brandon Cutler is to match the pitcher's mound to the dirt-colored turf areas.

[ShockBand]

Even though I'm one of those that wish we had a "standard" dirt infield with the FieldTurf (like at Tropicana Field), I am happy we are finally getting rid of the old style turf. I'm sure one of the main reasons for having everything turf except the mound is maintenance, plain and simple. And no more chalking of lines before games either.

As for the color, for some reason I have a hard time picturing Gene with those color card swatches. As long as he doesn't think mauve...

[SpanglerFan316]

Seems to me you guys want what looks good and Gene wants what plays good. I'll go with Gene on this one. I think gene is making the right decision if it plays better and after all that why we field the team is to play and not just to gather and look at pretty grass. I go to see the games played and not to look at the pretty or not grass. But that's just me. I think the facility is beautiful as is and dont think the infield turf would add that much to its beauty.

Thanks for reading my mind, incorrectly. I don't care so much about the looks as the fact that the field turf is actually similar to GRASS, which is what the game is supposed to be played on. They will also play many of their most important games on GRASS, so why not play on something similar all year. I was really hoping for the field turf infield with the all dirt basepaths, you know, like fields have been for a century. If you want to call me a purist, I guess I'm guilty, but it is about much more than appearance. I'm also guessing the coaching staff is split on this, as I can't imagine Brent not wishing for a little bit slower infield surface.

I was never attempting to read your mind or anyone elses for that matter. Just filling in the blanks based off what you typed. If you don't want it to be taken a particular way then I suggest you be more clear. No need to take what I said offensively, It wasn't meant in a malicious way. I just get tired of the crap that gets tossed genes way when he clearly knows whats best for this team and these facilities. I understand your a purist and I can get with that. I don't however think we should turf our field to match those of our competition though just so we aren't at a disadvantage. I think it is actually to our fielders advantage to be accustomed to handling a fast infield. Seems to me playing on real grass after that with a slower roll would be that much easier. That's how it should work at least in theory.

One way a "fast infield" hurts us if we get to the CWS is that our bunting game needs improvement. When you play more than 50% of your games at home on a fast field, bunting does not become a big part of your offense. In my opinion, our bunting is usually very weak. A slower and "more grasslike" field would encourage the team to bunt more and get better (at bunting).

[pogo]

If it does encourage them to bunt I'm all for it. It just seems like so many of the players of the past just did not want to bunt. It was like telling them they were about to have a couple of teeth pulled.

[rrshock]

I wonder if they'll look at putting the field turf in the outfield down the road. Then there wouldn't be hardly any maintenance at. And the field would be playable during all the crappy weather we typically have in the spring.

[SHOCKvalue]

I wonder if they'll look at putting the field turf in the outfield down the road. Then there wouldn't be hardly any maintenance at. And the field would be playable during all the crappy weather we typically have in the spring.

I'm guessing, based on the fact that Gene has built that entire facility from nothing, that if he wanted turf in the outfield he would have had it long, long ago, but for some reason he doesn't. I'm sure it's a playability thing, not a budgetary.

[ICT Ragman]

Given this economy and these times, I am very grateful that the project is happening. What a great thing for the baseball program.

Major props, and thanks to all involved and all who contributed.

[SHOCKvalue]

Bump for an update-o?

I've been too lazy to take a drive on over to the Eck for a gander, but I was wondering if anyone else had done so, or by chance had actual, first-hand knowledge of the new turf likelihood for the upcoming season.

:whistle:

[ShockerFever]

Rosewood. Camera. Please.

[Rosewood]

Rosewood. Camera. Please.

I may just have to go on a spy mission...

[shock10]

I drove bye The Eck before the basketball game yesterday and Eck still have dirt pits on the base paths.

[roadshocker]

field turf

rumor is there is not enough time now, maybe after this coming season.

[shoxilla]

What's wrong with artificial dirt? I'm mean if you're going to screw it up at least be consistent.

http://jn.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/91327.2007v1