Baseball Field Maintenance Handbook
Baseball Field Maintenance Handbook
_Jim Reiner, publisher of the Baseball Field Maintenance Handbook,
and former AAA baseball field groundskeeper introduces_
How to Create Your Own Winning
Baseball Field
>
>
IF YOU HATE THE BAD HOPS ON YOUR FIELD CAN'T STAND THE POOR FOOTING
AND ARE JUST PLAIN EMBARRASSED WHEN OTHERS SEE YOUR PLAYING FIELDS
NOW YOU CAN HAVE BETTER PLAY MORE OFTEN USING THE SAME FIELD
MAINTENANCE TIPS AND TECHNIQUES THE PROS USE.
IT'S THE SUREST WAY TO TURN EVEN A MEDIOCRE SPORTS FIELD INTO A
CHAMPIONSHIP FIELD AND ENJOY A BETTER BASEBALL EXPERIENCE... IN JUST A
FEW WEEKS -- AND AT VIRTUALLY NO EXTRA COST.
Dear Baseball Enthusiast:
In 2003, I arrived early for the high school baseball game ... and
stood behind home plate ... and while I was watching the coaches hit
grounders to their players ... I saw a major problem:
While the teams playing were loaded with talent, I saw a baseball
field that was really in bad shape - not a single grounder bounced
straight. It was beyond belief.
Playing baseball myself was fun and enjoyable.
But to stand there and watch all the ground balls go crooked was
sheer torture.
I think there are several reasons why I'm uncomfortable seeing our
youth play on bad fields:
*
I myself had my playing career cut short because of a bad field. As
a senior playing in the last high school game of the year, I was
running home from second base, rounded third, and hit a gopher hole.
My right leg was in shooting pain. Anything that could rip did.
*
Back then, arthroscopic surgery wasn't mainstream yet - I had my
knee totally opened, fixed, and sewed up. I was in a cast for 3
months. I limped for 2 years. End of the baseball dream for me.
*
I had seen my first son denied playing as a junior league all-star
because a wicked hop at second base split a finger on his throwing
hand.
*
I saw my second son as a junior in high school twist his ankle
playing third base because the opponent's field has such a bad lip at
the grass edge.
Well at first, I did nothing when I saw these terrible pregame bad
hops and watched it repeat for a couple weeks.
But not being a complete moron, I reached back into my experience as
a groundskeeper for the AAA baseball team in the Texas Rangers
franchise.
So, in 2003 I jump-started my baseball field maintenance skills by
spending time with other AAA groundskeepers and suppliers of
professional sports. I have since then used what learned to renovate
29 baseball and softball fields.
And then I built a baseball field maintenance website in 2006,
(www.Ultimate-Baseball-Field-Renovation-Guide.com) have now fielded
baseball field maintenance and renovation questions at a rate of 1 a
day for the last two years, and have now reached a point where there
is demand and high interest in this handbook.
I call it "_Transforming Your Baseball Field into a Winning Field_",
because if you use this baseball field maintenance book:
*
You don't need high priced equipment available only to major league
sports and golf courses.
*
You don't need a million dollar budget to have a winning baseball or
softball field.
*
You don't need a crew of full time sports managers. You just need a
few who know what is going on and what to do.
*
A quality field lets your coaching efforts stand out. Now you don't
need to be embarrassed when teams visit your 'yard.'
*
You can use equipment and materials readily available at local home
improvement stores or local rental shops.
*
You can quickly reach a point where you identify exactly what you
need to do and develop a specific plan to make the improvements.
*
More and more players, coaches, parents, and umpires will look
forward to playing on your fields!
In short, you become comfortable with baseball field maintenance and
management while staying well within your comfort zone and your
budget.
MASTER BASEBALL FIELD MAINTENANCE WITH MY NEW BOOK - TRANSFORMING
YOUR BASEBALL FIELD INTO A WINNING FIELD WITHIN 8 WEEKS - GUARANTEED!
Now with my new 132 page baseball field maintenance manual, you can
quickly master the amazingly powerful techniques that took me seven
years to develop and refine for use in Little League, High School, and
College.
In its pages, you'll discover:
* Learn exactly how one field manager uses an ordinary rental tool
to instantly remove lip buildup at the grass edge. Page 63.
* Whether you like it or not, this will affect your ability to
enjoy every other aspect of the game. Page 6.
* Understand how and when to use your drag and then how you can
get the most out of it. Page 43.
* Discover how to build a table top on your mound for your
pitchers. They'll thank you for this. Page 47.
* Pros do this to their infield dirt at least once a week. Your
field will benefit from this too even it you only do it once. Page 66.
* Learn how to tell what your baseball mix is made of and how to
improve the mixture. Page 38.
* Understand why adding more crushed red brick mix to your infield
may backfire and undermine your best of intentions. Page 36.
* The single most important thing you can do to improve your ball
field. Page 11.
* Discover why you need to use a plastic fan rake instead of a
metal fan rake when raking your grass edge. Page 43.
* The secret to knowing how long to wait before your sod is
finally ready for you to play on it. Page 86.
* Five questions you need to ask about your field before ordering
more baseball dirt. Page 77.
* Discover how I cut my baseball field maintenance time by more
than 50%. Page 95.
* Learn the correct sand or clay mix to use that will get you good
bounces and firm footing. Page 41.
* And more ...
* What never to do - if you have any hope of giving your players
good footing in the batter box. Page 49.
* Four questions you should ask your players before you change
your infield dirt mix. Page 39.
* Don't use your tamp this way not unless you absolutely don't
want your players to have good footing. Page 48.
* Want sample work day plans and checklists? Then simply follow
these examples. Page 112.
* The #1 mistake that will absolutely force your pitcher to quit.
Page 45.
* Discover the secret of how to level your turf subsurface for a
perfectly smooth infield. Page 30.
* The most important skill you'll ever learn in sports field care.
Page 132.
* Discover how the infield mix for a softball field differs from
that of a baseball field. Page 35.
* An overlooked technique to use if you want to get your field to
the next level. Page 8.
* Discover the biggest mistake made when aerating and how you can
avoid it. Page 21.
* How to fix the gaps if your sod pieces shrink and leave gaps.
Page 87.
* Discover the most common mistakes made with your infield layout.
Page 48.
* And so much more ...
* Find out secret to getting the most out of what you put into
baseball field maintenance. Page 54.
* Discover the one thing that is the biggest obstacle to your
field improvement projects. Page 10.
* Learn how to avoid the biggest problem most people make when
watering their grass. Page 32.
* How the art of the quick fix is something you need to have in
your hip pocket when needed. Page 100.
* Trying hard isn't good enough. Find out why you need to master
this as well. Page 92.
* Why you should avoid using decomposed granite if at all
possible. Page 78.
* Master this in the fall and you won't make the same mistake in
the spring. Page 14.
* Discover the fertilizer that helps grass grow thick and green
without making it grow too fast. Page 75.
* Master the technique the pros use to give your turf a perfectly
straight edge. Page 62.
* Learn the simple change that easily could have prevented lip
buildup at your grass edge. Page 42.
* Discovery the biggest mistake you could make when you need field
maintenance advice. Page 94.
* Unbelievable, but true! Why you should run a steam roller over
your infield turf. But one thing you must do afterwards. Page 65.
* Knowledge of this potential problem will enable you to keep your
steam roller from freezing up and coming to complete stop in the
middle of rolling your infield dirt. Page 68.
* Discover the "Big Three" in the best top dressing mix for your
baseball field turf. Page 26.
* PLUS a very important baseball field maintenance technique to keep
your base path from developing when you drag or remove standing water.
Page 51.
Here's a snapshot of the table of contents so you can see the topics
this book covers and you can decide if this book is for you:
1 - Safety and Playability Matter: You Decide How Much
2 - Transform Your Baseball or Softball Field into a Winning Field
3 - Develop a Sports Field Improvement Plan That's Right for You
4 - Turf Maintenance Made Easy:
mowing, sprinklers, aerating, edging, top dressing, seeding,
leveling, fertilizing, irrigating, and spot seeding
5 - Baseball Dirt and Its Conditions:
analyzing and correcting your dirt mix, the warning track, mound,
home plate, base paths, and repairing lip buildup
6 - Use Proven Equipment:
aerators, mowers, sod cutters and edgers, spreaders, rollers,
thatchers (power rake), tractors, and assorted tools
7 - Use Quality Materials:
dirt mixes, fertilizer, sand, seed, sod, and topdressing
8 - Keeping the Momentum Going
Glossary
Appendix:
Baseball field maintenance checklists, worksheets, field layouts,
examples, case studies, and more
"When I came across your info I finally felt at ease with what I
need to do with the field. I have managed to 'squeeze' money from the
district for a new infield! Great!" Chris James, Centinela Valley
Union High School, Lawndale CA
"Thanks for the great advice. It's comforting to hear this from a
pro vs. the local lawn guy who really isn't an expert in field
maintenance. Your info is a fantastic resource for us do it
yourselfers. Again--thanks for the advice. It's come at a perfect time
for me as I am watching my field start coming back to life" Nick
Perugini
"Jim, thank you for your help. I just switched to a new job of
taking care of ball fields in my town after being an asst. golf course
supv for fifteen years. Your advice made me look like a hero!!!!"
Jason Rolf
ORDER NOW AND SAVE $30
The 132-page _Transforming Your Baseball Field into a Winning Field
_handbook is an immediate PDF download for only $39.00. Delivery time
may vary depending on the type and quality of computer equipment and
internet connection.
Organizations have paid me hundreds of dollars a day to transform
their playing field for their players.
Today there are numerous private training seminars you can take at
prices starting at $1000 and up.
However, when you act now, you won't pay anywhere near that much to
master my field maintenance methods.
The list price of the new e-book edition of _Transforming Your
Baseball Field into a Winning Field_ is $69 - and that's what it will
sell for later this year. But order today and you pay only $39 a $30
savings off the regular rate.. less than you are charged for a bag of
grass seed.
And that's your investment only if _Transforming Your Baseball Field
into a Winning Field_ gives you new skill and success in field
maintenance.
If it doesn't, your cost is zero. Zilch. Nada. Nothing. Because my
baseball field maintenance handbook is
Guaranteed to _boost_ your field performance within 8 weeks
Or your money back!
It doesn't matter what size baseball field you are working with -
T-Ball, little league, PONY, high school, or college or a softball
field.
Whether you are a coach ... player parent athletic director school
administrator landscaper gardener professional groundskeeper
I am so confident that my _Transforming Your Baseball Field into a
Winning Field_ manual can help you with better play more often, that
it comes with this unconditional guarantee of satisfaction:
If you are not 100% satisfied for any reason or for no reason at all
just let me know within 8 weeks.
Your purchase will be made using your credit card at ClickBank. My
guarantee is that Clickbank will honor its return policy if you are
not satisfied with this manual. And you can keep the e-book FREE with
my compliments. That way, you risk nothing.
I can't think of a fairer way for you to try my proven field
transformation method so you can get better play more often.
You know that business is incredibly competitive in today's
uncertain economy.
It's important to be good at your craft and deliver superior service
and produce superior products but these things alone are no longer
enough to ensure your continued success.
Now with _Transforming Your Baseball Field into a Winning Field_,
you can gain the sports field maintenance skills you need to be more
confident enjoy the game more generate a flood of compliments and
inquiries about your field stand out from your competition and develop
more and better players.
So what are you waiting for ? To examine my _Transforming Your
Baseball Field into a Winning Field_ manual for 8 weeks absolutely
risk-free, just click below now:
Sincerely,
Jim Reiner, Editor, Publisher, Groundskeeper
Jim@Ultimate-Baseball-Field-Renovation-Guide.com
P.S. Order today and get a FREE 45-page Special Report, _How to Fund
Your Baseball Field Improvements _(value $29).
In its pages, you will discover:
* Scientific Advertising at its best - check out the letter and
response card a player used to get over $3,000 of support. Page 23.
* Learn the biggest problem people make when asking for money and
why they don't get much. Page 4.
* Discover the secret to a successful fund raising: your fund
raising message and how to write one. Page 2.
* Why you should avoid national chain store and nation wide banks
for donations. Page 9.
* Thirteen concepts proven to to improve support for your
projects. Page 5.
* How to make your fundraising request doubly effective. Page 7.
* Successful fundraising letters and sponsor forms you can learn
from. Page 14.
* Find out what time of year works best for getting donations and
discounts for your projects. Page 10.
* How to write a successful letter of inquiry for a grant request.
Page 20.
* A completed grant application sample. Page 28.
And much, much more.
Best of all, the _How to Fund Your Baseball Field Improvements_
bonus report is yours to keep, even if you request a refund on
_Transforming Your Baseball Field into a Winning Field_ . You can't
lose.
To get your FREE Bonus Report included within the ebook for your
convenience and order my _Transforming Your Baseball Field into a
Winning Field_ handbook click below now:
ABOUT JIM REINER
Jim Reiner welcomes
those who seek him out to improve their ball fields to increase
safety and playability. He devotes his efforts to training coaches,
players, and parents of all levels of youth baseball and softball. He
shows you how to use your existing field and turn it into a safe, high
performance field.
His efforts -- both in groups and one-on-one -- transform ball
fields to give your athletes the opportunity to perform at their
highest levels.
Jim has completed projects from minor upgrades to major renovations
for all levels of baseball and softball from T-Ball to College and
everything in between. Prior to working in the corporate setting, he
was a groundskeeper for the Texas Rangers AAA team.
He has been recognized for his efforts as the Outstanding City
Volunteer by The City of Santa Cruz for 2005 and Sunrise Little League
Volunteer of the Year for 2006.
A quality baseball experience is possible. He believes in giving
back to make a difference for others. Creating great ball fields is
just one way he invests in our youth and to help create lifelong
habits for success.
Jim sums up his approach in five phases.
Evaluation -- Plan -- Action -- Results -- Celebration!
"With this handbook, you not only have the power to create a great
baseball experience... you have the power to make a difference. How
about using that power to make a difference?"
"God Bless YOU and YOURS!"
Jim Reiner
Publisher, Editor, & Groundskeeper
The Ultimate Baseball Field Renovation Guide
http://www.ultimate-baseball-field-renovaton-guide.com
What They Say
About Jim Reiner
"You guys have a GREAT website! Thanks and I will be using your
tips." Randy Atkinson, Equipment Manager / Field Dude, Oceanside
American Little League
"Fantastic information! Thank you!" Jack Briscoe, Valley Christian
Athletic Association
"Your info is awesome. I will ask other baseball sites to try to
link to your site." Brent Steinacker
"I'm just too hungry for all the info you have on your site. I
enjoyed the Q&A portions since I find it amazing that other people are
having the same situations we have. It's like having a brainstorming
session. Again, thanks for your wonderful info." Guy
"Greatest info on field maintenance I have read. Thank you very
much!!"
"Thanks again for the valuable info you provided me. We have decided
to try your suggestions for our cutouts." Mia Karapita, Program and
Facilities Director, Cayman Islands Little League Association
"Your information has already been so helpful - thank you. We rented
a sod cutter and it worked wonderfully on our overgrown baselines."
Angela
"Thanks for the suggestions to improve my softball field. It really
needs to be REDONE. It is soft, composed mostly of sand. Now I'll be
able to make it a good playing field." Melissa, Pulaski Academy
"You have been a huge help. thanks for the quick response!" James
Esquivel, Peyton CO
"Awesome!" Jim, CO
"I was looking over your site again. You are really doing a great
job." Troy, Ohio
"I just want to compliment you on your site. It's full of all kinds
of great advice and resources that are hard to find anywhere. as a
head varsity baseball coach, I know that how my field looks and plays
is a large part of my program's pride. Thank you again." Brian
Houghtelling, Ygnacio Valley Baseball
"This is the BEST resource guide I have found for funding an
athletic facility! I was so happy to have found this and presented it
to my boss who is also thrilled. Thank you so much for making
available for public use." Jaclyn Stone, Saint Rose College
"Thanks for your help. Your website is awesome!" Billy Hardin, Head
Baseball Coach, Post High School
"We love your website and value your opinion on how to proceed." Tom
Kingsbury, Jackson Baseball Association, Massillon Ohio
"Thanks so much for getting back to us, we really appreciate the
information on the questions we had." Mark Whelan, Ripon High School
Varsity Baseball, Ripon CA
"Thanks for your help about what sand would work best in my field."
Johnie San Frantello
"Great website!" Aaron Demosthenes, Coach, Western Nevada College
"I enjoy learning from every detail of information you provide for
my baseball program." Joe Cook, Founder, Cambodia Baseball
"I love your site! Very informational." Michael
"Great work by the way. I live in Texas and work on 6 different
fields. Thanks." Nate Tuck
"I am so glad I found your site. There is a lot of great information
here. Again, thank you so much for the useful information. I
appreciate it greatly!" Steve Ohrmund, SDABL, San Diego
"Great site. I take care of the diamonds for our local high school.
lots of great info that I can use." John K, Illinois
"Cool site -- loaded with tons of practical and useful tips. Good
job!!" Gary R.
"Nice info on this website. Thanks!" Edward Karabin
"Thank you for such a thorough and helpful site! I'm an early
education grad student preparing lesson plans on baseball. You have
helped me tremendously with my science activity of growing different
baseball grasses. Congratulations on a job well done. Thanks again."
Keri Heilman
"Great site. I want to link my son's high school coach to your site.
Thanks." Lois Lockner
"I just want to say thanks for the outstanding checklist you have on
your website. Outstanding. I appreciate your attention to detail." Sue
Enquist, Former Head Coach, UCLA Softball
"Really great to see your website. It was a nice surprise. Thanks
again!" Ken Murray, Director of Facilities, Davis Little League
"Thanks for the tips." Donnie Brown, Kentucky
"Thanks for providing a great website. I have volunteered to help
fix multiple field issues for my local baseball program and felt like
I struck gold when I found your site." Joe Iantosca
"Thank you for providing this information. I'm sure more than one
coach is dealing with my situation." John Stearns, Amity Baseball
Varsity Coach, Amity OR
"Thanks for the info you provide. I can't do it on my own, but your
website has given me a lot of information that is very helpful. Thank
you so much for providing this type of information to us." Bill Spight
"What a great website!!!! I have renovated a couple of church fields
for our local youth travel baseball club. I only wish your site was
around 5 years ago when I began. Really appreciate your thoughts."
Jerry Storm, near Detroit Michigan
"Thanks for the info. I forwarded the info to my athletic director,
principal, and grounds maintenance personnel. They used the advice to
get our baseball outfield in shape for baseball!" Alan Gibson, Head
Baseball Coach, Roosevelt High School, Johnstown, CO
"Thank you for the great advice." Gene Rice, West Virginia
"I was just up at our fields two days ago and wanted to thank you
for your advice. We planted shortly after receiving assurances that a
late fall start was OK and we're looking good. We now have two
baseball fields and one soccer practice field with nice green grass,
just the way we like it. Thanks again and best wishes for a healthy
and prosperous new year." Chris Jennings, Folsom CA
"I think that you have put together a great website already.
Anything more would be extra icing on the cake!" Jerry Heilman, Cal
Ripken Baseball
"I just wanted to thank you for this website. I appreciate how much
work you have put into it. It has the best quality information that
I've seen on any baseball website. Thanks again." James Ferrantino,
President, Rios Canyon Little League
"Thanks to you and the volunteers that worked on this project. I am
impressed with the caliber of work performed, and appreciative of the
volunteer hours devoted to the City. I hope we enjoy many years of
working together to benefit the community. Please extend my
appreciation to all involved."
Steve Hammack, Superintendent of Parks,
City of Santa Cruz
"Thank you again for your interest in improving our fields. Every
little bit helps in these difficult economic times."
Angela Curtis, Field Supervisor, City of Santa Cruz Parks and
Recreation
"This will significantly improve the baseball experience for young
men for a long time to come. You've done a great job for all of us."
Barry Marchisio, President,
Santa Cruz PONY Baseball
