Baseball Field Equipment 101

To maintain and prepare a baseball field, you need a range of equipment. All of these items come with a significant upfront investment price, and if you are not maintaining them, you are not going to get a return on your investment. Also, you should know how to properly use the baseball field equipment you have, so that you do not prematurely age it.

 

Rakes


Every baseball field should have an assortment of field rakes. The three most recommended include:

  1. Field Rake – This features long rounded teeth for smooth raking and it also comes with a leveling blade on the other side for grading.
  2. Garden Rake – This is designed for deeper raking in dry areas and to help mix materials into the clay
  3. Fan or Leaf Rake – This helps rake clay and soil from the edge of the grass after the game. It is usually made of plastic; metal fan rakes are not recommended because they can damage the turf.

 

Drags


Drags help smooth the skinned areas of the infield. There are various models and styles of drags available; some that are pulled by hand and others that can be pulled by machinery. The three main types of drags include steel, nail and a cocoa mat. Cocoa mats produce a more natural, smooth finish while nail drags are used to help loosen the skinned areas of the infield.

 

Chalk Markers


A chalk marker uses dry-line marking for the infield. It is important, however, that you maintain your chalk marker if you wish to extend the lifespan of it. Some things you can do to extend its lifespan include:

  1. Using the right type of chalk for the chalk marker you are using. Look for chalk varieties that will not cake or clog the inside of the marker and are non-caustic.
  2. Empty the marker after every use and clean it out gently.
  3. Never use a chalk marker that is wet, as this can force the chalk to cake up inside the marker.
  4. Keep your marker dry when it is not in use. Because most chalk markers have metal components, they are at high risk for corrosion if left outside or allowed to remain wet for long periods of time.

 

No matter which baseball field equipment product you are in need of, Richardson Athletics has the largest selection. From hose reels to chalk markers and even field materials, we will help you create that pristine, baseball-ready field in a single shopping trip. See our full inventory of baseball field equipment and supplies to order online or call us at 800-895-2902 with your questions.