Reply to "Lake Point turf mounds"

I should stay out of these debates, but would it be possible to first play there before making comments Good or bad?

First let's take the turf fields, since that has been addressed as well as the mounds. We have done events in Major League Stadiums that have turf fields.  Would someone refuse to play on those fields? Does anyone really think turf fields are all about the money?  Please understand just how expensive it is to put in turf fields.  Just in the first 4 fields we would have saved more than $2 million by not turfing.

The mounds... Indiana University has the same mounds.  They have produced first round pitchers and  players and they were in the College World Series in 2013. We did a lot of research before going with turf mounds.  In fact, I was the most vocal against turf mounds.  There are actually many advantages.  No more different mound from one to another. No worry about the holes that sometimes develop during a game that can actually throw a pitch off.  Less down time during rain.  

The mounds are first framed into the ground, concrete is formed to exact specifications. Material us added to replicate the feel of a perfect MLB level mound as far as specs and feel.  MLB mounds are very hard!  Then special turf is used with the ability to replace the pitching path when needed.  These mounds were very expensive.  Yes, they will save time and money to take care of them, but it will take 5 years to recoup the difference.  So if anyone is saying this is all about money, they are certainly barking up the wrong tree.  Then again, guess it is about money... Lots of it!  Anyone who sets foot on the complex will understand that immediately. Everything could have been done cheaper if that were the main thing.

So far, we have already made some changes.  We have not noticed any difference among the pitchers we have a history on.  No one has complained about slipping that I know of.  We haven't seen any pitcher slipping.  If and when this becomes a problem, we will change the mounds.  

The most important thing for us is playing games.  We do not give refunds if teams miss games. Truth is we actually save money when games are not played.  So how is building expensive fields, most expensive turf, most expensive lights, digital scoreboards, biggest scout tower in baseball, etc., save money.  Many of our tournaments draw teams, scouts, college coaches, agents, etc., from coast to coast.  It costs a lot of money and time for these people to sit in their hotel room for days. Not to mention they are not very happy about it.

Last point... If your team actually doesn't want to play at the complex simply tell us and we won't schedule any of your pool games there.  However, if you make the championship round you will have to play there.  There are many fields we use so it is easy to schedule games at other sites with normal fields and dirt mounds. Personally, I think that teams would not be happy with that decision. Many unhappy players and parents.

Our goal is to make this the nicest baseball complex on earth.  If changes are needed, changes will be made.  We have already made some changes to improve things. Many colleges have already signed up to play there next spring.