Do most parks cover their mound for winter? I have not but I easily could if it is beneficial... Any thoughts?
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I'm pretty sure they do in Toronto.
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I'm pretty sure they do in Toronto.
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Your mound should be covered 365 days out of the year. During playing season it should be covered to keep moisture in so that it does not crack and in the off season it should be covered to keep material from washing away.
Years back, when we put in a clay mound, we let it dry out prior to first use. The local AAA park had a mound like concrete. Hardly a divot in front of the rubber after a full game... and I was trying to go for that.
What I found was that trying to "patch" those holes was very tough and the patches did not hold too often. We would cover to try to keep it dry ( and hard ).
For several years now we have gone the other route ...and the AAA park has done the same. Keep the moisture level on the high side. Firm yet moist. The only way to keep that moisture level is with it covered. There are times I soak it after a game.
Patches are quick and they hold. We have a base of mound clay with a skin of infield mix on top. That allows you to play in 'some' rain.
We took some #10 cans from the kitchen and filled with concrete with a rope loop to hold down what is now a double layer. Cover only comes off for games/practice. In the spring, after the "thaw".... I'll leave it off to get excess moisture out.
What I found was that trying to "patch" those holes was very tough and the patches did not hold too often. We would cover to try to keep it dry ( and hard ).
For several years now we have gone the other route ...and the AAA park has done the same. Keep the moisture level on the high side. Firm yet moist. The only way to keep that moisture level is with it covered. There are times I soak it after a game.
Patches are quick and they hold. We have a base of mound clay with a skin of infield mix on top. That allows you to play in 'some' rain.
We took some #10 cans from the kitchen and filled with concrete with a rope loop to hold down what is now a double layer. Cover only comes off for games/practice. In the spring, after the "thaw".... I'll leave it off to get excess moisture out.
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Welcome to the HSBBW T-town. Thanks for sharing your experience. Your advice is welcome.
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Welcome to the HSBBW T-town. Thanks for sharing your experience. Your advice is welcome.
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Thanks Mr. Wood..... I thought you might comment on the "firm yet moist" line...... anyway i threw it out there for ya...
Yes... in my role as the "roving unpaid pitching instructor/field maintenance person" I'm learning lots about field upkeep....
Yes... in my role as the "roving unpaid pitching instructor/field maintenance person" I'm learning lots about field upkeep....
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Yikes yes T-town! Thanks for reminding me...
Time to put it back in the Ziploc®!
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Yikes yes T-town! Thanks for reminding me...
Time to put it back in the Ziploc®!
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Where can i get a good mound cover for a good low price?
The first cover, picked up in a baseball supply catolog, was made to size and is a woven variety. Held up ok for a year but sprang some leaks. The second is a heavy vinyl, like a pool liner, and has held up very well. Also picked from a catolog... school district payed for them!