Both of these things were news to me! See http://www.richmond.com/sports...64-a7217c2ab2a5.html
As for the state tourney, it'll be nice to see those games without all the travel. And, it's about darned time we got our turn at those for a few years.
As for the turf fields, WOW, that's a big investment. On a selfish note, I sure hope those fields are opened up for travel ball use in summer and fall!
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Thanks for sharing Midlo. This is the first I've heard it as well.
Midlo Dad posted:Both of these things were news to me! See http://www.richmond.com/sports...64-a7217c2ab2a5.html
As for the state tourney, it'll be nice to see those games without all the travel. And, it's about darned time we got our turn at those for a few years.
As for the turf fields, WOW, that's a big investment. On a selfish note, I sure hope those fields are opened up for travel ball use in summer and fall!
Certainly great news for the area.
A little off topic, but I wish Chesterfield would consider investing more in MS/HS sports. Specifically, in MS baseball, softball, and football. I realize that a big investment has been made in travel sports with River City Sports Complex, but it seems strange that a growing county like Chesterfield does not offer a full selection of MS sports.
The county is leaking money from many cracks, so many that it can't seem to find cash for things most people would like to see.
The truth about turf is, over time it's cheaper than grass. But you have to come up with the up-front cash to make it go, and then you have to do it again every 7-8 years. Plus, not everyone knows how to make the intermediate repairs (things like patching the batters' boxes, etc.). So it's not the easiest transition, but perhaps having Henrico blaze the trail will make it easier in time.
Personally, I'm happy without middle school baseball. 6th and 7th grade on the big diamond is very rough baseball and not worth a lot when you're talking about having to have 15-18 kids in uniform. I like the current system, where you might have 3-6 8th graders playing HS JV and forming the bedrock of their class for a 5-year hitch. In the meantime, those 3-6 guys get better instruction and experience for a travel ball team that's free to play during the spring months, than they would for a MS team.
Midlo Dad posted:The truth about turf is, over time it's cheaper than grass. But you have to come up with the up-front cash to make it go, and then you have to do it again every 7-8 years. Plus, not everyone knows how to make the intermediate repairs (things like patching the batters' boxes, etc.). So it's not the easiest transition, but perhaps having Henrico blaze the trail will make it easier in time.
I'm confused. Are they getting turf fields for football and baseball? or just football?
Our HS installed a new turf football field about 3-4 years ago (actually it was part of a new stadium - $3.8 million altogether). However, the baseball and softball diamonds are still natural turf.
Well, now that you say that, and re-reading the article more carefully, it DOES say that the football fields are being turfed, but no mention is made of the baseball fields in that regard.
I guess I should've known that they wouldn't spend that kind of money on baseball!
Midlo Dad posted:The county is leaking money from many cracks, so many that it can't seem to find cash for things most people would like to see.
The truth about turf is, over time it's cheaper than grass. But you have to come up with the up-front cash to make it go, and then you have to do it again every 7-8 years. Plus, not everyone knows how to make the intermediate repairs (things like patching the batters' boxes, etc.). So it's not the easiest transition, but perhaps having Henrico blaze the trail will make it easier in time.
Personally, I'm happy without middle school baseball. 6th and 7th grade on the big diamond is very rough baseball and not worth a lot when you're talking about having to have 15-18 kids in uniform. I like the current system, where you might have 3-6 8th graders playing HS JV and forming the bedrock of their class for a 5-year hitch. In the meantime, those 3-6 guys get better instruction and experience for a travel ball team that's free to play during the spring months, than they would for a MS team.
Fair points. My oldest son grew up playing travel ball and my younger son still plays. There is no denying that travel ball is generally producing the best players.
However, I am a big fan of giving the kids the opportunity to represent their schools. Besides, the expense of travel ball excludes a lot of potential participants.
Midlo Dad posted:Well, now that you say that, and re-reading the article more carefully, it DOES say that the football fields are being turfed, but no mention is made of the baseball fields in that regard.
I guess I should've known that they wouldn't spend that kind of money on baseball!
The only baseball field I know of that has a turf infield is Hooker Field in Martinsville, VA. The outfield is still natural turf. There may be others - I'm just not aware of them. Hooker Field is used by Martinsville HS, Patrick Henry Community College and the local summer collegiate team (Martinsville Mustangs). A major booster for the college team paid for the turf infield as I understand it.
Yes, the maintenance is far lower than natural turf, but the school system will have to plan for eventual replacement in 8-10 years.
