FieldScience |
Mitch McClary
>> BELOW TOP: New field in Omaha, Fall 2010. >> BELOW BOTTOM: Werner Park in Papillion, NE, 2011 season.
Building two new fields in 3 years
I know it's impossible and that's what keeps me humble yet coming back for more.
B I oversaw the installation of Parkview
Field in Fort Wayne, IN (Single A affiliate of the San Diego Padres) in 2008, and then the install of Werner Park in Papillion, NE (Triple A affiliate of the Kansas City Roy- als) in 2010. Taking care of a 5 or 10-year old field is one thing, that's common, but there's not a text book or established man-
22 SportsTurf | February 2012
agement plan for a new one. The best thing you can do is talk to people who have done it before. Much like custom building a car before
it's rolled off the assembly line, I was lucky enough to be brought on board during the install process and have input, which is often times not the case in the minor
leagues. All of a sudden you start thinking about changes you want and not problems you inherited. When it will make your job easier and your crew more efficient, go for it. I'm not talking about asking for heat or an air system, but simple things like quick connect locations, ¾-inch hose connections like I have in my bullpens, or infield and
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EING PART OF A NEW FIELD CONSTRUCTION can be looked at as either a blessing or a curse, however, once you catch the bug and have the opportunity to build one you may want to do nothing more but do it again. I looked at it as a chance to attain the elusive "perfect" field.
By