LU's new Field of Dreams ready
By Tom Halliburton
The Port Arthur News
BEAUMONT - Lamar's baseball coaches noticed how quickly their new baseball field dried after last Tuesday's rain.
Then they really observed a bit of a bizarre development. Despite Friday's off-and-on showers, Saturday afternoon's baseball practice was still "on" at Vincent-Beck Stadium.
The reason for so much recent baseball activity has to do with a new synthetic, Olympia turf installed during a six-week period at Lamar's baseball stadium.
Field turf installation costing $250,000 was a project which lasted from mid-December to the end of January. It was installed by a New Jersey-originated company called Greens Fore U.
"We will be playing, I know, when other people won't," LU baseball coach Jim Gilligan said. "So far it's been fabulous. I think it will give us the best playing field in the Southland Conference.
"This will also give us a recruiting advantage. As other schools continue to improve their facilities, it was important for us to keep up. No other college in the region has the type of playing surface of this kind."
The basepaths, natural grass infield, and adjacent foul territory was replaced by an artificial surface. Less than one third of the pitching mound still contains dirt for the landing area in a pitcher's follow-through.
If you haven't been to Vincent-Beck, the new carpet represents a dramatic contrast for your eye. What's even more impressive is the way Lamar's well-manicured outfield blends in smoothly with the artificial infield, batting and pitching areas.
"They (Greens Fore U's workers) had never seen an outfield match with the turf so well," Gilligan said proudly. "Usually there's a distinct difference... This is such a convenience for us as a staff, not to have to put up a tarp or be concerned about field maintenance."
Lamar's players and coaches have had a tremendous amount to do with maintaining their field's condition. The new field substantially will reduce the amount of man hours which they will need to spend on field maintenance. That should translate to more time for focus on other areas, especially for assistant coaches Jim Ricklefsen and Scott Hatten.
Workers started in December digging a 14-inch trench at the edge of the infield. Crews laid a black moisture liner and covered it with rock and pebbles that helped to form the foundation for the new turf. The field reportedly will have a 10-inch base material comprised of various sizes of pebbles and sand with the actual turf measuring 1 1/4 inches deep.
Less mowing, grass seed and fertilizer plus better drainage and more playable days for baseball add up to a winning combination.
"We've seen this kind of surface and it's easy to play on," Gilligan said. "You should get more true hops in your infield and it's so durable in comparison to turf."
The Cardinals' coaches and players should start reaping the benefits of their new surface when they will open their 2008 home schedule on Feb. 28.
