Effects of Varying Surface Characteristics on the Hardness and Traction of Baseball Field Playing Surfaces

Within most baseball fields there is a non-turfed basepath surface in addition to a turfed playing surface that can be either natural or synthetic. Two important properties of any playing surface are its ability to absorb the energy generated upon impact (surface hardness) and the level of traction it provides to the athlete during play. Studies were conducted to determine the effects of varying surface characteristics on the hardness and traction of non-turfed basepath, natural turfgrass (Poa pratensis L.) and synthetic turf surfaces used for baseball. On non-turfed basepath surfaces, increases in soil compaction resulted in increases in surface hardness and both linear and rotational traction. Increasing scarification depth on plots receiving the highest level of compaction reduced both hardness and linear traction. Topdressing with a porous ceramic amendment, calcined clay, had no effect on surface hardness or linear traction, but reduced rotational traction values. Footwear worn by baseball players on non-turfed basepaths may be providing excessive traction on turfed areas of the field, both natural and synthetic, due to the configuration and shape of the studs on the sole of the shoe.