Field Conditions

[tcblue13]

We have discussed best and worst plays, calls, partners, equipment, mechanics, etc. The thread about inspecting the field makes me wonder what are some of the most egregious field conditions that you have seen, what measures were taken to play, and did you ever have the field conditions influence the outcome of a game?

What are the best fields that you have seen? (I'm guessing NCAA)

[MichaelVA2000]

A few years ago was assigned an 18-u rec game. There were no bases and the pitching plate was not set at the correct distance. Coach wanted to use car floor mats and part of a two by four for the pitcher's plate. To make matters worse, there were ruts running through the infield and gopher holes throughout the outfield.

Coaches demanded the game be started. No problem from me, after the pre-game plate converence I called the game when the coached told me they could not better the field conditions.

[Justme]

Originally Posted by MichaelVA2000

A few years ago was assigned an 18-u rec game. There were no bases and the pitching plate was not set at the correct distance. Coach wanted to use car floor mats and part of a two by four for the pitcher's plate. To make matters worse, there were ruts running through the infield and gopher holes throughout the outfield.

Coaches demanded the game be started. No problem from me, after the pre-game plate converence I called the game when the coached told me they could not better the field conditions.

Talking about sand lot ball I would have done the same thing

[CLBuffalo]

In MA most fields were indeed sandlots very much like those described above.

The best I have seen are here in SC. All of the fields I have been on have fences, lights, dugouts and lines.

[tcblue13]

Just beyond the left field foul line is a hill that takes you up to the practice soccer field, an elevation of about 6 feet. The hill is in play and the dead ball line is on top of the hill. That is okay for a ball bouncing off the hill on a bad throw but it is heck on the girl trying to catch the foul pop up.

[BuggBob]

Many years ago I did a tournament that was to be part of a potlatch (big gathering of Native Americans also known as a powwow) the playing field was a recently harvested wheat field. Temporary bases, a general area to act as a pitching plate, an imagined fair/foul line, no back stops, no fences and no dead ball territory -- that's right no dead ball territory. The instructions we got from the TD was if it is close it is fair. I thought this is a nightmare, boy was I wrong. Everybody had a great time players, fans, umpires. The TD invited every one to a salmon bbq after the last game. I learned a lot about the Native American culture and had a great time to boot.

[tcblue13]

There is a power line that crosses over the infield above home plate
GR - Off the bat dead ball, off the throw live ball (not to mention live wire)