How to Build a USSSA Baseball Field
Contents
A baseball field is not just a piece of land with a diamond shape cut into it. There is a specific process for building a field that meets USSSA requirements. Learn how to build a USSSA baseball field with this step-by-step guide.
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Introduction
USSSA baseball is popular at the youth level, and many communities have teams that compete in USSSA-sanctioned tournaments. If you’re lucky enough to have a community park or other green space that can be used for baseball, you may be able to build a USSSA-compliant field and host your own tournaments. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
Materials Needed
To build a Baseball Field that meets USSSA specifications, you will need to purchase or have access to the following materials: 200 linear feet of 3 1/2″ diameter PVC pipe for the foul poles 200 linear feet of 6′ high chain link fence for the backstop, 400 square feet of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) for the dugouts, and 500 linear feet of 2x4 lumber for the outfield fence. In addition, you will need 400 square yards of infield mix and 400 square yards of outfield mix.
Step One: Laying Out the Field
The first step in building a USSSA Baseball Field is to lay out the field. You will need to set up the dimensions of the field and make sure that everything is level. You will also need to mark out the infield, outfield, and pitcher’s mound. Once you have done this, you can begin to prepare the area for construction.
Step Two: Installing the Fencing
The next step in building your USSSA Baseball Field is to install the fencing. You will need to purchase the following materials:
-6-8 feet tall posts (8 for foul poles)
-1/2 inch rope or bungee cord
-1/4 inch treated plywood
-Construction adhesive
-Staples
-Shovel
To build the foul poles, set the posts in concrete at least 2 feet deep. Make sure they are exactly 8 feet tall and that they are level with each other. Once the concrete has cured, tie the rope or bungee cord between the posts at the top.
Measure and cut the plywood to size so that it covers the entire fence area. Apply construction adhesive to the back of the plywood and attach it to the posts using staples. Be sure to overlap each piece of plywood by at least 2 inches so that there are no gaps in coverage.
Step Three: Installing the Infield Mix
Once you have installed your base layer, you will need to add an infield mix. This mix is a combination of clay, dirt, and sand that is designed to give you a soft, uniform surface on which to play. You will need to till the base layer before you can add the infield mix. Once you have tilled the area, you can add the mix and level it off. Be sure to grade the area so that water will drain away from the field.
Step Four: Laying the Sod
The next step is to lay the sod. You will need 50 rolls of sod for a regulation size field. It is important to lay the sod in strips, making sure that the strips are butted up against each other tightly. Use a sod Roller to roll the sod flat. Be sure to roll in different directions,Rolling north/south first, then east/west. Once the sod is flat, you can begin mowing it down to regulation size.
Step Five: Painting the Lines
The foul lines should be marked with white paint only. The lines should be 4” wide and should run the entire length of the field outfield from home plate to the outfield fence. The distance from home plate to 1st base, and from home plate to 3rd base, should also be marked with a 4” white line. These lines do not need to run the entire length of the field outfield. You will also need to mark a 9 foot circle around the pitching rubber with white paint.
Step Six: Installing the Bases
After you’ve installed the infield skin and set up the pitchers’ mound and home plate it’s time to install the bases. Bases must be securely fastened to the ground so that they don’t move when a player slides into them.
First, mark the location of the bases with spray paint Then, dig a hole at each location that is big enough to fit the base anchors The anchors should be placed in the holes and then covered with dirt and compacted.
Next, place the bases on top of the anchors. Make sure that they are level and flush with the ground. Finally, use screws or bolts to secure the bases to the anchor plates.
Step Seven: Maintaining the Field
After your field is built, it’s important to maintain it properly in order to keep it looking its best. Be sure to do the following:
• Regularly check the condition of the infield grass and skin. Repair any divots or holes that you find.
• rake the infield dirt to keep it loose and free of clumps.
• Water the infield grass regularly, especially during hot weather.
• Check the condition of the outfield grass and repair any damage that you find.
• Mow the outfield grass at least once a week, more often if necessary.
• Remove any weeds that you find growing in the outfield grass.
Conclusion
After you have completed the above steps, your field should be ready for play. Be sure to keep it well-maintained so that it will be ready for action season after season. Thanks for choosing USSSA Baseball!
