University of Iowa Baseball Infield Improvements

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In 2012 the University of Iowa Baseball facilities ranked near the bottom of Big Ten Schools. Recruiting and team performance had started to slide. An ongoing revision to the campus master plan had yet to decide if the field would stay located in its current spot of valuable real estate along the University’s front door or be relocated.  The hiring or Iowa’s new baseball coach breathed life into the program and plans for new facilities became more immediate.

The plans for a baseball field renovation would occur in 3 phases. I. Infield II. Outfield, fences, padding, scoreboard III. Future bleacher and press box renovations. Phase I completed design and installation of a synthetic turf infield. While maintaining an irrigated natural Grass outfield. The following summer after the completion of the fall baseball season. Design and installation began on a synthetic turf outfield, a new batters eye and an 8’ tall fence with 4” high impact foam padding.

Baseball in the Midwest or Northern states can be tough the season starts early, often before the snow is gone or the frost is out of the ground. For some budgets, synthetic turf is the way to go. It often extends the use of the field into colder seasons. Also quite often a baseball field can be the most expensive athletic field to maintain. Not only due to having natural turf grass to worry about but the soil amendments of the infield require an extreme amount of attention. From moisture to building up of soil amendments the infield is where 90% of the game is played and having a consistent surface to play on is key.

In 2015 after completion of phase II the Iowa Baseball team had its best season in almost 25 years. Its recruiting class is getting better and the facilities are making a move up the list in Big Ten baseball.