NORTH SHORE BASEBALL DIAMOND MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

Maintenance Contacts

  • For access to storage, to report a maintenance issue, or to ask a maintenance question please contact the Head of Baseball Operations Mark Greenslade (hobo@nscbaseball.co.nz or 021 224 7194)

Key Maintenance Rules

  • Every member / player is responsible for maintain the facility after every practice or game day - see below for specifics for each North Shore diamond
  • No metal cleats on turf surfaces or on the wooden floor upstairs at Stafford
  • No pets, gum, or sunflower seeds on turf surfaces
  • Use all facilities only as intended e.g. backstops are not for deliberately throwing balls against, e.g. baseball turfs and backstops are not soccer facilities e.g. do not attach plyo-bands to chain link fencing, only steel poles or other points strong enough to not bend 

Post-Use Maintenance Instructions for Stafford (Clay Diamond)

Proper maintenance of a clay baseball diamond is essential to preserve its playing surface and ensure its longevity. After each use, follow these instructions to keep the field in optimal condition for future games and practices. Maintenance equipment is stored in the downstairs storage area behind the toilets. Clay is stored in the bin on the third base side of the clubhouse. Please refrain from storing muddy maintenance equipment upstairs and do not enter the upstairs are wearing metal cleats.

1. Field Cleanup

  • Remove Debris: Clear the field of any trash, water bottles, sunflower seeds, and other debris left by players or spectators. Ensure the area around the dugouts, benches, and fences is also clean.
  • Remove Equipment: Collect and store any equipment such as gazebos, bleachers, bases, tarps, and batting cages. 

2. Leveling the Infield

  • Hand Rake Key Areas: Use a hand rake around the base cut outs, home plate, and pitching mound. Rake these areas in multiple directions to maintain a level surface and smooth out divots created during play. Do not drag clay into the grass as this will cause the surface to become uneven over time.

3. Home Plate and Pitching Mound Repair

  • Repair High-Impact Zones: The areas around home plate and the pitching mound take the most wear during games.
    • Home Plate: Use a tamper to pack down loose clay, filling in any holes or low spots. Add additional clay if necessary, ensuring the plate remains flush with the surrounding surface.
    • Pitching Mound and Bullpen: Fill in any holes made by the pitcher’s landing foot. Add mound clay as needed and pack it firmly. Make sure the pitching rubber remains level and stable.

4. Watering the Infield

  • Water to Maintain Moisture: After raking and repairing the infield, lightly water the clay surfaces to keep the clay moist. This helps prevent dust, ensures better footing for players, and keeps the clay in good condition. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to muddy conditions or uneven drying.

5. Base Anchors

  • Clean and Cover Base Anchors: After removing the bases, clean the anchor sockets by removing any dirt or clay buildup. Place base plugs or caps over the anchors to prevent dirt from getting inside.

6. Final Inspection

  • Inspect the Entire Field: Walk the field to check for any areas that might need additional attention, including divots, uneven spots, or excess water.
  • Storage of Tools and Equipment: Properly clean and store maintenance tools such as rakes and hoses to keep them in good working order for future use.

By following these steps after each use, you will extend the life of the clay baseball diamond and ensure a safe, playable surface for athletes. Regular maintenance also reduces the need for major repairs, keeping the field game-ready for every event.


Post-Use Maintenance Instructions for Unsworth (Turf Infield Diamond with Cork Infill)

Proper care of a turf infield diamond with cork infill is essential to maintaining a safe, clean, and high-performing playing surface. Follow these post-use maintenance steps to ensure the field remains in top condition after each use. Maintenance equipment is stored in the container. Cork is stored in the wheeled bin (when available).

1. Field Cleanup

  • Remove Debris: Pick up trash, water bottles, and any other debris left on the field, especially around the dugouts, fences, and spectator areas. Regular cleaning helps keep the field safe and visually appealing.
  • Remove Equipment: Collect bases, batting cages, and any other portable equipment from the field. Ensure no tools or gear are left on the playing surface.

2. Groom the Turf

  • Brush the Turf: Use a turf brush to redistribute the cork infill evenly across high-traffic areas, such as around the bases, pitcher’s mound, and home plate. Brush in multiple directions to avoid wear patterns and maintain turf health.
  • Check for Uneven Infill: Look for areas where the cork infill might have been displaced during play and add more infill if needed to keep the turf fibers upright and resilient.

3. Spot Cleaning

  • Address Spills and Stains: Clean up any spills or stains (e.g., from drinks or gum) promptly to prevent damage or discoloration. Use a mild detergent and water for basic spot cleaning.

4. Inspect High-Use Areas

  • Examine Bases and Mound: Ensure that base areas and the pitching mound remain stable and even. If there is significant turf displacement, manually adjust and redistribute the cork infill, and check that base sockets are clear.

5. Watering (If Needed)

  • Light Watering for Dust: Lightly spray the turf with water if dust or debris has accumulated. This helps settle the cork infill and refreshes the playing surface. (TBD if this is possible).

6. Final Inspection

  • Inspect the Entire Field: Walk the field to ensure it is level, clean, and free of hazards. Confirm that the turf fibres are standing upright and there are no visible signs of wear.
  • Store Equipment: Clean and properly store all maintenance tools to ensure they are ready for future use.

By following these steps after each use, the turf infield will remain durable, safe, and ready for play while maintaining the performance benefits of the cork infill system.


Post-Use Maintenance Instructions for Albany Domain (Mixed Surface Diamond)

Broadly, follow the instructions as for Stafford for the clay mound and other matters but note that the turf areas do not require any particular maintenance other than perhaps weeding / edging. Maintenance equipment is stored in the container.

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