If you did not notice from watching baseball games on the east coast the past few months, we have certainly had our share of rain since the first of the season.  You have to be careful when you complain about to much rain because then it can go the other way.  But for now let's just state the facts. 

Rain totals from Accuweather in Cities like DC, New York, York, PA., Durham NC, Baltimore have more than doubled the average for the year.  In DC the Nationals have really been taking it hard.  The actual in June to date is 4.22in and the Normal is 2.77 we still have a couple weeks to go. And For the month of May,  the Actual was 8.05 and the normal only 3.82in.  April was similar. 

Having to get the field ready in these conditions can be taxing on the crew, staff, and for sure the field of play.  Multiple (daily) tarp pulls are common to protect the field for the game.  I have heard from several groundskeepers and sports turf managers that  turf and infield conditions have deteriorated due to all of the early spring rains.  At the end of the day,  the team needs to play to meet payroll and as we know the groundscrew is left holding the bag and when a game is rained out.   When a game is called there can be speculation about the field from, the umpires,  players, coaches, management etc.. Unfortunately the buck stops with the head groundskeeper...even if the rain delay or rain out was due to the wrong rain information.  In most cases the groundskeeper is the hero of the day...but there is the other side too.  Kind of unfair as no one can control mother nature and Im pretty sure not to many turf managers went to college to be a meteorologist.  All we can do is..what your parents told you as a kid.  Just do your best son/daughter! 

Hopefully the rain will ease at the end of this month.  I have seen some pretty tired looking fields up and down the east coast and they are  directly related to the heavy rains. 

 All I can say is hang in there...thank God for the rain and ask for a little sun.

Happy fathers day!

Monday morning the 15th of June,  MLB and Union Baseball Execs Bob Dupuy and Don Fehr will be in Lausanne Switzerland along with Harvey Schiller President of the International Baseball federation and John Ostermeyer IBAF General Secretary to present our case for why Baseball should be an Olympic Sport.   I can't believe we even have to talk about such a stupid question.  You may remember that Beijing 2008 was our last Olympic games for baseball. How this happened is a storyin itself. Through some very strategic moves by the Executive Board of the IOC in 2005 they were able to boot softball and baseball off the Olympic program. 

There are seven sports presenting there case to the IOC board tomorrow which include Golf, Softball, Roller sports, squash, Rudby Sevens and baseball.   The big sticking point has been the use of MLB players during the Olympics. Everyone mentions the Doping issue but I think that is really crazy because baseball has been testing in the olympics for the past 20 years and we never had a positive test...furthermore our WADA leadership has beefed up our program to exceed IOC doping requirements. 

After the Presentations tomorrow the IOC executive board will select 2 sports in August for the Voting members to rubber stamp in Copenhagen sometime in November.   I will have to say I am optimistic that baseball will make the cut because the work they have put into promoting and growing the game the last few years is amazing. 

Baseball and Softball are presenting as seperate sports. Which I think hurts both sports.  They are basically the same sport and could be considered for 1 of the 2 open spots.  I know Baseball tried to convince softball that it would be better to join forces but it didnt work out. Now both sports are adding gender equity versions womens baseball and mens softball to there presentattions. Actually Baseball has had a womens league for a long time. 

The following is a great letter that Dr. Harvey Schiller sent out to many supporters of the game.

Dear Friend of Baseball,
.
Monday we will present our case for re-instatement to the Olympic programme to the IOC Executive Board.  Joining me in the 20 minute presentation will be John Ostermeyer, Jean-Pierre Moser, Bob DuPuy, the President and COO of Major League Baseball, Don Fehr, the Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Association and Sidney de Jong, member of the Dutch National team.  Sandra Monteiro, President of the Portuguese Federation and Riccardo Fraccari, the President of the Italian Federation, will also be in Lausanne to assist us in talking to various IOC members and federations during the early part of next week as well.
.
Our presentation will effectively address all of the reasons as to why baseball was removed from the 2012 programme, and will offer a five day tournament plan for both men and women that will include using the best players from professional baseball.  We have spent time working with all four candidate cities to make sure they understand the value baseball can bring to their bid for 2016, and continue to speak to as many IOC members as possible in outlining our plan and the steps we have made to grow the game globally, from the youngest of children to elite competition.  We feel that we have done everything that the IOC has asked us to do to this point, and will continue to re-address and add to those steps over the next few months.
.
As always, your support and input is needed and very much appreciated. We have received notes of assistance with IOC members from Italy, Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, Israel, Japan, China, Korea, Sweden, Latvia, Fiji, Hungary and across Africa recently, and are hoping that type of support and outreach can occur with every IOC member from their federation over the next two months.  The announcement of which sports will be put forward for the vote will occur in August at the World Track and Field Championships, and the final vote will then take place in October in Copenhagen.
.
Also, as a reminder, information on events in your country that can be passed along to the media are also critical to get to our staff, so that we can help you tell all the good news stories about baseball to the largest possible audience.
.
As always we want to thank you for all your efforts to help us grow baseball on a global scale.  We think we have made great progress and have told a great story, and will update you late next week after the presentation.
.
Regards,
.
Dr. Harvey W. Schiller
President
International Baseball Federation

GOOD LUCK TO OUR BASEBALL LEADERS TOMORROW!  

About 10 months ago, Beijing was making final preparations for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. It sure doesn't seem like it was that long ago.

A new twist in world traveling has started. Just before we disembarked from the plane, it was was boarded by local health officials and every passenger on the plane had there temperature checked, fortunately no one came up sick.  Compliments of the   swine flu pandemic.   Ironically once outside, I immediately noticed the lack of air pollution! The 3 million trees they planted last year must have made quite the impact.  Maybe it was just a good couple days,  but the pollution and air index had definitely improved.   It's really amazing to see how things have changed after a year. 

Wukesong Main baseball stadium(photo below) has been bulldozed down along with the practice field. Field 2's facade (photo above) is still standing.  Where the main stadium was located is now just a big pile of dirt and a hole in the ground.  Pretty sad.    The Olympic legacy ( for baseball in china) is being moved to a city near the Taiwan /China borders called Shaman.  The plans are to rebuild the Olympic baseball stadium in the next couple years at the site.  

In the meantime the Fengtai Softball Venue may be changing back to a baseball venue, which was actually the original location for baseball.  Back in 2004, plans were changed to move baseball to the temporary Venue in Wukesong with the intention to return to Fengtai after the games.  There are 4 fields at Fengtai , 2 of which are stadiums.  I am sure one of stadiums will remain as a softball field.   

During the evaluation of the press box level at Fengtai we noticed a small restroom located next to the suite. This is pretty common but to have a view of the field while seated on the toilet was rather intriguing.  A sports writers dream! 

After checking out Fengtai's fields we headed over to the Beijing University to see the college baseball field. It needs some TLC but with the support of alumni and others I believe we can make it work.   Just near the University was an interesting restaurant called "Quiqan" or "QQ".  Tell me this menu doesn't remind you of a Big Mac.   As one of the students stated we "study" the Western trends very closely.   I think we call it copy in the Western world.

Another baseball venue just outside of the city is under way. They are using our Olympic baseball field design to guide them in the construction of the fields.  "Walker" is the man's name heading up the operation. He really is a walker. (Actually a speed walker with numerous medals and championships.)  They have been very innovative in adding components to the fields which includes dugouts that that were once 40ft shipping containers. Check it out!   The highlight of this field trip was that I actually had a chance to check out the Great Wall of China. Traveling here about18 times during the past 3-4 years I never had time to go.  It was worth the wait. (photo below is Fengtai stadium)

Lately some people have been sending me some baseball field construction questions.  Things like  How to build....the field...the mound....the infield etc..? 

Building a baseball field takes planning and unfortunately sometimes more money than you may have in your budget. One of the first questions... Do you have enough land or property and will be the field be oriented properly? A standard baseball field is about 500 x 500 feet not including a seating bowl.  I would also suggest the following questions be asked of those involved before you put a shovel in the ground.

1.  Usage of the field:  Who? How much? and when?  These questions will steer you towards the type of field you will need to build.

2.  What Type of Grass:  Natural...Bluegrass or Bermuda?...or synthetic?

3.  How much money do we have? That's a loaded question but after the first two questions it is time to bring the accountant in! Where can we find the money to build the field we want?  Are there Grants?  Private? Municipal Funds?  Donations?

4. Who will maintain the new field and at what level ?  In house maintenance?  Outsource maintenance?  Again ...budget the entire field including maintenance operations before you build it.  Example: Don't build a Ferrari when you don't have the budget to take care of it. Taking care of a high performance sports field takes a lot of money

5. Selecting someone to design and build it? Again.. its an examination of your internal resources and if you have staff that understands how to develop a design or construction specification.  Designing your new field with the right goals for usage is what you should be shooting for. Hiring a reputable firm to design your field?  Should you hire a consultant for owners representation? Should we consider asking for Sponsorships to help offset material costs?  Can the Community help? Have you heard of the MLB Baseball Tomorrow Fund? 

Once you have decided on some of the issues above and hired a reputable sports field contractor to install your field, You will be on your way towards building your field of dreams.

For those of you that follow international stories on baseball,  there is going to be a cool Documentary on Cal Ripken's Visit to China which took place just before the 2008 Olympics. The show will air on MASN after the Yankees vs. O's game this weekend about 1030pm. If you miss it you can check out the link that will allow you to order a DVD sometime in the future. 

We were working on the Baseball Fields for the Olympics while he was there.  Photo at left taken during his visit at the Wukesong Olympic Baseball Center with Walter Li our Venue Competition manager providing some details about the stadium.

For more info on the documentary and to see a trailer made from the footage go to http://www.ashortstopinchina.com/

 Photo below is Susan Zhang, Liu Zhong yi ( my OLD brother) Cal and Walter.

Photo below of Walter getting signs from the dugout (or probably  BJ) on how to pitch to Cal. 

Pago Pago - The Island of American Samoa is taking steps towards becoming a better baseball country with help from the International Baseball Association ( IBAF). With a long history of producing NFL and College football athletes, I can assure you that the South Pacific Island will soon have a few more Samoans headed for the big leagues.   A country of only 69,000 people with a handful of baseball fields is the beginning of true grass roots development in our International sport.  It's estimated that about 600 to 800 kids play baseball on the Island and the resources they have to compete are very limited.  One fact that is hard to believe as it relates to the countires potential athletes....there are 28 current NFL players from  Samoa.  ESPN reported that a Samoan is 40 times more likely to play in the NFL than a kid from mainland USA.  There is only 1 football stadium on the entire island.  It can use some TLC as well.

The main ( and only) baseball stadium on the Island will require some Major improvements to bring it up to international competition standards but having spent a few days with the people here...I'm pretty confident they will get it done with a little help.  Renovated a few years ago everything looks OK except the field.  Again with the right resources and training it can be improved.  

Tony Solaita Stadium was named after the first  MLB player  out of Am. Samoa.  Playing 7  big league seasons with the Royals, Yankees, and Angels. Blue Jays , Expos.   Tony's Brother Ben is the President of the countries Baseball federation and is heading up the troops to upgrade the playing field.  Tony passed away in 1990 and  the country named the only baseball stadium after him in his honor.   There are several other players of Samoan decent that have made it to the Majors in recent years. Benny Agbayani ( Mets, Rockies) Chris Aguila ( Marlins and Mets) Matt Tuilasosopa ( Mariners) Wes Littleton ( Red Sox).   There's another 15 or so guys outside of this group that have played professional ball in the states over the past 20 years.  Again not bad for country of 69000.

Field maintenance equipment is minimal.  Pull behind gang mowers and hand tools.  There is no packing clays for the mounds/bullpens and the Island chiefs will not allow you to move soil from part of the Island to another.  The native language is Samoan but everyone speaks English as it is a US territory and all American Samoans have US citizenship.  The area is also Known  for "Charley the Tuna" and the "Mermaid Tuna"  factories. The highest speed limit on the island is 25mph...and the police do not even have to carry weapons.  It's very common to see Samoan men wearing traditional skirts (known as Lava Lavas) and sandals like you and I wear jeans.  One of the guys told me jokingly that the Irish were descendents of the Samoans as they have the kilt.  i began to chuckle but with 28 players in the NFL... I dont think anyone will ever poke fun at the Samoan men.   Everyone I have met looks like they all play for the NFL right now.  All kidding aside they are a very proud and kind people. Ben Solatia and Ken Tupua have been great to work with and there sincere ability to do whats right for the future generations of Samoan baseball players is really remarkable.   Hopefully soon we will be seeing more baseball players in the Majors and more back on the field here in Pago Pago.

How about this island!

Over the years I have watched numerous international baseball games and have witnessed some unique baseball traditions that countries have developed before and after the game.  USA has a few traditions or superstitions....like not stepping on the foul line as it will bring bad luck, not talking about a no hitter thats in progress,  or it could be jinxed.  I watched the Yankees final home game an noticed many of the past greats (Larsen, Ford) were scooping up mound clay to keep as a momento...soon followed several guys from the media.  It caused such a hoopla I figured the Yankees would sell the remaining clay in those mini ballparks to fans.  You never know these days.  

Asia has some of the most unique traditions. You may have witnssed the "mound flagging" event during the World Baseball Classic by South Korea in LA.  They did the same thing at Petco ballpark.   They even did the same thing in Beijing after they won the Gold Medal...( must have worked for them them). Japan has a history of staking a flag in the mound after a big game as well except they use bigger flags.  Its Probably good to break in other countries not used to this type of winning tradition by using the smaller flags. It could cause quite a hole on the mound.  Some groundskeepers may frown on this type of tradition here in the states.  Japan also has the ritual of placing a small mound of salt at the edge of the dugout before big games.

The other tradition I have seen more often are teams taking clay off the mound after a game. I recall after one game a player had a shovel and bucket and was heading to the mound.  we had to stop him.. he understood once it was explained that there was a game the next day. 

Taiwan has a pregame tradition or ritual where they set up a table of gifts behind homeplate to bring them good luck ( and good weather) to a game.  They also burn a few reams of paper around homeplate in a trash can.  The paper burns and lifts the requests for good luck prior to the game.  During this time of year in the Northeast a burning barrel sounds pretty warm. 

Baseball Season Officially started this weekend and it also signifies the time to Green up your Grass , especially for the folks who live north of the Mason Dixon line. If you enjoy having green grass... you should be heading to Home depot or your local landscape shop this week to pick up your lawn products.  Temperatures are finally going to level out and the ground will begin to thaw.

There are so many choices when you get to the store and the main thing to remember is to keep it simple and go into the store with a plan!  Remember Different grasses + different climates = different turf programs so not all fertilizer programs are alike.

A little work this spring can keep your lawn healthier for the summer.  Here is a list of projects you may consider as you plan for a lush turf lawn.

1.  Get a soil sample and have it tested by your local extension office.  This sounds tough but its as simple as it sounds. Every county has an extension agent that can send you in the right direction.  You will get your turf's PH tested and also see what your lawn is missing as it relates to nutrients.  The sample of soil and root mass goes into a quart sized zip lock bag.  Go to a couple spots in your yard to collect soil. This test takes about 10 days...

2.  The report from the soil test will give you the specifics of materials to purchase and at what rate to apply the materials. Some even give you the exact brands.  Many lawns need Lime and the PH test will help determine the level of acidity in the lawn.  An average is 6.5 to 7.0

3.  De-thatch your lawn. Bluegrass and fescue lawns build thatch. Thatch is the layer of dead grass between the ground and where before the blade turns green. Average thatch is around 1/2 inch thick. If its thicker than 1/2inch rent a de-thatcher and rake up the thatch layer debris. If you didn't dethatch in the fall now would be a pretty good time to thin out the turf... but make sure the last frost has finessed and start the process the day after.  Removing Thatch helps your seed to ground contact and also reduces summer disease problems. 

4.  Lawns need aerification in the spring and fall.  This is a process of plugging holes in your yard with a machine.... (they used to use shoes for plugging lawns years ago... they had long nails on them) The process of renting a machine could get expensive depending on how big your yard is but nevertheless it will improve the root growth and relieve compaction of the soil.

5.  Seed your lawn. Broadcast your seed after the aerfication and de-thatching. Use a seed that is common in your region.  Most ballparks in the north are bluegrass blends.  Most lawns are a fescue/bluegrass blend.  The key is to make sure you get a variety of mixes.  A four way blend of seed is preferred. 

6. Fertilizer. The soil test will give you a some direction of types of fertilizer but more importantly don't apply a pre emergence herbicide to your lawn if you overseeded.  Nothing will pop.  If your lawn is healthy and you are not overseeding.... then put out a granular pre-emergence in the spring with your fertilizer application. This will help control broadleaf and grassy weeds in the spring.  If you didn't obtain a soil test, play it safe and Fertilize with a well rounded N-P-K product with micro nutrients per manufacturers suggested rates. 

7. Irrigate or water your lawn for a couple days after the renovation is completed to wash the seed and fertilize next to the soil for good contact.

8. Patch any areas that require sod or new grass.   This can get expensive but sometimes those wear areas need more than just seed.  You can always rope off the area until the seed pops but sodding gives you instant color and can be used much sooner.

For that quick green look in the spring I like to use Ironite on my home lawn in the spring.  If you can't find Ironite , use a Milorganite.  Both of these products can be applied with your regular fertilization plan.  Get a good cyclone spreader...not a drop spreader and layout a path so you apply it evenly.  where protective clothing when applying any chemicals.  

That should get you started for a healthy turf in 2009!  Good Luck! 

Big Weekend in LA for the finals. VZ takes on Korea tonight and USA Japan tomorrow.  The success of this event has been unbelievable!  Double the amount of sponsors, ratings attendance etc... The game of baseball is truly a world game. With strong showings from the Dutch, Puerto Rico and austrailia the 2013 games will be even bigger and better. Hats off to the turf managers,  venue managers and operators around the world. From Japans Tokyo Staff  to Mexico City Staff, Toronto, San Juan, San Deigo and finally LA. 

Shipping products and equipment to Mexico, San Juan, Japan etc was quite an experience and a challenge but with long time field material partners at Diamond Pro, Stabilizer, Beacon Ballfields and Partac Peat we got it done.  Thanks Guys.  

 The goal of the WBC is to develop the game worldwide and also its helping to build support for baseball to get back into the Olympics for 2016.  You tell me Rugby or golf or baseball.  Its hard to believe it was voted out to begin with.  The big guy Harvey Schiller President of IBAF deserves a ton of credit in the efforts to reinstate the game. 

How about that Petco Ballpark.  Just a great venue for the world games.

Los Angeles---Bring it Home!

In San Juan the World baseball classic stood up to its name. We had some classic games and basically the most exciting 1^st round of all 4 competition sites.... From the Dutch pulling an upset over Dominican twice and moving into the winner bracket to team Puerto Rico setting strike out records and breaking  crowd attendance records.  The field played great and the rains held off for the most part. A few light showers during the early games but no major threat and no tarp work.  It was an  exciting first round to say the least .  Some of my favorite highlights had to be the Glidden Paint sponsorship program where each day they provided the ground crew ( and servers) with different colored bowling shirts.  Yellow one day, then pink, purple, blue and finally red.   The crew did a great job under the watchful eye of Dennis Klien, Brandon Putnam and Scott Strickland. The fun was not limited to San Juan as we had guys in Mexico as well and they truly had a great time with the Cuban and Ausies.  Yes the Netherlands club was probably not the team a few  MLB marketing folks would have liked to have seen move to the next bracket but nevertheless they won and they deserve it.  And I wouldnt put it past them to do a little upseting in Miami.  These guys are for real!    Our operation's team in P.R. included Frank Uddo and Morgan Littlefield as Venue managers. Both had a great  impact on the success of the Venue.