Infield Maintenance: Dragging Infield Skin

By Matt Freeman·July 25, 2017

Field Maintenance

More than two-thirds of a ball game is played in the infield, and therefore proper infield skin care is one of the most important parts of baseball field maintenance. You can reduce compaction, keep dust down, and level the playing surface by following a regular maintenance routine. Choosing the right equipment for the job at hand and maintaining the proper moisture level will help you achieve a sharp looking, safe playing surface.

Follow these steps for proper infield care:

1. Prior to dragging the skin, remove Bases and insert Base Plugs. Inspect the surface, removing any debris such as rocks, grass clippings, sticks and other unwanted objects.

2. Remove small debris such as sunflower seeds by using a Rake and a Scoop or Sift Shovel.

3. Lightly water the dirt to keep dust down. Be careful not to over water the dirt.

4. Use a Nail Drag to alleviate compaction, going slowly so the drag doesn’t jump.

5. Next drag the skin slowly with an Eraser Drag, Rigid Drag Mat, or Cocoa Drag Mat to give the field a clean, finished look.

6. Hand groom the 12” border with a Landscape Rake.

7. If you have build-up on the edges, use an Infield Lip Broom to direct infield dirt and conditioner back into the skinned areas.

Helpful tips:

Remember to keep a slow pace when dragging the field. Going too fast will displace too much dirt and can throw dirt into the grass edges.

Keep drags at least 12" from the infield grass edge to avoid buildup.

Change your drag pattern frequently to avoid the development of high and low spots. Patterns include circle, figure eight, and straight line.

Compact your infield dirt using a heavy roller once per month, preferably using a one or two ton asphalt roller. If access to this kind of roller is unavailable, then use a pull-behind Turf Roller.

Water the skin before and after games. In hot weather, it is best to water your dirt the night before the game.

Drag the skin after each game. Smoothing the surface and redistributing conditions is critical to having an even moisture barrier.

Enter and exit the infield skin at different points to avoid build up.

Infield skin care has many benefits. Follow the above steps and helpful tips, and you’ll not only have a presentable field, you’ll also reduce safety risks and long term repair costs. MASA has the products you need for all your infield care. View all baseball field maintenance products by clicking HERE or call 1.800.264.2419.

Get to Know Your Game Ref

Matt Freeman, a MASA Outside Sales Rep, is one of our baseball gurus - from player equipment to field needs. He has over two decades of collegiate and high school coaching under his belt as well as extensive knowledge in constructing and renovating sports fields. He is an infield specialist and can give you the dirt on dirt. And the outfield? Sodding, seeding, fertilizing, tiling, irrigation installation...you name it, he knows it.

Give Matt a call or shoot him an email for consultation on your next field project.