On the Job: Delmarva Shorebirds
From the crack of the bat to the aroma of hotdogs, there’s nothing quite like taking in a baseball game in person. One of the many things making the sport unique, is the field itself, no other sport compares. But before the players take the field, there is a lot of work that needs to be done. Work that the Delmarva Shorebirds had 47 ABC’s Michelle Mackonochie do this week at Perdue Stadium.
Green grass, sunny skies, and nice dirt makes for the perfect day. For a baseball player. But in order for the grass to stay green and the dirt to stay pretty, you must take care of the field every day. And that’s where Tim Young comes in. Young is the head groundskeeper at Arthur Perdue stadium and has been with the Delmarva Shorebirds for 4 seasons.
First up, we had to water the dirt. This process helps soften it, makes it less dusty to play in, and also keeps any bouncing balls down low. Young says he waters the dirt multiple times a day, especially during the summer, and it usually takes him about 15 to 20 minutes each time.
Finally after the watering was all done, it was time to remove all the orange pins that hold down the tarps that are set out on the field. After all the pins were out, we folded up the very heavy tarps and had to store them away. After a lot of help, it was time to get out these large screens. These are put up to ensure no baseballs get past them during practice.
Next, it was time to put out a protective netting on the field to ensure no ground balls damage it before a game. Young says the players hit about 200 baseballs during practice! After the netting is laid out, you must nail it down in the dirt. This is exhausting.
Next it was time to put the bases out. But before they go in the ground, you must scoop out excess dirt, and sometimes water, with a small shovel. After that it was time to bring out the very large, heavy batting cage. And the last step, closing the field wall doors, and relaxing until about 6 P.M. right before the game starts. Next week 47 ABC visits Delaware Tire to experience a day in the life of a mechanic.
