ASTM F2107-08(2020)

Standard Guide for Construction and Maintenance of Skinned Areas on Baseball and Softball Fields

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The skinned areas of baseball and softball fields should provide a uniform playing surface of high quality. Ball bounce should be true and predictable. Footing and sliding properties should favor optimum performance of players. Undulations, rough surface, hard or soft surfaces, weeds, stones, and wet spots detract from good play. Playing surface quality is largely affected by construction and maintenance procedures, and this standard guide addresses those procedures. While warning tracks are a type of skinned area found on baseball and softball fields, this standard does not apply to warning tracks. A separate standard, Guide F2270, presents information pertaining to warning tracks.  
4.1.1 During construction, consideration should be given to factors such as the physical and chemical properties of materials used in the area, freedom from stones and other debris, and surface and internal drainage.  
4.1.2 Maintenance practices that influence the playability of the surface include edging, dragging, rolling, watering, vegetation control, brushing or hosing to prevent buildup of a lip of mineral matter in turfgrass at the skinned/turfed edges, and removal of stones and debris that may adversely affect play and safety.  
4.2 Those responsible for the design, construction, or maintenance, or a combination thereof, of skinned areas on baseball and softball fields will benefit from this guide.  
4.3 This guide provides flexibility in choices of procedures and can be used to cover a variety of use and budget levels.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers techniques that are appropriate for the construction and maintenance of skinned areas on baseball and softball fields. This guide provides guidance for the selection of materials, such as soil, sand, gravel, crushed stone, crushed brick, calcined clay, calcined diatomaceous earth, vitrified clay, etc., for use in constructing or reconditioning skinned areas and for the selection of management practices that will maintain a safe and playable skinned surface. Although this guide is specific to baseball/softball, it has application to other sports where ball bounce, ball roll, or player footing, or a combination thereof, are of importance.  
1.2 Decisions in selecting construction and maintenance techniques are influenced by existing soil types, climatic factors, level of play, intensity of use, equipment available, budget, and training and ability of management personnel.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. The ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project’s many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Tra...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2020
• ICS: 97.220.10 - Sports facilities
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.64 - Natural Playing Surfaces

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2107-08(2015) - Standard Guide for Construction and Maintenance of Skinned Areas on Baseball and Softball Fields
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM C242-20 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2020
• Refers: ASTM C242-19a - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM C242-19 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM F1632-03(2018) - Standard Test Method for Particle Size Analysis and Sand Shape Grading of Golf Course Putting Green and Sports Field Rootzone Mixes
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM D5883-18 - Standard Guide for Use of Rotary Kiln Produced Expanded Shale, Clay or Slate (ESCS) as a Mineral Amendment in Topsoil Used for Landscaping and Related Purposes
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM F2270-12(2018) - Standard Guide for Construction and Maintenance of Warning Track Areas on Athletic Fields
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM C242-18 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2018
• Refers: ASTM C242-15 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2015
• Refers: ASTM D653-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2014
• Refers: ASTM C242-14 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM E11-13 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM F405-13 - Standard Specification for Corrugated Polyethylene (PE) Pipe and Fittings (Withdrawn 2015)
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2013
• Refers: ASTM D5883-12 - Standard Guide for Use of Rotary Kiln Produced Expanded Shale, Clay or Slate (ESCS) as a Mineral Amendment in Topsoil Used for Landscaping and Related Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D5883-12e1 - Standard Guide for Use of Rotary Kiln Produced Expanded Shale, Clay or Slate (ESCS) as a Mineral Amendment in Topsoil Used for Landscaping and Related Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012

Overview

ASTM F2107-08(2020): Standard Guide for Construction and Maintenance of Skinned Areas on Baseball and Softball Fields is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. The guide provides comprehensive procedures for constructing and maintaining skinned areas-non-turf surfaces such as infields, basepaths, pitching mounds, and batter/catcher’s boxes-on baseball and softball fields. The objective is to ensure these surfaces deliver a uniform, predictable, and safe playing environment for athletes by addressing factors such as material selection, drainage, grading, and ongoing field management. The guide is valuable for field designers, construction professionals, managers, and groundskeepers working at any play or budget level.

Key Topics

• Material Selection: Recommendations for using soil, sand, gravel, crushed stone, calcined clay, diatomaceous earth, and other materials in skinned area construction.
• Surface Quality: Emphasis on creating true and predictable ball bounce, optimal player footing, and safe sliding properties.
• Drainage Considerations: Guidelines for ensuring adequate surface and internal drainage to prevent wet spots and maintain field playability.
• Construction Techniques: Methods for preparing infields, basepaths, mounds, and batter’s/catcher’s boxes, including grading, layering, and compaction techniques.
• Maintenance Practices: Includes edging, dragging, rolling, watering, weed control, and repair to maintain a level, playable, and safe surface.
• Management Flexibility: Adaptable approaches suited to various soil types, climates, levels of use, available equipment, and maintenance capabilities.
• Safety and Compliance: Attention to identifying and mitigating hazards and aligning with health, safety, and environmental regulations associated with field construction and maintenance.

Applications

• Baseball and Softball Field Management: Used by sports field managers, groundskeepers, and maintenance staff to ensure high-quality, safe surfaces for players, covering everything from professional stadiums to recreational leagues.
• Field Design and Construction: Used by architects, engineers, and contractors to guide the selection of skinned area construction materials and methods during new builds or field renovations.
• Education and Training: Acts as an essential training resource for personnel new to the maintenance and upkeep of skinned athletic surfaces.
• Facility Upgrades: Provides criteria to evaluate existing skinned areas and plan improvements, even where budget or site conditions place constraints.
• Other Sports: While specific to baseball and softball, the guidance is applicable to any sports surface where consistent ball behavior and player footing are critical, such as cricket or other field games.

Related Standards

Organizations responsible for construction and maintenance of athletic fields may also find value in these associated standards:

• ASTM F2270: Standard Guide for Construction and Maintenance of Warning Track Areas on Athletic Fields.
• ASTM C33: Specification for Concrete Aggregates (for gravel and sand quality).
• ASTM D653: Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids.
• ASTM F1632: Test Method for Particle Size Analysis and Sand Shape Grading of Sports Field Mixes.
• ASTM D5883: Guide for Use of Rotary Kiln Produced Expanded Shale, Clay or Slate as Mineral Amendment in Topsoil.
• Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA): Offers practical resources, education, and networking focused on natural grass and skinned athletic surfaces.

Each of these standards and resources complements the guidance found in ASTM F2107-08(2020), ensuring a holistic approach to the construction and maintenance of sports fields with skinned areas.

Keywords: baseball field construction, softball field maintenance, skinned infield, ASTM F2107, athletic surfaces, sports field safety, material selection, field drainage, groundskeeping best practices.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2107 − 08 (Reapproved 2020) An American National Standard
Standard Guide for
Construction and Maintenance of Skinned Areas on
Baseball and Softball Fields
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2107; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope document means only that the document has been approved
through the ASTM consensus process.
1.1 This guide covers techniques that are appropriate for the
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
construction and maintenance of skinned areas on baseball and
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
softball fields. This guide provides guidance for the selection
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
of materials, such as soil, sand, gravel, crushed stone, crushed
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
brick,calcinedclay,calcineddiatomaceousearth,vitrifiedclay,
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
etc.,foruseinconstructingorreconditioningskinnedareasand
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
for the selection of management practices that will maintain a
safe and playable skinned surface. Although this guide is
2. Referenced Documents
specific to baseball/softball, it has application to other sports
2.1 ASTM Standards:
whereballbounce,ballroll,orplayerfooting,oracombination
C33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates
thereof, are of importance.
C242 Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related
1.2 Decisions in selecting construction and maintenance
Products
techniques are influenced by existing soil types, climatic
D422 Test Method for Particle-SizeAnalysis of Soils (With-
factors, level of play, intensity of use, equipment available,
drawn 2016)
budget, and training and ability of management personnel.
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
Fluids
standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
D5883 Guide for Use of Rotary Kiln Produced Expanded
Shale, Clay or Slate (ESCS) as a Mineral Amendment in
1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials,
Topsoil Used for Landscaping and Related Purposes
operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its
Sieves
use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
F405 Specification for Corrugated Polyethylene (PE) Pipe
establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental prac-
and Fittings (Withdrawn 2015)
tices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations
F1632 Test Method for Particle Size Analysis and Sand
prior to use.
Shape Grading of Golf Course Putting Green and Sports
1.5 This guide offers an organized collection of information
Field Rootzone Mixes
or a series of options and does not recommend a specific
F2270 Guide for Construction and Maintenance of Warning
course of action. This document cannot replace education or
Track Areas on Athletic Fields
experience and should be used in conjunction with professional
judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all
3. Terminology
circumstances. TheASTM standard is not intended to represent
or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a 3.1 Definitions—Except as noted, soil related definitions are
given professional service must be judged, nor should this
in accordance with Terminology D653.
document be applied without consideration of a project’s many 3.1.1 calcined clay—granular, lightweight material pro-
unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this
duced by calcining clay minerals, such as montmorillonite and
1 2
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Subcommittee F08.64 on Natural Playing Surfaces. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved April 1, 2020. Published April 2020. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as F2107 – 08 (2015). The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
DOI: 10.1520/F2107-08R20. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2107 − 08 (2020)
attapulgite, at temperatures of about 700°C or higher. Those equivalent diameter. (2) as a textural class, soil material that
used as soil amendments should be hard, resistant to physical contains 85 % or more sand, and not more than 10 % clay. (3)
breakdown, and screened to appropriate sizes. Calcined clay is as a soil particle size class, soil material that contains 70 % or
a manufactured product that lacks the particle size and plas- more sand, and not more than 15 % clay (sandy soils). (4)asa
ticity properties that would allow it to be included in the soil textural group, soil material that falls within the textural
definition of clay. (1) classes of “sand” and “loamy sand” (sandy soils). (3,4)
3.1.6.1 Discussion—Although no mineralogy term is asso-
3.1.2 calcined diatomite—stable, lightweight granules pro-
ciated with the definition of sand, common usage often utilizes
duced by calcining diatomite (diatomaceous earth), a hydrated
the terms “quartz” or “silica” as synonyms for sand. While
silica mineral derived from the remains of diatoms. (1)
quartz is the most common silicate mineral in soils and in the
3.1.3 clay—clay can be defined in terms of a particular size
sand fractions in particular, quartz being a mineral highly
fraction of a soil, a soil textural class, a soil particle size class,
resistant to weathering, the synonymy with the term sand is
a soil textural group, soil mineralogy, or, in engineering terms,
incorrect. A proper mineralogy class for quartz is “siliceous,”
as materials that exhibit plastic soil properties when at appro-
defined as 90 % or more of the 0.2 to 2.0 mm fraction
priate water contents.
composed of silica minerals (quartz, chalcedony, or opal) and
3.1.3.1 Discussion—Ideally, the term “clay” should be ap-
other extremely durable minerals that are resistant to weather-
propriately defined when used to describe soils for skinned
ing. (4)
infield mixes. For example, a 60 % sand/40 % clay mixture
3.1.7 gravel—commonly used to denote spherical, cube-
could imply either 60 % sand/40 % clayey soil (or other soils
like, or equiaxial aggregate materials with an equivalent
with textures containing enough clay (<0.002 mm) to exhibit
diameter >2.0 mm and <7.6 mm. More correctly used, this
plasticity) or 60 % sand (2 to 0.05 mm)/40 % clay (<0.002
classificationrefersto“rockfragments”classifiedaspebblesin
mm).
the Glossary of Soil Science Terms (1997). (3,6)
3.1.3.1 clay—(1) as a particular size fraction of a soil, a soil
3.1.8 skinned area—area on sports fields that, by design, is
separate consisting of particles <0.002 mm (fine earth fraction)
devoid of turfgrasses or other vegetation; may be entire field or
in equivalent diameter. (2) as a textural class, soil material that
a portion of the field (for example, skinned infield in baseball
contains 40 % or more clay, <45 % sand and <40 % silt. (3)as
or softball; skinned base paths in otherwise turfed infield).
a soil particle size class, soil material that contains 35 % or
Pitching mounds and catcher’s and batter’s boxes are also
more clay, (clayey soils). (4) as a soil textural group, soil
considered skinned areas. Warning tracks (Guide F2270) can
material that falls within the textural classes of “sandy clay,”
be considered skinned areas as well.
“silty clay” and “clay” (clayey soils). (5) in terms of
mineralogy, soil particulates that are commonly occurring but 3.1.9 soil—sediments or other unconsolidated accumula-
not restricted to the <0.002 mm fraction (clay minerals). tions of solid particles produced by the physical and chemical
Commonly occurring in soil mineralogy classes as smectitic, disintegration of rocks, and which may or may not contain
kaolinitic, illitic (micaceous), gibbsitic, ferritic, or mixed. Soil organic matter.
mineralogy classes are defined predominantly by the type of
3.1.10 soil profile—vertical section of a soil, showing the
soil mineral dominating (40 % or more) the fine earth fraction.
nature and sequence of the various layers, as developed by
(6) in engineering terms, soils containing enough soil material
deposition or weathering or both or as developed by construc-
in the less than 0.4 mm fractions such that when moist they
tion procedures.
exhibit consistence characteristics of “moderately plastic” or
3.1.11 soil texture (gradation) (grain-size distribution) —the
“very plastic” forming a roll 4 cm or longer and 4 mm or
proportions by mass of a soil or fragmented rock distributed in
thinner that supports its own weight. (2-7)
specified particle size ranges.
3.1.4 vitrified clay—clay that has been manufactured
3.1.11.1 soil textural class—texture designation based on
through vitrification, which is the progressive reduction and
relative proportions of the various soil separates: sand (2.0 to
elimination of porosity of a ceramic composition, with the
0.05 mm in diameter), silt (0.05 to 0.002 mm), and clay
formationofaglassphase,asaresultofaheattreatment. C242
(<0.002 mm). (2-7)
3.1.5 expanded shale, clay, or slate (ESCS)—a rotary kiln
NOTE1—Particlesizerangesforsand,silt,andclayaslistedabovevary
producedvesicularamorphoussilicateparticulatematerial.Itis
somewhat from ranges given in Test Method D422 and Terminology
a highly porous, low density material with an apparent specific
D653.
gravityofapproximately0.8to2.4,andadry/looseunitweight
3 3
of approximately 35 to 70 lb/ft (561 to 1121 kg/m ). D5883
4. Significance and Use
3.1.6 sand—sand can be defined in terms of a particular size
4.1 The skinned areas of baseball and softball fields should
fraction of soil, a soil textural class, a soil particle size class,
provide a uniform playing surface of high quality. Ball bounce
and a soil textural group.
should be true and predictable. Footing and sliding properties
3.1.6.1 sand—(1) as a particular size fraction of soil, a soil should favor optimum performance of players. Undulations,
separate consisting of particles >0.05 mm and <2.0 mm in
rough surface, hard or soft surfaces, weeds, stones, and wet
spots detract from good play. Playing surface quality is largely
affected by construction and maintenance procedures, and this
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
this standard. standard guide addresses those procedures. While warning
F2107 − 08 (2020)
tracks are a type of skinned area found on baseball and softball diameter from the surface 1.5 cm. The settled depth of the
fields, this standard does not apply to warning tracks. A modified soil should be about 10 cm.
separate standard, Guide F2270, presents information pertain-
(2) Modification of an existing soil should be done during
ing to warning tracks.
construction of the facility. In some recreational baseball/
4.1.1 During construction, consideration should be given to
softball situations, consideration of skinned areas occurs only
factors such as the physical and chemical properties of mate-
after a turfgrass stand is worn down to the soil surface. Layout
rials used in the area, freedom from stones and other debris,
and modification of skinned areas can take place at that time
and surface and internal drainage.
and will require taking the field out of play unless the work is
4.1.2 Maintenance practices that influence the playability of
done after the playing season.
the surface include edging, dragging, rolling, watering, vegeta-
5.1.2.2 Artificial (Man-made) Skinned Areas:
tion control, brushing or hosing to prevent buildup of a lip of
(1) Artificial (man-made) profiles are sometimes con-
mineral matter in turfgrass at the skinned/turfed edges, and
structed to create the skinned area. In situations where profiles
removalofstonesanddebristhatmayadverselyaffectplayand
contain more than 85 % sand and exhibit high internal perme-
safety.
ability under heavy compaction, the skinned infield mix can be
4.2 Those responsible for the design, construction, or
placed on a drainage blanket of gravel, which provides
maintenance, or a combination thereof, of skinned areas on
subsurface drainage. In situations where profiles contain less
baseball and softball fields will benefit from this guide.
than 85 % sand and exhibit limited internal permeability under
4.3 This guide provides flexibility in choices of procedures
heavy compaction, a drainage blanket of gravel is not required,
and can be used to cover a variety of use and budget levels.
as subsurface drainage will be minimal. Skinned infield mixes
of this nature may be placed directly on top of the subsoil.
5. Construction
Additional information regarding the construction of skinned
5.1 Skinned Infield and Basepath Areas:
infield areas with subsurface drainage systems is found in the
5.1.1 Skinned Infield Mix—Materials used to provide the
appendix.
skinned surface should be relatively inert mineral matter,
(2) Skinned Infield Mix—Askinned infield mix can be used
which will resist chemical and physical degradation. This soil
to bring the surface to final grade.Add approximately 10 to 15
or mixture is sometimes referred to as “dirt,” for example,
cm (4 to 6 in.) of skinned infield mix and finish to final grade.
infield dirt. It is used in constructing skinned infields and
Skinned infield mix materials should meet the following
basepath areas.
particle size specifications. Quartz sands are recommended; if
5.1.2 Particle Size Distribution—Particlesizeanalyses(Test
sand contains more than 5 % calcium carbonate equivalent, the
Method D422 or F1632) are based on oven-dried mass of a
sand has the potential for particle cementation due to dissolu-
weighed sample; shaker is the preferred method of dispersion
tion and precipitation.
if the skinned infield mix contains internally porous amend-
Sieve Designation (E-11) Skinned Infield Mix
ments. Such analyses are satisfactory when the skinned infield
Standard Alternate % passing
mix consists of sand and soil materials; however, analysis
2.00 mm No. 10 85-100
basedonmasscangivemisleadingresultsiftheskinnedinfield 1.00 mm No. 18 62-90
500 µm No. 35 48-84
mix contains internally porous amendments.
250 µm No. 60 38-71
5.1.2.1 Native Soil Skinned Areas:
150 µm No. 100 27-60
53 µm No. 270 19-40
(1) Depending on the soil texture, some existing or native
soils containing greater than 70 % sand (2.0 to 0.05 mm) may
(a) Management of the surface will be affected by the
be satisfactory in skinned areas; however, some soils will need
amount of material <53 µm (<0.05 mm, silt and clay). As this
to be modified to improve drainage and ease of soil grooming.
fraction decreases, the area will be more permeable but will
Additions of coarse amendments (sand, calcined mineral (clay
retain less water. Management requirements based on this
or diatomite), expanded shale, clay or slate, vitrified clay or
fractionwillbeaffectedbytherelativeproportionofsilttoclay
combinations in appropriate amounts (dependent on textural
and the type of clay. The presence of clay is desirable from the
classofsoilbeingmodified))shouldincreasepermeability,and
standpoint of providing both a firm and stable surface for good
improve the overall aesthetics of the surface after grooming.
footing. Clays that are oxides and hydroxides of iron and
Added sand or calcined materials should have a minimum of
aluminum are less cohesive, sticky, and plastic than silicate
85 % of the particles passing a 4.0 mm (No. 5) sieve and
(layer silicate) clays. Smectitic clays (for example, montmoril-
retained on a 106 µm (No. 140) sieve. Quartz sands are
lonite) are silicate clays that have the highest cohesive, plastic,
recommended; if sand contains more than 5 % calcium car-
and shrink/swell properties. Illitic clays (fine-grained mica
bonate equivalent, the sand has the potential for particle
clay) are characterized by a much lower expression of these
cementation due to dissolution and precipitation. If additions
properties than found in smectites. Cohesion, swelling,
will increase the grade to an unacceptable elevation, remove
shrinkage, plasticity, and stickiness properties of kaolinitic
appropriate amounts of soil prior to the addition of coarse
clays are lower than smectitic and illitic clays. The order of
amendments. The final mixture should have approximately 90
decreasing cohesiveness and plasticity are as follows:
to100 %oftheparticlespassinga4.0mm(No.5)sieveand15
Smectitic, Illitic, Kaolinitic, Quartz. Because of differences in
to 30 % passing a 106 µm (No. 140) sieve. In final raking and
grading, remove all debris and stone greater than 1 cm in the physical properties of different clay types and variations in
F2107 − 08 (2020)
total clay that can occur in the suggested particle size specifi- materialsusedonsomeareastocreateaskinnedsurface.When
cation for a skinned infield mix, adjustments to these specifi- suchmaterialsareused,particlesizesshouldbeappropriatefor
providing a firm, stable playing surface. Because sharpness of
cations may be appropriate in some cases.
(b) In general, skinned infield mixes with less than 19 % particle edges may occur as a result of the manufacturing
process, limit the inclusion of particles greater than 2 mm to
in the <53 µm (<0.05 mm) fraction are better suited in rainy
minimize abrasions.
climates due to greater internal drainage. In dry periods, they
may require additional irrigation to minimize dust and to
5.2 Pitcher’s Mound, Batter’s Box, and Catcher’s Box:
provide a firm surface. Skinned infield mixes with greater than
5.2.1 Particle Size Distribution—A fine-textured soil, con-
19 % in the <53 µm (<0.05 mm), will drain more slowly but
taining more than 35 % clay (<0.002 mm), is used to establish
will retain more water. Frequency of irrigation will be less.
a stable, wear-resistant surface that will be exposed to the foot
These mixes will be more cohesive and will be more difficult
traffic of pitchers, catchers, and batters. Such materials are
to loosen when they compact.
sometimes mixed with an infield mix to provide firmer base
(c) If the performance of a skinned infield mix is not
paths.
totally satisfactory after installation, its physical composition
5.2.2 Pitcher’s Mound—Excavate to 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12
can be altered by incorporating sand or amendments to loosen
in.). Construct mound by alternately adding 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to
it or by adding clayey soil to create a firmer mix. Such
3 in.) of mound mix (“mound clay”) and tamping. Moisten
alterations may be related to player preference or to ease of
“clay” as required to allow ease of compaction. Continue
maintenance.
additions and tamping until required dimensions of mound are
(d) For baseball/softball areas, it is desirable to have a
obtained. Materials used for mound construction include clay
firm,moistmixwithaloose6to7mmcapovertheentirearea.
productsintheformsofmoist,loosepackingclay,moistbricks
This cap, comprised of loosened skinned infield mix or a
of clay, and dry, granular material that must be moistened prior
mixture of sand or amendment and the skinned infield mix,
to packing (tamping). A very firm footing area is essential for
should allow for uniform ball bounce and roll to occur, as well
thefronthalf(landingarea)ofapitchingmound.Lessfirm,but
as provide a good surface for sliding. It also gives players stable, materials may be used on the sides and back of the
material to repair divots or other imperfections that may occur
mound. When construction is completed, lightly topdress the
during the game. An advantage to using stable, lightweight mound with skinned infield mix, sand, calcined amendments,
amendments in this surface layer is their relatively high water or a combination of these materials.
5.2.3 Batter’s Boxes and Catcher’s Box—Excavate to 20 to
retention properties. Their inte
...