Why is my Universities Baseball field like this?

Question

It sure looks permanent to me though, but perhaps its not.

Answer 1

Who can tell? Life is packed full of wonderful mysteries.

Answer 2

It's new (as of 2008 season) and it's permanent.  It's supposed to be an enhancement.  As far as the outfield goes, I'm not sure what the reasoning was for keeping it grass.  Maybe it will be converted eventually, or maybe not.

The base paths, the natural grass infield and adjacent areas in foul territory have been replaced by a synthetic artificial turf that will require less maintenance and play at the same speed as the previous surface.

Jim Gilligan, Lamar Baseball coach, says,  "We've seen this type of playing surface first hand. It looks great and is easy to play on. It will give us more true hops on the infield, which should improve our fielding.

"This looks like grass and plays like grass. This surface is actually very cost-effective and will pay for itself over a 10-year period with the reduced maintenance."

"This will also give us a recruiting advantage. As other schools in the area continue to improve their facilities, it was important for us to keep up. No other college in the region has the type a playing surface of this kind, so it gives us a unique advantage."

I actually attended Lamar one year many years ago and lived in the dorm across the street from the stadium.  They renovated and expanded the stadium while I was there in preparation for a AA team (Beaumont Golden Gators) to play that spring.  It was all grass then, and not the greatest park to watch a game.  I do remember watching Ozzie Guillen play there, though.

Answer 3

I don't see anything wrong with it myself?? Maybe they didn't have enough money to make the entire surface artificial.