Why is the baseball field dirt wet before a game?

Question

does this only happen in MLB?

Answer 1

It doesn't, my high school wets the dirt when its extremely dry.

It makes the dirt softer. Sliding on hard dirt hurts worse than sliding on concrete. Also the ball doesn't bounce all over the place like you might see in high school.

Answer 2

The ground crew wets down the dirt. I agree with the answer above me. I think it is to prevent the dust flying all over.  

Answer 3

I agreed with the first answer and the second as well.

Answer 4

no all feilds get wet.   they ususally make sure its not too wet for the game so its not mud.

Edit try the link that might explain it i am not sure.

Answer 5

So its easier to slide

Answer 6

this is so the dirt doesn't fly all around the player's eyes.  I imagine it's for safety reasons.  But this is only a guess

Answer 7

To prevent dust from flying around. Minor league teams wet the dirt, too, as do major college teams. We also do it at the Senior League Baseball World Series.

Answer 8

It's wet cause they water it.  

Answer 9

The field is wet to lessen the amount of dust that flies around and to create a more smooth and firm surface for fielding and running. All ball fields SHOULD be wet and dragged before every game.