How to Drag a Baseball Field

Keep your diamonds shining with our step-by-step guide on dragging a baseball field. Cleaning and maintaining your baseball diamond is one of the most important things you can do to ensure the safety and playability of your fields at all times. Learn how to drag a baseball field and find out what baseball field maintenance equipment you need to accomplish your goals.

The Benefits of Dragging a Baseball Field

There are several benefits of dragging your baseball field. Everyone from professional sports teams to groundskeepers at your local parks and recreation department should invest in high-quality field drags to maintain their baseball diamonds. Let's go over the benefits of dragging a baseball field.

1. Level the Playing Surface

Over time, the dirt on the infield can become hard-packed or uneven, which can create hazards for players. Dragging the field with a steel drag mat can help to level out the dirt and create a smooth playing surface.

Additionally, a level playing surface reduces the risk of injury for athletes. Uneven ground can cause players to trip, stumble, or twist their ankles, leading to injuries that could have been prevented with proper leveling.

2. Maintain Moisture Levels

Dragging a baseball field with a cocoa drag mat can help to maintain moisture levels in the infield. When the infield becomes dry, it can be hazardous for athletes and also affect the quality of play. A dry infield can cause the ball to bounce unpredictably, which can make it harder for players to anticipate and make plays.

By dragging the field with a cocoa drag mat, moisture is redistributed throughout the infield, creating a more consistent and safe playing surface. The cocoa fibers in the mat help to hold moisture close to the surface, making it more accessible to the grass and dirt.

3. Remove Debris

Removing debris by dragging a baseball field improves the safety and playability of your baseball diamond. Debris on the playing surface can affect the quality of play by causing balls to bounce unpredictably, resulting in concerns regarding player safety and field consistency.

Rocks, twigs, and other objects on the field can pose a safety hazard for players. Removing debris through dragging the field can help to prevent players from tripping, slipping, or injuring themselves while playing.

4. Improve Player Safety

In addition to consistency from the baseball bouncing off of the infield, sure footing is a primary concern for infielders and outfielders during a game. An uneven playing surface presents hazards and potential injury risks from divots, holes, inconsistencies, and debris on the baseball diamond. Leveling the playing surface removes several potential dangers and provides a safe environment for both teams.

5. Increase Field Attractiveness

In addition to all of the practical benefits that dragging your baseball field provides, a clean playing surface looks more professional and can improve the overall aesthetic of the field. Baseball fields and athletic complexes are hubs where the community comes together to compete against one another in the spirit of sportsmanship and good competition. Keeping your fields in pristine condition makes them an attractive feature and gives a boost to the community overall.

The Different Varieties of Baseball Field Drags

There are several types of baseball field drag mats available for you to use. Each one performs a slightly different function and most are used to complement each other. For instance, you may drag your baseball field with a rigid steel drag mat to initially break up the soil before smoothing it out with a finisher mat. Most programs will utilize some combination of field drags to complete their baseball field preparation.

Steel Drag Mat

This drag mat is made of heavy-duty steel mesh, and is used to help level the playing surface. It is designed to be dragged across the infield and can be used to remove debris and fill in low spots. The steel mesh design allows for the aeration of soil while leveling the surface.

Cocoa Drag Mat

The cocoa drag mat is made of natural cocoa fibers that help to retain moisture in the soil. This type of drag mat is typically used to redistribute the moisture in the infield and can help to create a more consistent playing surface. It is also effective at removing debris and leveling the surface.

Finisher Drag Mat

Designed to create a smooth and finished surface on the infield. A finisher drag mat is typically used after other types of drags to add a final touch to the playing surface. Finisher drag mats are made from materials such as foam or rubber and can be pulled by a tractor.

Wide Bolt Drag (Nail Drag)

A wide bolt drag, or nail drag, consists of a large frame with a series of metal spikes, nails, or bolts sticking out from it. It is used to help loosen the soil and create better drainage. A bolt drag is typically used in the spring after the snow has melted to help prepare the field for the upcoming season.

Recommended Equipment When Dragging a Baseball Field

While the following baseball field maintenance equipment isn't 100% necessary, it certainly makes the prospect of maintaining your field(s) much less daunting. Using a small tractor or ATV to pull your drag mats allows you to cover your entire baseball diamond in a fraction of the time it would take to do so by hand — not to mention how much easier it is on your back and knees. Some of the baseball infield maintenance equipment you should have:

Step-By-Step Baseball Field Preparation Instructions

Preparing a baseball field for play requires careful attention to detail and a solid understanding of the steps involved. Here is a step-by-step guide to help turf managers, groundskeepers, and field maintenance personnel properly prepare their baseball fields.

Step 1: Inspect the Field

Before beginning to drag the infield, inspect the entire field for any debris, holes, or other hazards that could affect play or pose a risk of injury. Remove any debris, fill in any holes, and address any other issues before proceeding.

Step 2: Choose the Right Drag Mat

Select the appropriate drag mat based on the current condition of the infield. If the infield is wet or soft, use a cocoa drag mat to help maintain moisture levels. If the infield is hard-packed or uneven, use a steel drag mat to level it out. Finally, use a finisher drag mat to smooth out any bumps or inconsistencies left behind by other drag mats.

Step 3: Attach the Drag Mat to Your Tractor or ATV

Attach the drag mat to the tractor or ATV using a tow hitch. Ensure that the drag mat is securely attached and that the tow vehicle is in good working condition.

Step 4: Drag the Infield

Begin dragging the infield by selecting a starting point. Most infield drag patterns work in either a clockwise or counterclockwise fashion. If you have an all-dirt infield, you can drag in straight lines or follow the contours of the edge of the outfield grass. Regardless of what infield drag pattern you use, you should always work in a circular or back-and-forth pattern until the entire field has been completed.

Step 5: Use a Groomer or Drag Mat Holder for Corners and Edges

Use a field groomer or drag mat holder to drag the corners and edges of the infield that cannot be reached with the tractor or ATV. Most youth and adult baseball fields do not need to be dragged from edge to edge — the playing surface between the bases is the most important. However, your fields will look nicer if you cover all the dirt areas that are present.

Step 6: Water the Infield

If the infield is dry or hard, water it lightly after dragging to help maintain moisture levels. Watering your infield also reduces the amount of dust that will kick up during use. It is important not to oversaturate the dirt, but a light, even coat of water can give your fields a professional look and help you maintain them.

Step 7: Inspect the Infield

After dragging the infield, inspect it again for any hazards or issues that may have arisen during the process. Notable things to look for include unexpected contours, divots, and debris such as rocks and twigs that can have a negative impact on playability and safety.