Baseball Field Equipment

Baseball field equipment is an important part of America's favorite pastime. It is used to protect players, crowds and umpires; and it enhances the game. All of the following equipment pieces are vital in baseball and help keep the game safe and fun for all.

Bases come in a variety of styles depending on the type of field on which they are used. They can have flat bottoms (otherwise known as thrown down bases), they can have a number of small spikes to dig into the dirt, or they can have one large pole protruding from the bottom that fits into a hole in the ground where the base is desired. They are usually made of rubber or foam with a nylon-quilted cover.

Used to protect the grass and dirt when a field is not being used, these covers are usually made of woven polyethylene or cord mesh material. They are usually kept on a core. When they are put to use, it is recommended that the tarp off the core be deployed and then they be positioned on the field. A good field cover should offer UV protection and be waterproof.

Backstops sit behind home plate and keep the balls from flying into the crowd and protect bystanders. They usually have three panels, are completely made of chain line, and have a slight overhanging to stop fly balls that are hit in a more upward motion. They can be permanently or temporarily installed. Temporary backstops can be easily collapsed for travel.

This piece of equipment is a two- to four-wheeled steel container with a long handle. A paint can or pail sits in the steel container and paints a straight line, controlled by an on/off switch on the handle. A good field line marker will give the controller the option of a 2-inch or 4-inch line.

These tall poles are vertical extensions of the foul line and mark the point at which a fly ball becomes a foul ball as opposed to a fair ball. They are usually painted in bright colors to make them easy to see and have a screen on one side to help the umpire judge the foul. Both permanent and temporary foul ball poles can be installed by a professional.

This padding lines the outfield wall and protect balls from erratic bounces and players from catastrophic injury. It is usually a few inches thick, made of vinyl and foam, and can attach to a chain-link fence. The standard width of one pad is 4 feet, so multiple pads are needed to surround the entire outfield.

Between innings, these dirt groomers are great for tiding up any loose gravel that may have occurred during the game. Drag mats are usually 2 feet long and are equipped with a rope handle for easy pulling.