Natural Grass Is Extinct; Artificial Turf Improves Playability

Patterson Baseball Complex's Coach Steve Hertz Field is getting a makeover. Excavators have scraped the old natural grass and clay "face" from the surface, which will be replaced with artificial turf soon. Baseball purists and former Zags may be turning in their graves.

However, athletic administrators and baseball coaches agree that this is a positive change, according to Rob Kavon, associate athletic director for facilities and events operations.

"It's a playability issue," explains Kavon.

"Weather has a huge impact in the northern tier. We don't have to be concerned about the weather with artificial turf. If the weather is nice in January, they may be out on the turf getting ready to begin their season in February. The coaches and administration had to make a difficult decision to remain competitive."

All areas of the field, including the infield, pitching mound, and batter's box, will be covered in turf. It will drain well and can be ploughed of snow, which was impossible with natural grass. This turf is identical to that on Mulligan Field, with the exception that the small rubber pellets on Mulligan will be replaced with sand on Hertz Field, giving a batted ball a more natural bounce.

Another critical issue is upkeep: There will be no need for fertiliser, mowing, or striping on the new surface.

"Raising the fibres will necessitate sweeping with a special machine."

Turf is already used by Washington State, Washington, Oregon, Oregon State, and Whitworth, and reports are positive. This surface is also gaining popularity in the SEC, where rain can be a problem. Kavon reports the following stadium changes:

• If Gonzaga is granted an NCAA regional seat, grass berms beyond the left and right field lines will be flattened to make room for bleacher seating.
• The left and right field side fences will be closer to the field, allowing bullpens to be moved behind the fence.
• The left field wall will be raised from 8 to 12 feet, "to make it a little more difficult for hitters to hit home runs there," according to Kavon.

Gonzaga baseball is holding its fall practises at Whitworth for six weeks because the NCAA Division III Pirates are only allowed two weeks.