Early Challenges & Corrective Work
Over the years, the field continued to be used and underwent several changes, including a notable visit from baseball legend Roger Clemens, who came to the stadium for a rehab assignment with the Houston Astros. During his visit, the team identified significant issues with the infield, prompting the need for further work. Our team was called in to assess the situation and bring the field back into compliance with Major League Baseball standards.
The infield had suffered from improper grading and years of patchwork repairs. We removed up to 20 inches of material, stripped off the old grass, and addressed issues with clay-based sods. After properly grading the infield to its original design, we re-grassed the area to meet MLB standards.
Major League Field Overhaul
Several years later, the field faced another significant overhaul. This time, a new major league team affiliate visited the stadium and recommended a complete renovation of the entire field. The infield needed to be regraded, new material had to be brought in, and the drainage system needed a complete overhaul. All grass was removed, and the field was entirely re-graded before being re-grassed with a high-quality turf suitable for professional play.
This renovation presented a unique challenge because the stadium was hosting a concert in late October, and construction could not begin until the concert was over. Despite the time constraints, we managed to complete the work in time for the field to be ready for opening day. One of the most nerve-wracking moments during this process came when we laid Bermuda sod in late fall, only to face a significant cold snap, with temperatures dropping to 17°F for several days. Despite the freezing conditions, the sod survived and rooted, and the field was ready for use come spring.
Transition to Synthetic Turf
As Major League Baseball’s standards evolved, the Legends’ team decided to transition the field to a synthetic surface. The renovation involved converting the existing natural grass field into a sand-capped synthetic turf system. This new surface required not only the removal of the old grass but also extensive grading and preparation to ensure the synthetic turf system would function optimally.
