H&K Sports Fields http://www.hksportsfields.com Better Fields Make Better Players Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:55:34 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Business Week features H&K Sports Fields in Small Biz Magazine. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/hksportsfields/rss/~3/TekJS5m4iK0/ http://www.hksportsfields.com/businessweek/#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:54:06 +0000 matt http://www.hksportsfields.com/?p=499 newsweek

Play Ball!

—As told to Amy Barrett

H&K Sportsfields

“I grew up playing baseball and coached my kids through Little League. I knew the previous owner of this business-he coached a team I competed against when I was a kid. I ran into him in 2003 at one of my son’s games and he was talking about getting out of the business. This was an opportunity to branch out into an area I have a passion for. There’s a real nostalgia about baseball. And there’s a whole new group of people who have a passion for the game. It’s fun to see Little Leaguers come out to see a field after we’ve renovated it, with tears in their eyes, saying, ‘We get to play on this field?’”
hk-quote

mike-parentWHO: Mike Parent
WHAT: Designs, constructs, and renovates baseball fields
WHERE: Egg Harbor, Wis.
EMPLOYEES: 5
HOW HE DID IT: Bought the business from an acquaintance after working in his family’s excavation company
COST OF A NEW LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL FIELD: $150,000

]]> http://www.hksportsfields.com/businessweek/feed/ 0 http://www.hksportsfields.com/businessweek/ Marian University Baseball Complex Project http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/hksportsfields/rss/~3/bY6m2rTMfFo/ http://www.hksportsfields.com/marian-college-baseball-complex-project/#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:05:03 +0000 matt http://www.hksportsfields.com/?p=410
[Show as slideshow]
 
]]> http://www.hksportsfields.com/marian-college-baseball-complex-project/feed/ 0 http://www.hksportsfields.com/marian-college-baseball-complex-project/ Pinnacle Dreams Sports Complex http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/hksportsfields/rss/~3/TxV6UIqO-8A/ http://www.hksportsfields.com/pinnacle-dreams-sports-complex/#comments Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:00:44 +0000 admin http://hksportsfields.com/?p=47 H&K Sports Fields has been hired by the representatives for Pinnacle Dreams Sports Complex of Perry Township in Berks County, PA to assist in the development of a state-of-the-art championship quality, multi-sport indoor and outdoor complex.

Pinnacle Dreams Sports Complex Construction Project

PRESS RELEASE:

Perry Township, Berks County, PA, April 1, 2009…Tobyn J. Wysocki, President and CEO of Pinnacle Dreams Sports Complex (“Pinnacle Dreams”), announced today plans to build a state-of-the-art, championship quality, multi-sport indoor and outdoor complex in Perry Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. Pinnacle Dreams anticipates that the complex will have four full-size baseball fields and four full-size softball fields, two full-size soccer fields that will be able to support football, lacrosse, field hockey and rugby events as well, and an 80,000 square foot indoor facility for indoor soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, off-season baseball and softball training, and a fitness center. At least half of the baseball and softball fields are expected to have lights, and both of the soccer fields, in addition to having lights, are also expected to be turf fields. A concept drawing of the anticipated complex is shown below.

Follow the attached link for the entire April 2009 Press Release describing the project. http://www.pinnacledsc.com/

]]> http://www.hksportsfields.com/pinnacle-dreams-sports-complex/feed/ 0 http://www.hksportsfields.com/pinnacle-dreams-sports-complex/ Magic Mix Sports Field Playing Surface Material Make Up http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/hksportsfields/rss/~3/hhVDwD1iJ5o/ http://www.hksportsfields.com/magic-mix-sports-field-playing-material-make-up/#comments Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:20:31 +0000 matt http://www.hksportsfields.com/?p=147 We recently had a question from a customer about the makeup of Magic Mix playing surface material and how it compares to other similar infield materials on the market. We though we’d share our response since we get asked this often.

What is Magic Mix made of, and how it is different from the vitrified and calcined clays that Diamond Pro and Turface makes. We are always looking for the next best thing.

Here is a quick overview of Magic Mix.

Magic Mix Topdressing:
A finely crushed aggregate that has been proven over
the years to be a solid performer on ballfields,
especially in northern climates. It’s rich red color gives
any field a more professional finished look. Magic Mix
is fine enough to slide or dive on without worry of
player safety. Dense material that won’t wash away or
create dust. Just one-quarter to one-half inch coating
improves resiliency, slows the evaporation of moisture
from your infield skin and speeds reentry onto the field
after a rain event – minimizing the use of other drying
agents.

Because Magic Mix is made from crushed granite to finely tuned
specifications, it is more dense than the vitrified and calcined clay and as
a result:

  • Magic Mix does not break down as easily or quickly.
  • Magic Mix does not get as dusty when dried out.
  • Magic Mix does not require the same amount of water on the materialto keep it playable in dry conditions.

Different from other topdressing materials, Magic Mix has been designed to
provide an outstanding playing surface under all weather conditions.
The “Magic” comes from our exclusive particle sizing and gradation.

  • It provides increased player stability.
  • It helps to protect the infield skin from excessive moisture loss.
  • It allows surface water to move through and drain off skinned surfaces.
  • It will not create a hard playing surface.
  • It will not wash or blow away.
  • It will not stain uniforms.

Magic Mix does not need to be replaced as often as other materials. It was
specifically designed to work well under low maintenance conditions.
Its deep red color reduces glare and contrasts beautifully with green grass
to highlight your turf.

If you would like a sample of Magic Mix sent to you, please let us know by filling out our contact form and we will be happy to get a sample to you.

]]> http://www.hksportsfields.com/magic-mix-sports-field-playing-material-make-up/feed/ 0 http://www.hksportsfields.com/magic-mix-sports-field-playing-material-make-up/ Verona Park Baseball Complex Project http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/hksportsfields/rss/~3/HTG8uh7WGRE/ http://www.hksportsfields.com/verona-park-project/#comments Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:58:30 +0000 zach http://hksportsfields.com/?p=43 Verona-complex1

We have compiled some before and after images of the sports field complex complete in Verona, WI.

Verona baseball field construction before photos:

Verona baseball field construction after photos:

Other before & during images:

]]> http://www.hksportsfields.com/verona-park-project/feed/ 0 http://www.hksportsfields.com/verona-park-project/ How to Build a Batters Box http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/hksportsfields/rss/~3/2hKhjQI6HqQ/ http://www.hksportsfields.com/how-to-build-a-batters-box/#comments Sat, 14 Jun 2008 01:50:37 +0000 admin http://doorcountypirates.com/?p=13 Batter’s Box Basics

So you are ready to build your very own field of dreams, and you can already picture yourself jumping and skipping in joy as you shake hands with The Great Bambino himself after hitting a grand slam!

A word of advice my friend, slow down before you call a press conference. First, you have to build a baseball field. True, if you build it, they will come, but let me assure you, building a baseball field is no simple task.

A baseball field consists of many parts: a home plate, the first base, the second base, the third, and the fourth base. There is also the batter’s box, the catcher’s box, the foul poles, the pitcher’s mound, the baseline, the grass line, the outfield, the bullpen and so on. Many baseball dreams have come true on the baseball field and some have been lost forever, and for those who have aspirations of batting grandeur, the batter’s box is considered a holy place, a sanctuary. It is the place where baseball batters call upon their heroes who have long gone, pleading for just a tiny bit of luck before they hit the ball.

Drawn in white chalk, the batter’s box is the area surrounding the home plate where the batter stands, when he is all set to receive pitch from his nemesis, the pitcher. To construct the batter’s boxes, first you must locate the home plate.

The batter’s boxes should be six foot by four foot rectangles and must each be six inches away from the home plate. Building wooden frames to establish the area where the batter’s box should be is advised.

You could also use a string to outline the perimeter of the batter’s boxes just to help you establish the batter’s boxes. Using hard clay, it is best to start from the bottom up when building up the area where the batter’s boxes should be. Inch by inch, add clay one layer at a time, moistening and compacting the soil to ensure the ground’s firmness. The clay material should end up level with the home plate itself which is relatively flat. Continue the process of adding layer upon layers of clay until the proper dimension is reached. Make sure that the batter’s boxes area and the home plate are as flat as can be. Use a board or a level to ensure this.

Once the lines are drawn, you are ready to stand inside the batter’s box and call upon the spirit of The Great Bambino! But before you get carried, remember that a batter’s box is just one part of a baseball field.

Nevertheless, if you follow these few simple instructions, you will be a step closer towards playing on your very own ‘Field of Dreams’. After all, if you build it, they will come… but only if you build it right.

]]> http://www.hksportsfields.com/how-to-build-a-batters-box/feed/ 0 http://www.hksportsfields.com/how-to-build-a-batters-box/ How to break in your baseball glove http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/hksportsfields/rss/~3/ftos_OpLOdo/ http://www.hksportsfields.com/break-in-your-glove/#comments Sat, 14 Jun 2008 01:49:23 +0000 admin http://doorcountypirates.com/?p=12 Before you learn to swing the bat properly, the first thing they teach you in baseball is how to catch and throw. For kids and many first timers in the game, it is important to know that you need to break in your baseball glove before you start using it. You will learn quickly that in owning a glove is to break it in correctly. Do this and you will have a great piece of equipment which will serve you well, help your game, and have a longer life. Failure to do so means you risk owning an equipment which falls short of expectations.

There are two reasons why a glove has to be broken in. One is because you want to make sure that you soften the leather so that it is comfortable enough to use and moves well with your hand. The other goal is to form a pocket or molding an area in the palm of the glove which will catch the ball tightly, yet not so tightly that the ball won’t slip out easily when you need to throw it. But nevertheless, most people will tell you that the best way to break in a glove is just by using it.

After you’ve purchased the glove you want, you need to soften the leather. You can use a number of different oils and lotions to soften the leather of your baseball glove. Most people use shaving cream (preferably with lanolin), but you may also use others like Vaseline, mink oil, tanner’s glove oil, glove manufacturers oils, saddle soap, etc. Lubricate the glove with your lube preference, say shaving cream. Take a very small amount, and put it on a soft, clean cloth like a dish towel. Rub the shaving cream into the glove, being careful to use just enough to lightly coat the glove. Make sure it is rubbed in well, and no globs remain. Let it dry overnight. A word of caution when using oils, creams and soaps. Do not put too much as this will make the leather deteriorate faster and ruin your glove.

Now you need to form the pocket of your glove. Using a clean cloth, wipe your glove thoroughly after letting it dry overnight. Go out and play a game of catch with someone. The ball’s impact begins the molding and stretching process of the leather so it will conform to your hand and the ball with your catching style. A popular practice for forming the pocket of your baseball glove (other than playing catch) is to place a baseball (others say a softball is better) in the pocket and tie the glove shut with shoelaces, string or even a belt. Keep the glove tightly closed around a day or two and make sure to keep the glove in an area where the temperature is not extreme as this can hurt the leather. Use the glove each day and play catch with it for at least a few minutes a day. The regular work out will continue to soften your glove and form the best possible mold for your catching style. Put the glove away for the evening and continue to place a ball in the mitt and secure it. Do this for at least two weeks.

Follow these easy steps and you’re on your way to a great baseball season!

]]> http://www.hksportsfields.com/break-in-your-glove/feed/ 0 http://www.hksportsfields.com/break-in-your-glove/ Baseball Pitching Mound http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/hksportsfields/rss/~3/KjVXgwsTf5g/ http://www.hksportsfields.com/baseball-pitching-mound/#comments Sat, 14 Jun 2008 01:48:15 +0000 admin http://doorcountypirates.com/?p=11 Pitching Mounds, a perspective.

How important is the pitcher’s mound in the whole scheme of baseball? Well, on this little stage, the pitcher can either win or lose the game.If you are in charge of building the pitcher’s mound for your baseball team this season! Here are a few things to keep in mind, and learn from baseball history.

Historical Baseball mound dimensions

A regulation pitcher’s mound is an 18 foot (5.5 m) circle, its center, 59 feet away from the back of the home plate. Commonly called the ‘pitching rubber’, the pitcher’s plate should be 18 inches (45.7 cm) behind dead center of the mound. The mound should start to slope downwards towards home plate 6 inches (15.2 cm) in front of the pitching rubber.

The top of the mound should not be more than 10 inches higher than the surface level of the home plate. However, during different times of baseball history, the mound had been much higher. In fact, the height
limit from 1903 to 1968 was set at 15 inches though some teams are reputed to have higher. Baseball teams whose strength point lies in pitching are believed to have tallest mounds in the major league baseball.

Mound Construction

Now that we’ve covered the dimensions, the next step is construction. There are several approaches one can take towards the actual creation of a pitcher’s mound. One of the simplest ways is to start by building up the highest point of the mound or the plateau first. Then, establish the slope in front of the pitcher’s plate towards home plate until you reach ground level. Keep in mind the dimensions mentioned above when measuring towards home plate.

After the plateau has been set up, install the pitching rubber. A standard pitcher’s rubber is 24 inches by 6 inches. You can use a carpenter’s level to make sure the rubber is stays flat while it is being installed. Use moist clay and tamp the area around the pitching rubber using your hands or a tool. Keeping the mound soils moist but not sticky during construction is essential.

Build the mound inch by inch from the ground up. Use a heavy roller to tamp on the material so that the mound is firm. Keep the mound packed, layer by layer until you reach the correct dimensions for a regular pitchers mound. Maintenance is just as important as construction. When not in use, remember to cover the clay with plastic or tarp.

]]> http://www.hksportsfields.com/baseball-pitching-mound/feed/ 0 http://www.hksportsfields.com/baseball-pitching-mound/ MLB Teams http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/hksportsfields/rss/~3/YeF8uDiRmrU/ http://www.hksportsfields.com/mlb-teams/#comments Sat, 14 Jun 2008 01:47:20 +0000 admin http://doorcountypirates.com/?p=10 Major League Baseball (MLB) is the highest level of play in professional baseball in America. MLB operates two leagues, The National League and the American League. The National League is the oldest existing U.S. major league professional baseball organization. Its supremacy was challenged by several rival organizations over the years, of which only the American League has survived. Since 1903 the champions of the two leagues have engaged in an annual World Series competition.

National League Teams

The Atlanta Braves – http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com
The Braves were known during the first half of the 1990’s as “the Team of the 90’s”, in reference to the team’s great success in these years and are the only MLB franchise to have won the World Series in three different home cities.
Florida Marlins - http://florida.marlins.mlb.com
The Florida Marlins have been in existence since 1993 and in those ten seasons they’ve already won more championships than anyone not named the NY Yankees.
New York Mets – http://newyork.mets.mlb.com
The Mets have won two World Series Championships in their 46 year history, the first in 1969 and the second in 1986.
Philadelphia Phillies – http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com
They won their first league title in their 33rd season, their first World Series in their 98th season, becoming the last of the 16 pre-expansion Major League franchises to win the World Series.
Washington Nationals – http://washington.nationals.mlb.com
Since their not so triumphant debut in the 1969 season, with a 52-110 record, the Washington Nationals haven’t enjoyed much success. The team has yet to win a National League East crown in 35 seasons.
Chicago Cubs – http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com
The Cubs are affectionately referred to by the media and fans as “The Cubbies” and “The Lovable Losers”, the latter due to their almost century-long championship drought.
Cincinnati Reds – http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com
The team has reached the postseason 17 times, won nine NL pennants and five World Series wins.

Houston Astros – http://houston.astros.mlb.com
Of all the teams that have won the NL pennant, the Astros are the only one that has never faced the Yankees in the World Series and is one of three franchises to never lose 100 games in a season.

Milwaukee Brewers - http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com
The Brewers are the only MLB team to have played a season in four different divisions – AL West (1969-1971), AL East (1972-1993), AL Central (1994-1997), and NL Central (1998-present).

Pittsburgh Pirates – http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com
The first franchise to win a World Series on a home run (1960 World Series) in the decisive 7th game.

St. Louis Cardinals – http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com
The franchise has won 15 pennants and has nine World Series victories.

Arizona Diamondbacks – http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com
The D-Backs are the youngest team to ever win the World Series (2001 against the New York Yankees), having been a ball club for only four years.

Colorado Rockies – http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com
In 1995, the Rockies made the playoffs for their first and only time, and lost in the NLDS to the eventual world champion Atlanta Braves.

Los Angeles Dodgers - http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com
Since moving to LA in 1958, the Dodgers have won nine NL pennants and five World Series trophies.

San Diego Padres – http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com
The Padres were one of the teams that made a big splash with trades and free agent acquisitions and has only been to the postseason three times in 35 years.

San Francisco Giants – http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com
The SF Giants have won 17 pennants, 5 World Series and arguably the greatest baseball player ever Barry Bonds.

American League

Baltimore Orioles – http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com
Of the eight original AL teams, this franchise had once had the sparsest post-season record, and was the last of the eight to win the World Series in 1966 with its four-game sweep against the LA Dodgers.
Boston Red Sox – http://boston.redsox.mlb.com
The Boston Red Sox is one of the oldest and most storied franchises in MLB, notable for its 86-year championship drought popularly attributed to “The Curse of the Bambino.” The team broke The Curse in 2004 when it won the World Series, its sixth MLB title.

New York Yankees – http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com
The most successful franchise in all American sports since joining MLB in 1901, the Yanks have won 39 American League pennants, 25 World Series championships and they have A-Rod.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays – http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com
Finishing the regular season below .500 every year of its short existence, the franchise’s home attendance at Tropicana Field has ranked among the worst in the league.

Toronto Blue Jays - http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com
Based in Toronto, the team is noted for being the only MLB team outside the US to win the World Series.

Chicago White Sox – http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com
After winning only one league championship in the years spanning 1920 to 2004, the team ended decades of frustration in 2005 when it won its first World Series Championship since 1917.

Cleveland Indians – http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com
Currently in first place of the Central Division of the AL and the only team that gave the Yankees its worst defeat ever 22-0.

Detroit Tigers – http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com
The Tigers are the reigning AL champions, having defeated Oakland 4 games to 0 in the 2006 ALCS.
Kansas City Royals - http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com
A relatively young MLB franchise, they have won 6 AL titles in the last two decades.


Minnesota Twins – http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com
The club boasts two World Series championships (1987 and 1991) and has recently become a regular contender for the playoffs.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim / Anaheim Angels - http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com
The Angels won their first World Series in 2002 and is one of the three MLB teams that shows you don’t have to spend a huge amount of money to win the series.
Oakland Athletics - http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com
The Athletics are the current American League West Champions. Their success lies in scouting wisely and on spending money on the right players.

Seattle Mariners - http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com
Since coming into MLB in 1977, the team has yet to capture the World Series but has won three AL West championships and have made it into the postseason on four different occasions.

Texas Rangers – http://texas.rangers.mlb.com
The Rangers (when combined with their predecessor the Senators) are the oldest franchise that has yet to appear in a World Series. In fact, they have yet to win any playoff series. In their history the team has only one playoff victory, on the road at Yankee Stadium in the franchise’s first playoff game.

]]> http://www.hksportsfields.com/mlb-teams/feed/ 0 http://www.hksportsfields.com/mlb-teams/ Major League Baseball Stadiums http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/hksportsfields/rss/~3/qvWUdWOt2uU/ http://www.hksportsfields.com/mlb/#comments Sat, 14 Jun 2008 01:39:45 +0000 admin http://doorcountypirates.com/?p=9 Major League Baseball Stadiums – Take me out to the ball game!

New York Yankees – Yankee Stadium

This historic home of the infamous New York Yankees was built in May 5, 1922 and is situated in the Bronx. It has hosted Yankees home games since 1923. Mainly built of steel, the triple decked grandstand extends behind the home plate and the baselines. Its seating capacity is for 58,000 but because of the team’s popularity sometimes the number of fans would reach up to a whopping 80,000! It is one of the most popular sports venues in the world due to the fact that the Yankees have won the World Series championships more than any other team. Since its opening in 1923, Yankee Stadium has been home to 26 World Championship teams.

Los Angeles Dodgers – Dodger Stadium los-angeles-dodgers-dodger-stadium01.jpg

Home of the famous Los Angeles Dodgers, the Dodger Stadium was built between 1959 and 1962. The stadium is built into the hillside with massive parking lots surrounding the Dodgers home. Upon entering Dodger Stadium, fans encounter a massive stadium with stunning views. Four of the five seating decks stretch from foul pole to foul pole at Dodger Stadium. The top upper deck stretches from the first base side to the third base side. A wavy top roof hangs over the back of the bleachers that are located behind both left and right field. Two scoreboards are above the bleachers. The atmosphere found at Dodger Stadium is hard to beat anywhere else in baseball and although it is more than four decades old, Dodger Stadium still ranks as one of MLB’s top ballparks.

Cleveland Indians – Jacobs Field
Considered one of the most beautiful ballparks of the MLB, it is home to the Cleveland Indians of the American League since 1994. Located in downtown Cleveland, it was built in 1992 and is named after former team owner Richard Jacobs. The stadium was built so it would blend in with downtown Cleveland; from its exposed steel design that matches many bridges on the North coast and the vertical light towers that match the smoke stacks of Cleveland’s industrial zone and the high-rise office buildings in downtown Cleveland. Jacobs Field has provided the city with many great memories, including hosting the 1997 All-Star Game and three games of the 1997 World Series.

Baltimore Orioles – Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Built in 1992 to replace the aging Memorial Stadium, Camden Yards is now the home of the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball. The Baltimore Orioles played their inaugural first game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 6, 1992. The ballpark is nestled on the edge of downtown Baltimore. The ballpark consists of a three tier grandstand that stretches from behind home plate, down the third base line and around the left field foul pole; and down the first base line. All 48,190 seats are green replicating ones in bygone ballparks. Additional seating is located under the main score/video board in right center field. Large open air concourses allow people to easily move around Camden Yards.

New York Mets – Shea Stadium
Home of the New York Mets in Flushing, New York since 1964, it is one of the oldest ballparks in the National League. Originally to be called Flushing Meadows Park, the stadium was renamed in honor of William A. Shea, thus getting its name Shea Stadium. The New York Mets played their first game at Shea Stadium on April 17, 1964. The five tiered stadium seated 55,601. It was the first stadium of its size to have an extensive escalator system, being able to convert from a football gridiron to a baseball diamond by two motor operated stands and in which every seat was directed at the center of the field.

Kansas City Royals – Kauffman Stadium
Originally known as Royals Stadium, the ballpark debuted on April 10, 1973 and is home to the Kansas City Royals. The stadium was very colorful, with 40,793 seats, all facing second base and arranged in three tiers with maroon, gold, and orange seats. The stadium was the American League’s first ballpark with Astroturf as the playing surface. The most unique feature of the stadium was the water fountains beyond the outfield fence. The fountains, stretch 322 feet horizontally, and have a 10 foot high waterfall that descends from an upper cascade pool that serves as a background for two water fountain pools. A 12 story scoreboard, in the shape of the Royals’ crest, is located beyond the centerfield fence.

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