One of Amarillo’s Worst Baseball Fields Is Finally Getting Fixed

Well, the offseason for youth baseball is underway here in Amarillo. It doesn't mean teams from Amarillo aren't playing summer ball; they just aren't doing it here. See, Amarillo and Canyon don't host any summer ball tournaments.

They use the time to work on improving and fixing the fields after the use of the spring. Those fields get a ton of use between March and June. Kids digging into the batter's box and creating holes, divots in the outfield, etc. All things that need to be repaired leading into the fall season.

Rick Klein Field Two Gets Major Upgrade

It's been a couple of years since I've had a kiddo playing 13U ball. The field that is used most for those games? Field two at Rick Klein. To be honest, it was always my most hated field for a myriad of reasons. One of them is the sun and how it sets right behind the outfield. You'd think it would be pretty, and it is, but it also delays games because the batter and catcher can't see the ball coming.

Kids, Incorporated of Amarillo, Texas via Facebook

Another reason I hated this field? It wasn't in the best shape. The infield had grass, but it was incredibly choppy and sloped uphill a bit. The batter's box was always a monstrosity and tough to find your footing in. In other words, it wasn't exactly the safest or cleanest field to be playing on. Well, my youngest son moves into 13U this season, and I was dreading playing on that field...until now.

New Grass Coming To The Infield

A few days ago, I was THRILLED to see a post from Kids, Inc. showing that they were making improvements to field two for the upcoming season...and not just improvements, but a full makeover. It starts with replacing the grass.

Kids, Incorporated of Amarillo, Texas via Facebook

As you can see, they've ripped up all the grass in the infield, leveled it out, and are getting ready to lay down some new Bermuda grass. Finally! That field will be so improved and MUCH better to play on. I'm glad my kiddo gets to experience the brand new infield now.

Pitching Mound Getting A Makeover?

They didn't stop with just the infield. Another issue was the pitching mound. There was a portable mound there, and it was completely shredded from years of use. Two years ago, it was beat up. I can't imagine how much worse it's gotten since then,

Kids, Incorporated of Amarillo, Texas via Facebook

As you can see here, they've lifted the portable mound out, and maybe, just maybe, we'll get a brand new dirt mound with a new rubber that actually allows the kids to get their footing and push off it. That's important for them to be able to do. If you know baseball, you know what I mean. If you don't know, that's important, so the kids use their legs to drive the pitch, not their arms.

Using your arm to throw the ball without having any leverage in your lower half is the quickest way to arm injuries, so fixing the mound is of utmost importance. I'm excited to be able to get on this field in the fall. I just wish there was something we could do about that sun.