Budget-Friendly Mound Renovation

Budget is top of mind for most field managers. With limited resources and time, is it even possible to renovate the mound on your field? Yes! Keep reading to learn how.

A budget-friendly mound renovation involves replacing the pitching rubber and adding mound clay. Even if you have a limited amount of clay available, you can still complete the project successfully.

First, edge the perimeter of the mound area where it meets the grass. Doing so creates a clean transition from the mound clay to the turfgrass. As with edging the home plate area, you may choose to sod around the mound area if it’s in your budget. Otherwise, edging is sufficient.

Next, install the new pitching rubber on the mound. It should be elevated 10 inches higher than home plate, with the front of the rubber 60 feet, 6 inches from the apex of home plate. It’s a good idea to run a string line from the apex of home plate to the middle of second base so you can center the pitching rubber on the line. Also, measure from each corner of the pitching rubber to the corresponding corner of home plate. If both distances are 59 feet, 1 inch, the rubber is square. 

After installing the pitching rubber, add mound clay and till it into the existing material. With a limited amount of clay, your priority should be the slope of the mound. According to Major League Baseball rules, “The slope of the pitcher’s mound begins 6 inches in front of the pitcher’s plate and must gradually decrease by 1 inch every foot for 6 feet in the direction of home plate.”

Finish your renovation by tire rolling the surface of the mound area to compact the clay. If you have access to a three-ton roller, use that for this step. If not, any heavy equipment will do the job. 

With that, you’ve just completed a mound renovation on a budget! Even with limited resources, you can give your field a refresh to be proud of.