This summary outlines the process of creating baseball infield mix, highlighting the unique claystone, Pittsburgh red bed, used in major league baseball fields. The clay is mined, crushed, and processed into a specific ratio of clay, silt, and sand using a pug mill. Different proportions create various infield mix types. The consistent quality ensures proper ball bounce, and water absorption is vital. Dura Edge's products, originating from Pittsburgh red bed, dominate MLB markets due to their reliability and performance, transforming raw materials into a finely tuned infield mix for baseball stadiums.
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1. **26 out of 30 Major League Baseball teams use infield mixes sourced from a specific claystone, known as Pittsburgh red bed.**
2. **Pittsburgh red bed contains ilite and cite clay minerals, allowing it to absorb water without swelling and dissipate water quickly.**
3. **Excavators mine and load approximately 30,000 tons of clay, which is then processed into usable product for baseball fields.**
4. **The clay is crushed, reduced, and processed through a pug mill to create a homogeneous mix of clay, silt, and sand.**
5. **There are three types of infield mix created, varying in proportions, with professional grade mix having more clay content for better moisture retention.**
6. **Building a Major League Baseball infield requires up to 350 tons of infield mix, costing between $50,000 to $80,000.**
7. **Infields are laser graded and top dressing or conditioner is added to enhance moisture retention and the sliding surface for players.**
8. **Groundskeepers use moisture meters and a specific technique with a key to ensure the infield mix is consistent and properly moistened.**
9. **Dura Edge product supplies most MLB teams' infield mix, starting with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2005.**