The recent updates to Corbin High School’s football stadium has grabbed many headlines in recent months, but the school’s baseball and softball facilities are also undergoing major renovations, including all-new turf playing surfaces that will be in place for the upcoming 2024 season.
“There’s going to be turf, there will be new fencing all the way around, and we’re moving to the third base side where the locker room will be completely re-done,” said CHS baseball Head Coach Cody Philpot of some of the more important changes taking place in that area of the campus.
Philpot also mentioned that seating in the ballpark is being updated, which should improve the overall fan experience.
When it comes to some of the biggest differences between playing on turf versus playing on a natural surface, Philpot said, “Everybody is probably going to be just a little bit faster, because your footing is always the same. There is never a muddy spot or loose dirt. You’re always getting the footing that you expect with every step.”
“I feel like the consistency is the biggest advantage when it comes to playing in-game,” Philpot added.
With that being said, Philpot did admit that the transition from playing on a natural surface to playing on an artificial surface will take some getting used to. In particular, he mentioned that players will need to allow some additional space when fielding balls on the hop, as they will bounce a little higher after coming off of the turf.
He also said that base runners will probably need to slide a little earlier, especially if the surface is wet.
One big advantage that Philpot mentioned is the fact that rain outs will be less common, making it much easier to plan ahead for hosting special events.
Similar to football, many schools in the region are either actively transitioning to turf baseball and softball field, or are planning to do so in the near future.
