A local non-profit organization, Build Better Fields, has been working tirelessly to rehabilitate neglected youth baseball fields, and their latest project has exceeded all expectations. Thanks to the generosity of a Grove City-based company, DuraEdge, two local ballfields now feature professional-level infields, the same quality used in Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB).

DuraEdge, a company with a national reputation for its high-quality infield materials, spent the past week installing its proprietary infield mix at the fields. This mix, known as the DuraEdge Infield Mix, is used on 26 of the 30 MLB fields and is the official infield material for MiLB. The company’s efforts are part of its community fund initiative, which aims to give back to youth baseball fields in need of upgrades.

Nathan Partington, Executive Vice President of Sales Strategy at DuraEdge, explained the company’s commitment: “We have made a commitment as part of a community fund where every year we are giving back to communities who have ball fields that do need it at the youth level for kids to enjoy that same safety and playability that their heroes that they're watching play on TV every night are getting as well.”

The infield material is no ordinary dirt. It is mined in the Butler, Pennsylvania, area and mixed at a factory in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania into a proprietary formula that ensures optimal playability and safety. This special mix is designed to drain quickly after rain, allowing fields to remain playable even after inclement weather. “It gets rid of rain really quickly and you don't have to worry about it. It's safe and it stays the way it was put in for years,” Partington added.

Jeff Price, Treasurer of Build Better Fields and a local father and coach, highlighted the impact of the new infields: “You know we struggle when it rains, we can't practice for weeks at a time -- even though it's been sunny for a few days, because a lot of these fields just don't have the drainage. Well, this DuraEdge is going to change that.”

The transformation of these fields is a testament to the power of community collaboration. Build Better Fields worked with numerous local sponsors, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, to make this project a reality. The fields, which were once dilapidated and abandoned, are now ready to host youth baseball players in a safe and professional environment.

The story of DuraEdge’s success began 25 years ago when founder Grant McKnight developed the perfect mix of Pittsburgh red bed clay, sand, and silt. This innovative formula quickly gained popularity among grounds crews at major and minor league parks, including the Erie SeaWolves. Now, thanks to DuraEdge’s generosity, local youth baseball players will have the opportunity to play on the same type of infield as the pros.

This weekend, players from the Outlaws and Steelheads teams, ages 7 to 12, will christen the newly renovated fields during tournament play. On Saturday, games will take place at J.S. Wilson Field, with a dedication ceremony scheduled for 11:30 a.m. On Sunday, the action will move to Belle Valley, where attendees can enjoy food trucks and raffles.

The transformation of these fields is a shining example of how local businesses, non-profits, and community members can come together to create lasting change. Partington said, "We are excited and we're honored that Build Better Fields thought of us and trusted us to handle the infield part of the restorations they are doing to fields around here and we look forward to a very long term partnership with them."