Wettest June in history affects Generals field conditions
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NORTHEAST JACKSON — June 2014 will go down for much of West Tennessee as the rainiest June in history. Jackson has seen more than a foot of rain this month which has tested the new drainage system at The Ballpark at Jackson. Keeping the field in perfect playing condition during the rainiest June in history has taken a little extra work. It’s nothing compared to seasons past thanks to a new state of the art underground drainage system. “We have gotten a lot of rain but as of yesterday we had 2-3″ inches in the field. After being redone, It’s draining really well.” Shay Adams, Seasonal Assistant and Grounds Intern, said. With all the rain, the grounds crew has taken extra steps to keep the field dry. “We’ve been trying to aerify more to help, make sure the water gets down to the drain. We have also used topdressing which has provided a sand and peat based root zone for water to penetrate through. Just the normal practices of turfgrass but that’s pretty much it.” Marty Wallace, Head Groundskeeper of the Jackson Generals, said. Despite all the rain, some areas of the field actually have to be watered. “We’re having so much rain to the point where we’re having to tarp the infield so much that were not getting rain water on the infield grass and on the sideline where that tarp covers.” Wallace says. It’s a big improvement from last season where crews struggled to maintain a green field capable of play due to the drought like conditions.
