Which is better to play baseball on... grass or Astro-turf? Why?

Answer 1

Astro-turf is NOT a good surface to play on because there isnt much give underneath it which makes impact on the joints a lot worse, as well as making any dives or slides more dangerous. On the other hand, the new field-turf that is being put in most facilities is really not that bad. It has MUCH more give, with rubber beads making up the "dirt" of the surface. With the right turf cleats, field-turf is probably my preference because the hops are truer off the bat and it allows the defense to play at a higher level.

Answer 2

Grass is much better than astro-turf. Artificial turf is much firmer and increases impact on the bones and joints. Regular grass gives and moves when, for example a player dives or slides to make a catch. Astro-turf does not and this can cause many injuries to players' ankles. Also, grass is usually more desirable in appearance. You can make many patterns with natural grass while turf is rather bland. It also soaks up alot of water. Any Philly fan can remember Lenny D. in center diving all over the Vet making huge splashes.

Answer 3

When I played in the early 90's I preferred grass. There was more give to the grass so when I had to hit the ground I didn't feel like I was falling onto concrete. Plus the ball slowed down more realistically after hitting the grass than it did off of turf. Ever try and field balls in your high school gym? It's not easy. Turf is a lot better nowadays though, especially at the professional level.

Answer 4

Depends on where you play: Outfielders shorten their careers by years on turf because of jarring and plain ol standing (anyone from a retail job can tell you what their legs feel like after a day). Infielders love it because you can depend on hops being true thereby aiding their fielding percentage. Pitchers hate it usually because groundballs fly through infields on it killing ERAs and forcing more pitches per inning than on grass. Hitters love it for the same reason. Grass, however, is an unregulated variable. For instance if your team stinks, the groundskeeper will keep the grass high to eat up groundballs that would be hits on turf or normal grass (i.e. Wrigley) to keep the home team in a game longer. This hurts a hitter as much as deep fences hurt home run hitters. Check ERAs and see how many leaders play on turf (few), then check batting leaders and do the same (more). There are always exceptions but you can guess just by looking at statistics who plays where. In the end, grass makes a better and safer game.

Answer 5

From my years playing the minors, I would say Astro-turf...less tempermental when it comes to water. (in MY opinion) there's an ongoing debate. Some of my old teammates would disagree due to injuries! Grass gets tore up too easily too, although it is hands down more beautiful.

Answer 6

grass- it feels just like astro turf to run on, and when you have to dive or slide in the outfield, astro turf hurts more than grass

Answer 7

grass, turf is too hard on hte knees, shortens the players careers. Besides is there anything as pretty as a natural grass baseball field

Answer 8

grass actually gives way if you fall on it. astro turf is a pain in the ***.. literally!

Answer 9

i say grass it give way a lot mroe then turf.that stuff is hard as rock for the msot part and for batters turf slows the ball down faster then grass

Answer 10

Grass! i wouldn't dare play Softball on the turf. its way too rough and i've seen balls take worse jumps on truf than on the grass.