Field & Base Maintenance

An in-ground anchor or receptacle is installed permanently in the base path, and the base's post slides into it so the base stays locked in place during games. When the base is removed, a mushroom plug, anchor plug or cap insert covers the opening to keep it clean and prevent players from tripping. We carry the Rawlings In-Ground Anchor, Dual Base Ground Anchor, square anchor plugs and mushroom plugs. Choose plugs and inserts that match your anchor system, and see our bases for compatible models.

Over time, dirt and clay pack into in-ground base receptacles, which makes it hard to insert the base post. A dig-out tool, like the Rawlings Dig-Out Tool, cleans out the receptacle quickly so your bases fit properly before every game. It's a must-have in any field crew's kit, along with plugs to keep receptacles covered between games.

Use a dry line marker filled with field-marking chalk to paint the foul lines, batter's boxes and coaching boxes. Small models, like the 360 Athletics 10 lb Dry Line Marker, are easy to handle on youth fields, while larger ones, like the Trigon Sports All-Steel Dry Line Marker or the Markwort D50 (85 lb), cover big fields with fewer refills. A string winder and a long measuring tape, like the Markwort 50 m tape, keep your lines straight and distances accurate. See all field equipment.

Drag the infield after games and practices to level the dirt and erase cleat marks, using a steel drag mat or an infield drag mat. Use a field rake, like the Trigon Sports Pro Field Rake, to fill the low spots that form around the bases, home plate and the pitcher's mound, where wear is heaviest. Regular maintenance keeps the ball bouncing true and helps prevent injuries. Replace worn home plates and pitching rubbers as needed.

Straps, spikes and pins wear out with use, and they're much cheaper to replace than a full base. We carry Rawlings base straps and safebase straps, Chicago spikes and basic spikes for strap-on bases, the Rawlings insert for the Safe Release Base, and Louisville Slugger universal pull pins and spring brackets. Check your base model before ordering, and browse all bases if it's time for a new set.

A cleat cleaner, like the Rawlings Stake-Down Cleat Cleaner, is a brush and scraper staked into the ground near the dugout. Players scrape mud and clay off their cleats before stepping into the dugout, which keeps the dugout cleaner and stops infield clay from being tracked off the field. It's a simple, affordable upgrade for any team or association field.