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Updated: 11:20 PM Jun 23, 2011
CWS Grass Logo: How Did They Do It?
The new ballpark seems to be holding up well under the weight of ten games in six days -- including rain and severe weather. The grounds crew is also receiving high marks for the center field logo.
Posted: 11:14 PM Jun 23, 2011Reporter: Brian Mastre Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com |
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The new ballpark seems to be holding up well under the weight of ten games in six days -- including rain and severe weather. The grounds crew is also receiving high marks for the center field logo.
The outfield logo isn't painted -- it is swept.
It's really a simple concept we see in ballparks across America created by a mower. When the grass is mowed one way, it's lighter than the other direction.
For the type of detail in center field though, a mower would never work.
That is when the grounds crew brings out the heavy machinery. It's basically a weedwacker with a broom attached.
"Since it was is getting a lot of feedback, I think they're proud to be a part of it," said Dan Blank, head groundskeeper with TD Ameritrade Park.
The idea to put something like the CWS Logo in the outfield grass came from a member of the MECA team. The crew made it happen by first using paper stencils to mark the design.
The power broom pushes the blades in the opposite direction of everything around it. Since the grass reflects less light -- it appears darker.
The corners of the design take finesse.
Dan: " It's popped well on TV."
Reporter: " You know what this means by looking so good - they're going to want you put every team logo in center field."
Dan: " Hopefully we won't have to go that far."
It takes Kyle and Joe forty minutes for the logo touch-up. They do it twice every day.








