Proper field maintenance is an important aspect of baseball. A well-maintained field contributes to the ease of play and enjoyment of the game. The infield, in particular, is prone to wear and requires regular care. Part of the process involves resurfacing the infield clay, at times, using a device known as a field drag. Field rags come in many varieties. The idea behind the field drag, is to rake the play coarsely. Once finished, clay can then be smoothed. An inexpensive and easy to use field drag can be constructed from materials purchased at any home improvement center or hardware store.
Step 1
Lay two 2x4s on a flat surface on their 4-inch sides, about 3 feet apart. Place the three other 2x4s on their 4-inch sides, between the first two 2x4s in the opposite direction. This will form a frame.
Step 2
Place a metal tie plate at each joint and screw them to the 2x4s to join the frame.
Step 3
Flip the frame over onto the ground and drive the size 8 nails through the three center boards at 2-inch intervals in a zigzag pattern so the nail heads are flush with the wood. The nails will protrude from the other side of the boards.
Step 4
Place the 3-foot by 3-foot, 8-inch sheet of 1/4-inch plywood on top of the frame and square it to the frame. Screw the plywood to the frame at 6-inch intervals.
Step 5
Drill a hole through the corner of the plywood sheet and one of the 2x4s without the nails. Thread a nut onto an eye bolt all the way to the end of the thread. Place a washer over the hole in the frame and insert the eye bolt. Place a washer on the end of the eye bolt and thread another nut on and tighten the nut. Repeat this step on the corner on the other side of the frame.
Step 6
Tie one end of the length of rope to the eye bolt. Tie the other end to the other bolt.
Step 7
To use the drag, place it, nails down, on the infield and pull the dragged across a service of the ground. If more weight is needed, place bricks or cinder blocks on top of the drag.
Things You'll Need
- Five 3-foot 2x4s
- Six metal tie plates
- 32 No. 10 wood screws
- 1 3-foot by 3-foot, 8-inch sheet of 1/4-inch plywood
- 100 No. 8 framing nails
- 2 4-inch eye bolts with two washers and two nuts each
- 1 8-foot length of rope
- Hammer
- Drill with 1/4-inch bit and Phillips screwdriver bit
- Wrench
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