ST. LOUIS – With Cardinals Opening Day just around the corner, preparations have been in full force, especially on the field when the weather permits.
Tuesday’s weather presented the opportunity for crews to take off the field covering and mow the grass. After mowing, the growth blanket is put back on. The process repeats until opening day.
Billy Findley, senior director of field operations, said this year’s grass is a little different in terms of maintenance.
“This year we are dealing with a warm-season grass. In years past, we’ve had a bluegrass, which is a cool season. So we didn’t have to cover it as much. With the bermuda, we have to protect it from all the cold weather.
“So that helps keep that insolation between the cold weather and the warm season grass so it greens up faster than it should. Normally this grass wouldn’t be green this time of year, not as green as it is, but with the blankets and our process we have, we’ve kind of faked it into coming awake earlier than it normally.”
In addition to consistent upkeep of the grass, workers are also ensuring dirt areas, like the mound, are leveled and ready to go.
Opening Day for the Cardinals is April 4.
