Over the past 30 years, there’s been a noteworthy shift to artificial turf fields and indoor workout facilities for baseball and softball. To go along with this migration, there has been a split with how to treat skinned areas. Some choose to stick with soil while others bring the artificial turf theme to their infield. With that, pitching mounds can become a big challenge. There is no “right way” to go for the mound, as each ballfield has a different set of circumstances to consider. That said, even on natural infields, a clear favorite can emerge. But to determine the right move for you, a look at the benefits and shortcomings is necessary before carefully deciding how this heavily trafficked area will be addressed.

◾ ARTIFICIAL TURF PORTABLE MOUND

► PROS:

• Perfect for fields with multiple base lengths/pitching distances
• Portability provides quick and easy transformations between baseball and softball
• Decreased maintenance
• Choice of full-size “game” mounds, smaller practice mounds, or bullpen mounds
• Can be used indoors or outdoors
• Most made with a fiberglass or high-density foam core

► CONS:

• Use of metal or rubber cleats is usually prohibited, and turf shoes are slippery on worn or wet turf
• Potential slipping hazards can cause pitchers to alter mechanics, which can result in injury or poor performance
• Same wear areas as natural mounds, just at a slower rate
• Turf must be replaced when fibers wear out
• At 55 lbs for small mounds and up to 1200 lbs for large, it usually requires multiple people to move them

◾ NATURAL PITCHING MOUND

► PROS:

• The preferred, healthiest option for a pitcher’s career
• Keeps play consistent with natural mounds used at higher levels of play
• Pitcher’s can maximize their performance due to the ground-force stability for their landing foot
• Provides best anchor footing for back foot drive
• When properly maintained, can be played on in light rain situations

► CONS:

• Not an option on multiple pitching distance fields
• Higher maintenance and requires tarping when not in use to maintain moisture
• Can become slippery when pitched off of during prolonged light rain or drizzle
• Very difficult to manage moisture content on indoor clay mounds
• On an artificial turf field, it can be very challenging to keep mound spoils from building up in the surrounding turf