Inside Edge: The Groundskeeper’s Playbook
The Inside Edge, hosted by former MLB Groundskeeper Paul Zwaska, is your go-to podcast for keeping ballparks at their best. Whether you’re maintaining a Little League field, a high school diamond, or a local rec park, we’re here to help you create safer, more playable infields. Tune in for expert advice, hands-on tips, and conversations that give you The Inside Edge on ballfield maintenance. Brought to you by DuraEdge.
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Episodes
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
In this conversation, Paul Zwaska interviews Steve Trosen from Home Field, discussing the intricacies of ball field construction and maintenance. Steve shares his journey from landscaping to specializing in sports field renovations, emphasizing the importance of surface drainage and proper grading. The discussion covers the challenges faced in achieving optimal drainage, the process of correcting surface grades, and the significance of hiring qualified contractors for field renovations. Steve also highlights the maintenance required to ensure the longevity and playability of ball fields, providing insights into the materials and techniques used in the industry.
Friday Apr 04, 2025
Friday Apr 04, 2025
Summary
In this premiere episode of Inside Edge, host Paul Zwaska shares his journey from being a groundskeeper in Major League Baseball to focusing on youth leagues and community sports. He discusses the importance of maintaining fields at lower levels, creating long-range plans for field maintenance, and the challenges faced in implementing changes. Zwaska emphasizes the significance of budgeting, investing in quality equipment, and enhancing the overall experience for families involved in youth sports. He concludes with valuable lessons learned throughout his experience in sports management. In this conversation, Paul shares insights on creating exceptional youth sports facilities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high-quality fields to attract families. He discusses the satisfaction derived from working with youth leagues compared to professional baseball, highlighting the need for better field maintenance at higher levels. The conversation also covers regional differences in field maintenance practices, innovative solutions for common challenges, and practical maintenance tips for optimal field performance.
Links
National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/ncrfc/LMI_FrostDepthMap
GDDTracker: https://gddtracker.msu.edu/?model=7&offset=0&zip=53507
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Inside Edge and Host Background
03:01
Journey from Major League Baseball to Youth Leagues
05:59
Creating a Long-Range Plan for Field Maintenance
08:53
Challenges in Implementing Change
11:49
Upgrading Facilities and Community Engagement
15:12
Budgeting and Financial Management in Youth Sports
18:02
Investing in Quality Equipment and Facilities
21:08
Increasing Participation and Revenue Growth
23:58
Enhancing the Overall Experience for Families
26:48
Lessons Learned and Future Directions
36:29
Creating Exceptional Youth Sports Facilities
39:25
Regional Differences in Field Maintenance
58:53
Innovative Solutions for Field Maintenance
01:12:05