Meta Description: Learn everything about baseball field tarps – from types and benefits to selection criteria and maintenance best practices. Protect your investment year-round.
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The Complete Guide to Baseball Field Tarps: Protection, Maintenance, and Selection
Every successful baseball program understands that field quality directly impacts player performance and program reputation. Weather delays, cancellations, and poor field conditions can derail even the most promising seasons. Quality field tarps represent one of the smartest investments any baseball program can make—yet many coaches and athletic directors struggle to select the right protection for their specific needs.
With over two decades of experience supplying high-quality baseball equipment, we’ve learned that field protection isn’t just about having a cover—it’s about having the right cover, properly maintained and strategically deployed. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about baseball field tarps.
Table of Contents
Understanding Baseball Field Tarps
Baseball field tarps aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions. Different areas of your field face unique challenges and require specific protection. Let’s break down the main types of field covers and their applications:
Full-Field Infield Covers
These large tarps cover the entire infield dirt area from the back of first base to third base and from the outfield grass to behind home plate. They provide comprehensive protection against rainfall and are essential for fields in high-precipitation areas. Quality full infield covers are typically made from reinforced polyethylene material with strong seams and edge reinforcement to withstand regular deployment.
Weighted Tarps
Gone are the days of unsightly “blue tarps and concrete blocks.” Modern weighted tarps feature built-in weights along the edges, eliminating the need for external anchoring. These professional-grade covers stay in place during wind conditions without damaging your field. The weighted edges create a tight seal with the ground, preventing water from seeping underneath.
Home Plate Covers
Specialized covers designed specifically for the batter’s box and home plate area. These smaller, precisely shaped tarps protect the most frequently damaged part of your infield. Quality home plate covers feature extra reinforcement to handle the high traffic and frequent use this area experiences.
Pitcher’s Mound Covers
Custom-shaped tarps designed to cover and protect the pitcher’s mound. These specialized covers preserve your mound’s slope and clay composition while preventing water damage. Proper mound covers help maintain consistent pitching conditions throughout the season.
Base Area Spot Covers
Small, targeted covers for first, second, and third base areas. These spot covers allow for selective protection of critical areas even when a full infield cover isn’t necessary or available. They’re excellent for quick deployment during brief rain delays.
Understanding these different options is the first step toward developing a comprehensive field protection strategy. Many programs utilize a combination of these covers based on their specific needs, weather patterns, and maintenance capabilities.
Benefits of Quality Field Tarps
Investing in quality field tarps delivers benefits far beyond simply keeping your field dry. Let’s examine how proper field protection positively impacts your entire program:
Reduced Game Cancellations and Delays
Nothing disrupts a baseball season like unexpected cancellations. Quality tarps allow you to quickly protect your field during sudden weather changes and remove water efficiently when conditions improve. This means more games played as scheduled—maintaining momentum for your team and revenue for your program.
Decreased Maintenance Costs
Water damage to infields creates hours of additional work for maintenance staff. Properly deployed tarps prevent this damage, reducing labor costs, field material replacement expenses, and the need for extensive reconditioning. As we often remind our customers, “good and cheap do not go together”—investing in quality field protection actually saves money over time.
Extended Field Lifespan
Baseball fields represent significant investments. Quality tarps protect that investment by preventing erosion, maintaining proper drainage patterns, and preserving carefully crafted playing surfaces. This protection extends the life of your field and delays the need for costly renovations.
Consistent Playing Conditions
Athletic performance depends on consistent playing surfaces. Tarps help maintain uniform field conditions regardless of recent weather, giving players confidence in how the ball will bounce and perform. This consistency translates directly to improved player development and performance.
Enhanced Program Reputation
Fields that remain playable despite challenging weather demonstrate program professionalism. Opposing teams, scouts, and spectators notice the difference. Well-maintained fields signal that your program pays attention to details and invests in quality—impressions that extend beyond the playing surface.
When evaluating the cost of quality tarps, consider these benefits as part of your return on investment. Programs consistently tell us that their field protection systems pay for themselves within 1-2 seasons through reduced maintenance costs and fewer cancellations alone.
Don’t Let Weather Control Your Season
Protect your field investment with professional-grade tarps designed specifically for baseball programs. Our weighted vinyl covers eliminate the need for sandbags or stakes while providing superior protection.
Choosing the Right Tarp for Your Field
Selecting the appropriate tarps involves several key considerations. Let’s walk through the factors that should guide your decision:
Material Quality and Construction
Field tarps are available in various materials and construction qualities. The most important factors include:
- Material weight – Measured in ounces per square yard, heavier materials (typically 14-18oz) offer greater durability but may require more personnel to deploy
- Reinforced edges and grommets – Critical for withstanding regular use and preventing tearing
- UV protection – Prevents deterioration from sun exposure
- Seam construction – Heat-welded seams outperform sewn seams for water resistance
Remember that material quality directly impacts longevity. Professional-grade tarps may cost more initially but typically last 5-7 years with proper care, while budget options often need replacement within 1-2 seasons.
Sizing Considerations
Accurate field measurements are essential before purchasing tarps. Consider:
- Adding 5-7 feet of overlap beyond the actual infield dirt for full infield covers
- Ensuring mound covers extend at least 3 feet beyond the mound’s base circumference
- Measuring actual home plate areas rather than using standard dimensions
Custom sizing is often worth the additional investment, as properly sized tarps are easier to deploy and provide more effective protection.
Weight Systems
Modern field tarps utilize several different anchoring methods:
- Standard grommeted edges – Require external weights or stakes
- Weighted edges – Built-in weights (often water or sand-filled tubes) that eliminate the need for external anchoring
- Air vents – Allow air to escape, preventing wind “ballooning”
We strongly recommend weighted-edge systems for most programs. They significantly reduce deployment time and eliminate damage caused by stakes or external weights.
Team Customization
Field tarps serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Consider:
- Incorporating team colors into your tarp design
- Adding logos or mascots to showcase program pride
- Using contrasting colors for edges to improve visibility
Customized tarps turn necessary field equipment into powerful branding opportunities without sacrificing protection.
Budget Considerations
While quality should drive your decision, we understand budget constraints are real. If you cannot afford a complete field protection system initially, consider:
- Prioritizing protection for the most critical areas (typically pitching mound and home plate)
- Purchasing higher-quality tarps for frequently used areas while using more economical options elsewhere
- Exploring phased purchasing that allows you to add pieces over multiple budget cycles
Whatever your budget, avoid the false economy of extremely cheap tarps that quickly fail. As we remind our customers, investing in quality the first time prevents costly repurchases.
Installation and Maintenance Best Practices
Even the highest-quality tarps will fail prematurely without proper handling and maintenance. Follow these best practices to maximize your investment:
Deployment Techniques
Proper deployment prevents damage while ensuring effective coverage:
- Personnel requirements – Assign specific roles for efficient deployment (leaders, edge handlers, etc.)
- Walking technique – Never drag tarps across the field; instead, carry and unfold systematically
- Wind considerations – Deploy from upwind to downwind when possible
- Overlap management – Ensure proper shingling when using multiple tarps to prevent water penetration
We recommend creating a written deployment protocol and training all potential users before your season begins. Many programs find it helpful to conduct practice deployment sessions during preseason preparation.
Securing Methods
Different anchoring systems require specific approaches:
- Weighted tarps – Ensure edges make full contact with the ground; smooth from center outward
- Grommeted tarps – Use sandbags rather than stakes when possible to prevent field damage
- Wind management – Consider additional center weights during high-wind conditions
Remember that improper securing can create more damage than no tarp at all, as flapping edges act like whips against your field surface.
Proper Storage
Storage practices dramatically impact tarp lifespan:
- Cleaning before storage – Remove debris and allow tarps to dry completely before folding
- Folding technique – Follow manufacturer guidelines for fold patterns; generally fold in thirds lengthwise, then accordion-fold
- Storage location – Choose cool, dry areas away from direct sunlight
- Rodent prevention – Elevate tarps off ground and consider protective containers
Never store wet tarps, even briefly. Mildew develops quickly and permanently damages materials while creating potential health hazards.
Maintenance Schedule
Implement these routine maintenance practices:
- Regular inspection – Check for tears, worn areas, and seam separation monthly
- Cleaning protocol – Gentle soap and water for spot cleaning; avoid harsh chemicals
- Small repair management – Address minor damage immediately with appropriate patch kits
- Off-season maintenance – Complete thorough cleaning and detailed inspection before long-term storage
Document all maintenance activities and repairs to track patterns and anticipate replacement needs.
Water Removal Techniques
After rainfall, proper water removal extends tarp life and speeds field readiness:
- Push brooms – Use to direct water toward edges or drainage points
- Water rollers – Specialized tools that absorb water while rolling across tarps
- “Tenting” technique – Creating raised center points to direct water flow
- Submersible pumps – For removing larger accumulations from tarp surfaces
Never attempt to remove tarps while significant water remains on the surface—the weight can cause tears and injuries to personnel.
Extend Your Tarp’s Lifespan
Our maintenance kits include everything needed to properly clean, repair, and store your field tarps. Professional-grade repair patches, cleaning solution, and illustrated maintenance guides help maximize your investment.
Weather Protection Strategies
Different seasons present unique challenges for field protection. Here’s how to adapt your tarp strategy throughout the year:
Spring Rain Management
Spring baseball often faces frequent rainfall challenges:
- Weather monitoring – Implement reliable alert systems to provide deployment lead time
- Quick-response teams – Designate and train specific individuals for rapid deployment
- Partial protection protocol – When full coverage isn’t possible, prioritize mound and plate areas
- Between-game strategies – Modified covering approaches for tournament situations
Consider creating decision trees that outline exactly when to deploy tarps based on forecast confidence and precipitation probability. This eliminates uncertainty during threatening weather.
Summer Heat Protection
Summer brings different challenges to field management:
- Moisture retention – Strategic tarp use to prevent excessive drying and hardening
- Clay protection – Targeted coverage of pitcher’s mounds and batter’s boxes during extreme heat
- UV management – Controlling sun exposure to prevent material breakdown in clay areas
Many programs don’t realize tarps serve valuable purposes even in dry conditions by helping maintain optimal moisture levels in critical playing areas.
Fall Transition Techniques
As seasons change, adapt your approach:
- Dew management – Morning coverage to prevent saturation from heavy dew
- Temperature fluctuation strategies – Protection during freeze/thaw cycles
- Leaf and debris management – Regular removal to prevent material breakdown
Fall weather often involves more dramatic daily temperature variations, creating unique challenges for clay area maintenance.
Winter Field Protection
Off-season protection is just as important as in-season coverage:
- Winterization covers – Specialized breathable materials for long-term protection
- Snow load management – Strategies for preventing damage from accumulation
- Critical area protection – Extra attention to mounds and plate areas during dormant months
- Periodic inspection – Regular checks throughout the off-season
Winter protection significantly reduces spring renovation requirements and allows for earlier field readiness when the new season approaches.
Creating Your Annual Protection Plan
Develop a calendar-based approach that addresses:
- Seasonal priorities – Different focus areas based on typical weather patterns
- Staff assignments – Clear responsibilities throughout the year
- Equipment rotation – Strategic deployment of different tarps based on seasonal needs
- Maintenance scheduling – Planned care during appropriate seasons
Document your approach in a field management handbook that ensures consistency even with staff changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people do I need to properly deploy a full infield tarp?
For standard high school and college infield tarps (approximately 120′ x 120′), we recommend a minimum of 8-10 people for safe, effective deployment. Larger tarps may require 12-14 individuals. The key is having enough people to prevent dragging the tarp across the infield surface, which damages both the tarp and your field. Weighted tarps typically require fewer personnel than traditional grommeted tarps that need additional anchoring.
What’s the typical lifespan of a quality field tarp?
When properly maintained, premium baseball field tarps typically last 5-7 years with regular use. Factors affecting lifespan include frequency of deployment, storage practices, material quality, and climate conditions. Programs in extreme heat or cold environments may experience shorter lifespans. Budget-grade tarps generally last only 1-3 seasons before requiring replacement. Following the maintenance practices outlined in this guide can significantly extend your tarp’s useful life.
Can I repair my field tarp if it gets damaged?
Yes, minor damage can be effectively repaired using appropriate methods. Small tears (under 6 inches) can be addressed with specialized vinyl repair kits that include adhesive and matching material patches. Larger tears or damage to seams typically require professional repair services. We recommend having repair kits on hand for immediate fixes, as small tears quickly expand when left unaddressed. Always clean the damaged area thoroughly and ensure it’s completely dry before attempting any repair.
Are custom-sized tarps worth the additional cost?
For most programs, yes. Custom-sized tarps provide several advantages: they fit your specific field dimensions precisely, eliminate excess material that complicates deployment, and ensure complete coverage of critical areas. While standard sizes may be less expensive initially, they often require additional handling time and provide less effective protection. For critical areas like pitcher’s mounds and home plate areas, the precision of custom sizing is particularly valuable for protecting your field’s most intensively maintained sections.
What’s the best way to remove standing water from tarps after rainfall?
The most effective approach combines methods based on water volume. For significant accumulation, start with submersible pumps placed at low points. Once larger pools are removed, use “squeegee” or “water roller” tools to push remaining water toward edges. For minimal accumulation, push brooms can be effective. Always remove water before attempting to remove the tarp, as water weight can cause tearing and makes the tarp dangerously heavy. Some programs create slight elevation at tarp centers during installation to naturally direct water toward edges.
What Programs Are Saying About Quality Field Protection
“We invested in a complete set of weighted tarps three seasons ago after struggling with constant field repairs. The difference has been remarkable—we haven’t lost a home game to rain since, and our maintenance costs have dropped by almost 40%. The custom team colors were a bonus that our boosters particularly appreciated.”
— Athletic Director, Division I College Program
“After years of using cheap tarps that needed replacement every season, we finally invested in quality. The weighted edges make deployment possible with just our coaching staff, and the durability has been impressive. Should have done this years ago.”
— Head Coach, Championship High School Program
Protect Your Field, Protect Your Program
Quality field tarps represent one of the most impactful investments any baseball program can make. Beyond simply protecting against rain, a comprehensive tarp strategy preserves your field’s playability, reduces maintenance costs, prevents cancellations, and showcases your program’s professionalism.
Remember that field protection isn’t just about having covers—it’s about having the right covers, properly maintained and strategically deployed throughout the year. The initial investment in quality equipment pays dividends through extended field life, reduced maintenance hours, and more games played as scheduled.
Since 1999, BaseballTips.com has helped programs across the country develop effective field protection strategies tailored to their specific needs and budgets. Our team of former coaches and players understands both the technical requirements and practical constraints programs face.
Ready to protect your field investment?
Contact us for a personalized consultation to determine the optimal tarp configuration for your program’s specific needs. Our field protection specialists will help you balance quality, budget, and functionality to create a system that serves your program for years to come.
Request Your Free Field Protection Consultation
Call 1-800-487-7432 (Monday-Friday, 10am-7pm EST) or complete our online form for detailed product information and pricing.