Last Updated on April 28, 2023 by ReTurf

From the iconic crack of the bat to the smell of hot dogs wafting through the stands, it’s no wonder baseball is America’s favorite pastime. In this game, having the right surface for batting practice and pregame warm-ups is essential.

Grass Isn’t Always Greener

Sure, a perfectly manicured baseball field is a beautiful sight to behold. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows—ironically, those are some of the biggest issues.

Here are a few challenges faced by baseball teams when relying on natural grass surfaces for practice:

  1. Weather: Rain and snow, or even excessive heat and sun can wreak havoc on grass fields, making them muddy, crunchy, slippery, or even unplayable. And let’s not forget the dreaded rain delays—you want to practice hitting, not wait around for hours waiting for the tarp to come off.
  2. Unevenness: Uneven playing surfaces are a sprained ankle waiting to happen. Even the best-kept grass fields can fall victim to bumps and divots, which not only affect the quality of play but can also pose safety risks to players.
  3. Maintenance: Keeping a natural grass field in good shape is no walk in the park (or ballpark, to be more precise). It requires regular mowing, watering, fertilizing, and more maintenance to keep it perfect. And don’t forget about the insects, rodents, and weeds that love to make their home in those (formerly) pristine green blades.

Artificial turf solves many of the issues that natural grass sports fields/surfaces bring with them.

Now, before you head to the nearest big box store to scoop up a roll of cheap artificial turf, I must caution you: not all “fake grass” is the same. In other words, you can’t just pick up any random piece of “astro turf” at the store and expect it to withstand the rigors of batting practice.

While it’s true that synthetic grass can eliminate many of the issues faced with natural grass surfaces, cheaply-made turf products can bring their own set of problems:

  • Unrealistic: The feel and performance of a cheap artificial turf can be, well, let’s just say less than desirable. A poor-quality turf mat can lead to unpredictable ball bounces (i.e. the “pinball” effect) and an overall unrealistic playing experience.
  • Durability: Bargain-bin turf at the big box store may save you a few bucks upfront, but the wear and tear of batting practice can quickly turn that “bargain” into a frayed, hole-ridden mess.

The Baseball Turf Batting Mat: A Home Run Solution

Fortunately, there’s a solution to the turf troubles that plague so many teams: batting mats. These specially designed, portable practice surfaces offer a practical, low-maintenance alternative to both natural grass and low-quality big-box artificial turf rolls.

Advantages of Artificial Turf Mats

Here’s what makes professional turf batting mats the MVP of practice surfaces:

  1. Weather-Resistant: The highest quality batting mats are designed to hold up against the elements, so rain, snow, and heat don’t have to dampen your practice plans. Plus, their portability means you can quickly move them indoors in case Mother Nature decides to throw you a curveball.
  2. Smooth & Steady: With a uniform, level surface, pro batting mats eliminate the risks posed by uneven grass fields. No more surprise divots or bumps – just consistent, reliable footing for your players.
  3. Durable & Dependable: Unlike the cheap rolls of turf you might find at a home improvement store, a well-made batting mat is designed to withstand the wear and tear of regular batting practice.
  4. Realistic Gameplay: High-quality batting mats are designed to mimic the feel and performance of natural grass, providing a realistic playing experience.

12′ x 6′ Batting Practice Mats

ReTURF’s portable batting mats are constructed out of professional-grade turf remnants. Made with a 5mm, tough-as-nails foam backing material, this 12′ x 6′ mat’s got your back whether you’re practicing indoors or outdoors. Think of it as your trusty sidekick for batting practice and pre-game warm-ups.

The turf’s green color and crisp white lines provide a realistic surface that’ll make batters feel right at home. And instead of being painted on the surface, the lines are inlaid right into the mat, so you won’t have to worry about them fading, flaking, or chipping away.

What’s more, these mats are lightweight and a cinch to roll up—making them just as ideal for transporting and setting up temporarily, as well as for use in permanent batting cages.

Bottom Line

With an appropriate surface underfoot for batting practice and pregame warm-ups, a player can focus more on honing their skills—and perfecting their swing. If you’re serious about the game, you can give your players a significant edge by adding a baseball turf batting mat to your team’s practice arsenal.