LANCASTER, Pa. — The back-to-back Atlantic League champions are back in town, and they'll be playing baseball on a new surface this upcoming season.
On Tuesday, the Lancaster Stormers had their first field test of the new artificial turf at Clipper Magazine Stadium. The organization is part of a growing trend of teams in the Atlantic League who are moving away from traditional dirt and grass.
"Obviously, it doesn't smell like fresh cut grass, but I think it looks beautiful," said Mike Reynolds, the Lancaster Stormers' general manager. "[The] players have had good conversations and comments about how it plays."
The Lancaster Stormers say the switch to turf will help with maintenance costs and allow baseballs to be used longer without getting scuffed up. Players said the change will also create a more consistent playing surface and take away bad bounces.
“If we can have a consistent play of ground balls so that guys won’t get hurt, then I’m all for it," said Stormers outfielder Trayvon Robinson.
The switch to turf was also made with multi-use purposes in mind, that way Clipper Magazine Stadium can host more events without compromising the playing surface.
“We have a July 4th celebration, we have an RV show, we have a Christmas light show," said Reynolds. "The artificial turf allows us to have all those events, while still offering our high-caliber athletes a consistent playing surface.”
Reynolds also sees the turf as a way to give back to Lancaster, by allowing them to share the ballpark.
“The more the Stormers have success, both on and off the field, the more we will give back to the community, and truly make this a community center for all of Central Pa.," said Reynolds.
The Lancaster Stormers' Opening Day is on April 30, when the two-time defending Atlantic League champions take on the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars.