FieldTurf

I read that in Nikkan Sports a while back and was disappointed that they didn't include any pictures. They described it as having the checker pattern of light and dark like so many Major League fields have. I'm definitely looking for forward to it.

I'd read about a number of proposals for real grass to be put in at Chiba Marine, but haven't seen anything saying that they're actually going through and doing it, yet. I have a vague memory of a proposal for Green Stadium Kobe as well - grass in the infield? But I haven't seen any follow ups on it, either.

I've been so busy entering data lately that I'm afraid I haven't been too focussed on baseball news for a while, so I may well have missed the follow ups. (I'm very thankful that "Kiyoshi-kun" has come along and is posting links to news articles. I can spend more time on data entry without a guilty conscious.)

Well, hopefully when I go to Yokohama Stadium this year it won't be after they spoil the turf with an American Football grid iron. They never could seem to get it out of the carpet.

I read that in Nikkan Sports a while back and was disappointed that they didn't include any pictures. They described it as having the checker pattern of light and dark like so many Major League fields have.

Yep, you can see that pattern in this picture of Tropicana Field, which uses FieldTurf -- a vast improvement over Astroturf, IMO.

westbaystars- you are welcome. I want to thank you for all the time and effort you spend on these forums. Japanesebaseball.com is the best baseball site for information and active participation.

I agree with you Kiyoshi. Westbaystars has done a great job here!

I have a vague memory of a proposal for Green Stadium Kobe as well - grass in the infield?

Yes, green Stadium now has a grass infield, and I believe they've even taken out the protective fence down the first base side and added some seats right up close to the action.