Stabilizer Solutions

Stabilizer Solutions, Inc. Puts Finishing Touches on Justin Upton Field

Stabilizer Solutions — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:42:05 -0700

From April 5, 2012

First day is right around the corner and what a way to celebrate the new season with the grand opening of a new (old) ballfield. Justin Upton Field is the latest installment in the Diamondsback Charity field building program.

From April 5, 2012

Justin Upton received help from fellow outfielder Chris Young and coach Kirk Gibson to reopen this historic field at University Park in downtown Phoenix. Also on hand were Mayor Greg Stanton, City of Phoenix officials and field workers, and of course Team Mascot DBaxter.

From April 5, 2012

Stabilizer Solutions, Inc. is proud to have participated in every Diamondsback field since the team's inception. Being that Justin Upton Field must accommodate many different needs, the infield was kept entirely skinned with "Stabilizer "Pro Red" Infield Mix":http://www.stabilizersolutions.com/products/stabilizer-pro-red-infield-mix. To clearly designate the "Hilltopper Clay":http://www.stabilizersolutions.com/products/hilltopper-mound-clay mound, the company covered it with its dark crimson colored Hilltopper Conditioner. Finally the warning track is composed of Stabilized 1/4" Minus Sedona Red.

From April 5, 2012

Barney Lopas and MLB Groundskeepers pull off Amazing Field Transformation

Stabilizer Solutions — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:35:53 -0700

The Orange High School baseball field has undergone an amazing transformation thanks to Barney Lopas and the Angels Grounds Crew with support from the MLB Groundskeepers Conference and the Baseball Tomorrow Fund.

From Drop Box

*Barney puts the finishing touches on the field with the help of Hall of Famer George Toma.*

At Stabilizer Solutions we were fortunate to witness the transformation first hand. The change is truly remarkable, to read the full story click "*here.*":http://www.foxsportswest.com/01/10/12/Angels-groundskeepers-donate-a-baseball-/landing.html?blockID=643566&feedID=3707. Also, for a great slideshow and more of the story click "*here.*":http://angels.ocregister.com/2012/01/11/angels-groundskeepers-step-up-for-orange-high/115432/ Our very own Jim Greer is photographed with Hall of Famer Rod Carew.

Join Stabilizer Solutions' Clayton Hubbs, for the Science of Skin Infields at Upcoming Sports Turf Manger Association (STMA) Annual Conference

Stabilizer Solutions — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:09:33 -0700

*Clayton Hubbs, Barney Lopas and Grant Trenbeath Discuss “The Science of Skin Infields” on January 11, 201*

PHOENIX– January 9, 2012 – For professional groundskeepers, the skin – or exposed soil surfaces of the ball field – is where the player's respect is earned. Yet, many groundskeepers still struggle to understand the best way to take care for it. At the upcoming 2012 STMA Annual Conference, three industry professionals will present on the right tools needed to manage the infield skin. Clayton Hubbs, the director of operations for Stabilizer Solutions, Inc., a Phoenix-based soil technology company, will be joined by Los Angeles Angels Head Groundskeeper, Barney Lopas and Grant Trenbeath, head groundskeeper for the Arizona Diamondbacks, in their talk taking place on Wednesday, January 11, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Focusing on “The Science of Skin Infields,” Hubbs, Lopas and Trenbeath will share how to choose the best infield-mix to fit the needs of any field. With more than 70 percent of the baseball game action occurring on the infield skin, it is important to understand what to consider when constructing, amending or maintaining an infield.

“The components involved in protecting and maintaining your infield skin are extremely temperamental. It takes the right combination of particle size analysis, choosing the proper infield mix for your climate and the right maintenance routine that makes all the difference.” said Hubbs.

STMA's Annual Conference & Exhibition takes place January 10 -13, 2012 in Long Beach, Calif. For more information, visit www.stma.com.

Pakenham Racing Club switches to StaLok

Stabilizer Solutions — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:58:26 -0700

Pakenham Racing Club's new 2400-meter track will be bigger than Melbourne and Sydney's marquee racecourses at Flemington and Randwick, making it one of the bigger tracks in Australia. After an exhaustive search, track officials have decided to go with StaLok reinforced natural turf provided by Evergreen Turf. Read the entire article "here":http://www.starnewsgroup.com.au/news/pakenham/318/story/143658.html

2011 NFCA / Stabilizer Solutions Field of the Year Award Winners

Stabilizer Solutions — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:42:55 -0700

Congratulations to this year's NFCA and Stabilizer Solutions Field of the Year Award winners. The competition was fierce as the number of entries this year, was at an all time high. To learn more about the winning fields, please read more below.

*Division I*
Sherri Parker Lee Stadium
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Submitted by: Director of Operations, Stephanie Sayne
Ground’s Crew: Darryl Denny

From News

*The Combo is Key*
With a 1622 fan capacity and boasting a state of the art press box, digital scoreboard with video playback, and incredible player’s amenities under the stadium complex, the Lady Vol’s no doubt play in one of the most advanced facilities in the nation. Field namesake Sherri Lee said, "I enjoy athletics a great deal, and feel that it is very important for women to have the best available opportunities and facilities in order to compete at the highest-level in athletics." So what does one of the best teams in the country play on? A combination of products. Starting with a gravel leech bed for drainage, the infield mix is 40% clay, 49% sand, and 11% silt mix from a local Knoxville company. The field crew adds several amendments to the infield to keep it in shape year round, including Pro’s Choice Infield Conditioner as a topdressing and Stabilizer Infield Amendment on the infield’s high-wear areas for extra firmness and to prevent a quick dry-out. Artificial turf was installed in a horseshoe shape from dugout to dugout where the grass becomes very worn. The outfield consists of a well-draining sand base and is seeded twice a year with a Bermuda and a custom grass species. The warning track is a special blend of fine to course gravel colored to please the eye of this field’s many admirers.

*Division II*
Pioneer Field
Texas Women's University, Denton, TX
Lone Star Conference
Submitted by: Supervisor of Landscape Services, Robert Trevino
Ground’s Crew: Ben Reeves, Marty Looper, Becky Chisenhall

From News

*Not their First Rodeo*
Although Pioneer Field has only been around since 1996 when the University officially recognized Softball as a school sport, this field of the year honor is not its first. In 2002, it was recognized as the Softball Field of the Year for College / University by the Sports Turf Managers Association and it is easy to see why. Nestled in Texas’ rolling hills between the school’s golf course and soccer field, Landscape Services keeps this hidden gem sparkling. Always ready for the National stage, TWU’s Facilities Management & Construction Landscape Services work hard to ready the field for the Lady Pioneers, the NCAA Regional and National tournaments, and High School play-offs. Fully electric, the field is equipped with a press box, a 27-foot electric scoreboard, and lights for night play. In 2002, Pioneer Field received safety upgrades and a modernization of the outfield fence, back-stop, and press boxes. Concurrently, a new Crimson Infield Conditioner was applied to the infield surface and the same type of turf used at Ranger’s Ballpark in Arlington was installed for those galloping outfielders.

*Division III*
Blue and Grey Field
Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA
Submitted by: Head Coach, John Byrne
Ground’s Crew: Randy Haffling

From News

*Keep On Movin’, Don’t Stop*
From Sandlot to practice football field, Moravian College’s Softball Field made a long journey to become The Blue and Grey Field. Now, it’s being recognized for the hard work and patience responsible for its 15-year transformation. The field really began to take shape in 2005 when the focus shifted from making sure the Turfgrass survived from Football through Softball season to adding all of the basic field elements every softball field deserves. Fencing, dugouts, a new backstop, bullpens, batting cages, bleachers and a new scoreboard bearing the field’s name all set the stage. In 2010, the grounds crew remedied many field maintenance issues switching to a new seed mixture and fungicide program for the turf. The following year the infield surface was overhauled, replacing the existing material with Hilltopper Infield Mix and Conditioner installed in time for the area’s wettest year on record. Looking ahead, a full surface renovation of the warning track surface and bullpens will be the Blue and Grey’s crowning moment.

*Community College*
Wallace State Community College, Hanceville, AL
Bobby McCracken Stadium
Submitted by: Head Softball Coach, Jayne Clem
Ground’s Crew: Jayne Clem, Jordan Carter, Pete Harris

From News

*In the Mouth of a Lion*
With a unique field design and the South’s rich red clay, Bobby McCracken Stadium is well anchored in the spirit and tradition of its place. The red clay sits as a base layer for the infield fines. Stabilizer Infield Amendment was added to ensure its performance is as good as its looks helping with drainage and moisture control. Although the field is regulation, the red infield mix is contained within the abstract shape of a lion’s head, a nod to the school’s mascot. Program pride and tireless work is what has led the Lady Lions to the 2008 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I National Championship as well as multiple Division Championships since the program began in 1997. With so many honors this program lives up to the regal nature of its mascot.

*High School*
Howell High School, Howell MI
Alumni Field
Submitted by: Head Coach, Paul Bushong
Ground’s Crew: Paul Bushong

From News

*From Slag to Fab - Pool your resources*
We all know how difficult it is to round up volunteers for field maintenance and improvement, but Head Coach and Groundskeeper Paul Bushong managed to orchestrate a 3-year field renovation based upon the kindness of others. Paul and crew remade an old slag, multi-use, limestone field into something the players and parents are proud. Along with volunteer labor, the monies for the renovation came from fundraising while the majority of the materials and equipment were donated. A local company gifted a storage building and the field sign was designed and created by a player and her Dad. Also a 40’ X 70’ all dirt hitting and bullpen area was constructed from excess material from another district field. For the infield, the top ½” of the existing red mix was scraped off the field and stored for reuse. It later became the base material for the new infield surface. The outfield sod was cleared away and the limestone turned concrete base was removed. New topsoil was brought in for the donated sod and that old ‘slag’ got a second chance as the new warning track mix.

Kauffman Center Landscape Combines Beauty and Function

Stabilizer Solutions — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:20:45 -0700

The new Kauffman Center for Performing Arts by architect Moshe Safdie dramatically performs a feat of beauty against the Kansas City skyline, but what lies below the building works just as hard to support the center’s extended programming. “Most landscapes are created for aesthetics. Now it’s time to put those beautiful landscapes to work. We need them to perform. We need to adapt our machine,” said Jeff Bruce, managing principal of Jeffrey L. Bruce & Co. who partnered with Reed Hilderbrand Associates in Watertown, MA on the surrounding grounds and green-roof. Bruce, a soils expert, chose a "StaLok® Fiber":http://www.stabilizersolutions.com/products/stalok-fiber mixture to support drainage in the root-zone and provide strength for whatever song and dance the turf needs to support. Read more "here.":http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/16/us/kauffman-center-for-the-performing-arts-set-to-open-in-kansas-city.html?_r=1

Barney Lopas Field Day Recap

Stabilizer Solutions — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:50:25 -0700

Stabilizer Solutions, Inc. on behalf of the vendors, would like to extend a thank you to everyone who attended the Barney Lopas Field Day on November 1st.

From Field Day

It was a productive learning day as Angels Head Groundskeeper Barney Lopas covered skin infield maintenance, Diamondbacks Head Groundskeeper Grant Trenbeath discussed mound maintenance, laser leveling expert Bill Barkshire shared the importance of maintaining a level field, and Cal Poly Pomona Professor Kelly Parkins shared her expertise on turf health. Our featured speaker, Angels Hitting Coach Mickey Hatcher stepped up to the plate and gave us a great motivational talk about the importance of coaching and groundskeeping from T-ball to college ball.

From Field Day

Congratulations to all of the raffle winners of the items donated by the vendors. A special congratulations to the big winners of the free field laser grading from Barkshire Laser Levelling, the Tori Hunter autographed baseball bat, and the Kendry Morales autographed ball offered in the Stabilizer Solutions Facebook raffle. To find out about other events and other field maintenance information, stay connected at "facebook.com/StabilizerSolutions":http://www.facebook.com/StabilizerSolutions.

James I. Moyer Sports Complex named ASA/Stabilizer Solutions Complex of the Year

Stabilizer Solutions — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:53:41 -0700

OKLAHOMA CITY — The James I. Moyer Sports Complex in Salem, Va., has been selected as the 2011 Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America Complex of the Year presented by Stabilizer Solutions, Inc., the ASA announced today. In addition to receiving the award at ASA’s 80th National Council Meeting next month in Myrtle Beach, S.C., the Moyer Complex (1000 Union Street) will also receive approximately $2,000 in field maintenance products from Stabilizer Solutions.

“We are extremely honored and humbled to receive this national award from the ASA. It is truly a reflection of not only our dedicated staff at the Moyer Complex, but also the relationship we have cultivated over the years with the folks at ASA,” said John Shaner, Salem Parks and Recreation Director. “We both try to go out of our way to put the players and the game of softball first, and this type of recognition shows that our hard work pays off. The City of Salem is very appreciative of his honor.”

Previous award winners include Veterans Park and Athletic Complex in College Station, Texas, in 2010, Heritage Park Softball Complex in St. Joseph, Mo., in 2009, Twin Creeks Softball Complex in Woodstock, Ga., in 2008 and Freedom Ridge Park Complex in Ridgeland, Miss., in 2007. The Field of Dreams Complex in Las Cruces, N.M., won the inaugural 2006 award.

In June 2011, the Moyer Complex hosted training camps for the USA Softball Women’s National Team and the Junior Women’s National Team as they prepared for international play. Most recently, the Moyer Complex hosted the 2011 ASA Fast Pitch Girls’ Class A 10-Under, 12U and 16U Eastern National Championships and the ASA Slow Pitch Men’s Class D Eastern National Championship. The 2012 ASA Girls’ Class A 14U and 18U Fast Pitch Eastern National Championships, ASA Men’s Class C Fast Pitch East National Championship and the ASA Men’s Eastern Class C Slow Pitch National Championship are slated to be held in Salem, Va.

“When our events are hosted at the City of Salem Parks and Recreation Department’s James I. Moyer Sports Complex, we know that they will be conducted by a professional staff in a state of the art facility appropriate for our athletes, our coaches, our umpires and all of their supporters,” said ASA Executive Director Ron Radigonda. “The James I. Moyer Sports Complex is extremely worthy of the ASA Complex of the Year designation. Congratulations to everyone involved with making the Moyer Complex one of the best destinations for our organization.”

In addition to hosting both ASA and USA Softball events, the Moyer Complex is home to the Salem High School Girls Fast Pitch Softball Team and the Roanoke College Softball Team and hosts a variety of other youth, high school, college and adult action. The NCAA Women's Fast Pitch Softball National Championships for Division II and Division III and Old Dominion Athletic Conference tournaments have also been hosted at the facility.

"Usually sports fields are asked to meet the needs of one or two levels of play," said Jon Hubbs, President of Stabilizer Solutions, Inc. "We are proud to recognize the James I. Moyer Sports complex for taking on the challenge of satisfying all levels of play from youth to collegiate softball, a rare feat."

The Moyer Complex boasts four fields, which are built around the three story Moyer Tower. The ground level of the Tower houses a permanent concession stand. Among the features of the second floor are the tournament headquarters and meeting space, both of which have phone and wireless Internet hook ups. The third floor of Tower houses the site supervisor’s office, public address (PA) announcers, official scorekeepers and clock operators. Audio units are located on Level 3, which enables playing the National Anthem or music on all four fields or on an individual field. There is also a master PA system which enables an override of all other PA systems.

The fields have a 50/30 lighting system, which is equal to the lighting for Triple A baseball stadiums. Each field is equipped with electronic scoreboards as well as permanent spectator seating with the option for additional portable grandstands. All fields are located near permanent men’s and women’s restrooms. For the convenience of athletes, coaches and umpires, all dugouts also have restrooms and water fountains. Dugouts are also equipped with intercom systems to the third floor of the Moyer Tower.

In addition to hosting softball, the facility also hosts baseball and soccer games throughout the year. The Moyer Complex has a large playground area with playground equipment, a basketball half-court, horseshoe pits, a volleyball court and a sheltered area with picnic tables and grills. A circular paved pathway outside of permanent fence that borders Moyer Complex and the Roanoke River can also be used for walking, jogging, and exercise trail for all ages.

Don't Miss November 1st Field Day at Angel Stadium

Stabilizer Solutions — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:27:10 -0700

From Drop Box

Barney Lopas, Head Groundskeeper for the L.A. Angels of Anaheim invites you to participate in a Groundskeeping Field Day on November 1st, 2011, 8AM-12PM, at Angels Stadium.

Barney has recruited other Head Groundskeepers from around Major League Baseball to help teach proper maintenance for all levels of play. Weather you maintain your own field, manage a crew, coach or even design fields, this is a great opportunity to learn how to get the best performance out of your field, or at least understand what to look for. Stabilizer Solutions, Inc. and other vendors will also be on hand displaying the latest cutting edge products and services.

There will also be plenty of entertainment for baseball and softball enthusiasts. The featured speaker is Lisa Fernandez, Olympic Softball hero and current UCLA Assistant Softball Coach. Other surprise speakers from around professional baseball may also join us. Admission is free, a complimentary lunch will be provided during an exciting raffle with plenty of prizes. Also, a special side raffle will be conducted on the Stabilizer Solutions Facebook page. All you have to do is like Stabilizer Solutions on "Facebook":http://www.facebook.com/StabilizerSolutions and you will automatically be entered into the raffle.

Please don’t miss this exciting day. For more information see the flyer attached or contact me. To RSVP call Tina at 800.336.2468 or email at info@stabilizersolutions.com.

Take a Gamble, enter the 2011 NFCA Field of the Year Award Competition

Stabilizer Solutions — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 07:24:04 -0700

*Submit your field or nominate another team's field by October, 31, 2011.*

PHOENIX– September 27, 2011- Soils Technology company Stabilizer Solutions, Inc. and The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) are now accepting entries for the 2011 Field of the Year Awards. Partnering for the fourth-year running, the award honors outstanding field surfacing, excellence in grounds maintenance, as well as qualities unique to each field.

The NFCA / Stabilizer Solutions Field of the Year Award is part of the activities of the 2011 NFCA National Convention taking place at Bally’s Las Vegas, November 30th - December 3rd. Winner’s will be presented with a plaque at the opening meeting of the convention on November 30, 2011. Photos and field profiles will be published in the December issue of the NFCA’s newspaper Fastpitch Delivery and will appear on the NFCA and Stabilizer Solution, Inc’s websites and Facebook pages. Stabilizer Solutions, Inc. will also award the winner of each category a pallet of "*Hilltopper Waterless Mound Clay*":http://www.stabilizersolutions.com/product/view/36. A natural clay bound with polymer, keeping it stable, and providing protection from the elements: rain, snow, drought.

This year’s panel of professional Groundskeepers will include guest judge, Pete Wozniak, Arizona State University’s head Groundskeeper and 2009 Division I Field of the Year Award winner. The entries will be judged on the quality of field surfacing and maintenance. Each team’s specific story, donor, and/or community involvement will also be considered. A popular vote conducted on Stabilizer Solutions "*Facebook page*":http://www.facebook.com/StabilizerSolutions will also be taken into consideration.

“Each year the entries are more competitive,” said Jon Hubbs, president and CEO of Stabilizer Solutions, Inc. “I’m always impressed that people are as excited about their fields and their dirt as I am, it's the building block for winning programs and team pride.” Four schools will be honored in the following categories: High School, Community College, Division I, and Other Four-Year Institutions (including Division II, III, and NAIA) and may be submitted by school officials, coaches, grounds crew, students, parents, and fans.

Enter before October 31, 2011. Download the entry form "*here*":http://www.stabilizersolutions.com/uploads/document/file/57/NFCA_FOY_AWARD_2011_fillableform.pdf, fill in the information and email it to *info@stabilizersolutions.com* or fax to *602.225.5902.* And don’t forget to send pictures.

Take a look at last years winner’s by clicking "*here.*":http://www.stabilizersolutions.com/news/nfca-and-stabilizer-solutions-softball-field-of-the-year-winners