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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Where the grass is always greener

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Moanalua High baseball coach Scott Yamada will teach you how to properly care for a baseball field, such as the one he maintains year-round.

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You, too, can have a field of dreams.

Moanalua High baseball coach Scott Yamada and his assistants will be holding a field maintenance clinic Saturday at the school's baseball diamond. The clinic runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free.

Moanalua has one of the best manicured diamonds on O'ahu. The grass is tightly cut and the edges are sharp. The infield dirt provides true hops.

"It's one of the better ones," said Kaimuki baseball coach Duke Chinen, adding he has applied some of Yamada's techniques on his own field.

Yamada said the clinic will be hands-on, so those attending should dress appropriately. The staff will teach participants how to care for the grass, as well as dirt areas on the field.

The clinic is geared for those operating on modest budgets, such as high schools. Participants will be taught how to make their own equipment, such as rip boards that are used to drag the infield.

Even the most famous groundskeeper, George Toma, helped in the maintenance of Moanalua's field, Yamada said. Toma has been the groundskeeper for Super Bowls, Pro Bowls, World Series and the 1984 and 1996 Olympics.

Yamada said the clinic is open to anyone, including those who just want improve their back yards. He said he just wants to share what others, such as Toma, has shared with him.

"The more people we can help (teach about field maintenance), it's the kids who will be the ones to benefit the most," Yamada said.

Yamada said he maintains the Moanalua field year-round. While he and his family earlier incurred some expenses for equipment, recently the baseball booster club has been able to provide subsidies.

Those interested in attending the clinic should call 837-8066. Participants should bring their own lunch.

The clinic is sponsored by B Hayman Company Hawaii Ltd., a field maintenance equipment rental company, and Hawaii Winter Baseball.

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.