How Many Turf Fields in MLB: The Dominance of Artificial Grass in Professional Baseball
The use of artificial grass, also known as turf, in Major League Baseball (MLB) has become increasingly prevalent over the years. Turf fields offer numerous advantages over traditional grass fields, such as reduced maintenance costs, improved drainage, and consistent playing conditions. As a result, many MLB teams have transitioned to turf fields. But how many turf fields are there in the MLB today? Let’s explore this topic further.
Understanding the Spread of Turf Fields in MLB
As of the 2021 season, a significant number of MLB teams have installed turf fields at their home stadiums. These artificial grass fields provide a consistent playing surface that is not affected by weather conditions, ensuring that games can be played year-round. Initially, the transition to turf fields was driven by the desire for better drainage and reduced maintenance costs. However, over time, the benefits of artificial grass have become more apparent, leading to a growing number of teams opting for this surface.
Counting the Turf Fields in MLB
To determine the number of turf fields in the MLB, we can examine the current list of teams and their home stadiums. As of now, the following MLB teams play on turf fields:
1. Atlanta Braves – SunTrust Park
2. Chicago Cubs – Wrigley Field (part of the field is turf)
3. Chicago White Sox – Guaranteed Rate Field
4. Colorado Rockies – Coors Field
5. Detroit Tigers – Comerica Park
6. Houston Astros – Minute Maid Park
7. Kansas City Royals – Kauffman Stadium
8. Los Angeles Angels – Angel Stadium
9. Los Angeles Dodgers – Dodger Stadium (part of the field is turf)
10. Miami Marlins – LoanDepot Park
11. Minnesota Twins – Target Field
12. New York Mets – Citi Field
13. New York Yankees – Yankee Stadium (part of the field is turf)
14. Oakland Athletics – Oakland Coliseum
15. Philadelphia Phillies – Citizens Bank Park
16. Pittsburgh Pirates – PNC Park
17. San Francisco Giants – Oracle Park
18. Seattle Mariners – T-Mobile Park
19. Tampa Bay Rays – Tropicana Field
20. Texas Rangers – Globe Life Park
21. Toronto Blue Jays – Rogers Centre
In total, 21 of the 30 MLB teams currently play on turf fields, accounting for approximately 70% of the league. This trend is likely to continue as more teams recognize the benefits of artificial grass.
Benefits and Challenges of Turf Fields in MLB
While turf fields offer many advantages, they also come with their own set of challenges. One of the main benefits is the consistency of the playing surface, which allows for a more predictable game. Additionally, artificial grass requires less maintenance, resulting in cost savings for teams. However, some players and fans have expressed concerns about the increased risk of injuries on turf fields compared to natural grass. The softer surface of grass fields can provide better cushioning for players, potentially reducing the risk of injury.
In conclusion, the number of turf fields in the MLB has grown significantly over the years, with 21 of the 30 teams currently playing on artificial grass. The benefits of turf fields, such as improved drainage and reduced maintenance costs, have led to this trend. While there are concerns about the increased risk of injuries, the overall consensus is that turf fields are a valuable asset to the MLB.
