There is nothing that I am more allergic to than freshly cut grass. So therefore....

[SmedIndy]

Originally posted by Max Power
The only ballpark that I would want to see use turf, just for one year, would be Coors Field.

Just imagine.

They'd outscore the Broncos, and get close to the Nuggets....

[VNV Nation]

Astroturf really defined the game of the 1970s and 1980s, especially in the NL, and I believe that the game itself was never better than those years.

Triples, inside-the-park homers, speed, Davey Concepcion, incredible defensive plays, true hops...they were wonderful, exciting.

[wskksw]

ashtrays? derivative.
actually, there were three parks built to be multi-use. all were in the nl, and all, not surprisingly, had turf. busch was built from a different philosophy.
as far as seats go, take the summation of the distance from all seats in a park from the mound. there ain't a new park that is not widely greater than its predecessor, per seat. not even close.
pnc is a fun park & spectacular skyline; giants' home is attractive; astros' ball field pleasantly quirky. every new park has been built with notion that it is competing with a multi-plex--stated notion.
baseball fans go to watch the game; ticket buyers go for the 'experience'. puhleese. there is a difference. stan kasten be damned.
provide me with a baseball game, in an acceptable setting--not the mall of america.

I'll take grass any day. Call me nostalgic but the last thing I want to see while watching a game is another reminder of how the game has changed from it's glolden days. Plus I can't take the "superball" bounces the ball takes in the outfield.

[Craig S.]

Grass every time.

That's not to take away from its contribution to the game. Turf has been a critical part of the game, and it really helped bring the speed element to the forefront for a while.

As for the big bounces that lead to doubles and triples, I think that could also be accomplished by not building the "ashtray" parks that Smed refers to, where everything is in perfect symetry. If someone dared to actually have some deep power alleys, the triple could thrive again.

I think turf has seen its day. With the ability to grow and maintain grass in almost any environment, I guess I don't see the need for the fake stuff anymore.

[poorme]

Originally posted by Craig S.

I think turf has seen its day. With the ability to grow and maintain grass in almost any environment, I guess I don't see the need for the fake stuff anymore.

turf is still cheaper. they'll always be a market for it, especially at the college level.

[Craig S.]

Originally posted by poorme
turf is still cheaper. they'll always be a market for it, especially at the college level.

True. I was thinking in the context of MLB only. With the way owners spend money, I don't think lack of funds is a valid excuse not to have grass. It also provides peace of mind for players, and I think it could be seen as an investment towards better protecting players from the dangers of turf.