Valley Christian will defend its Central Coast Section Division I baseball title on a newly turfed field.
The Warrior infield and outfield have been replaced with the latest in Field Turf, jettisoning the first-generation stuff that was put down in 2002, said Valley Christian coach John Diatte.
"The kids are excited and I'm excited," Diatte said. "The play right now is nice and not too slow. And Field Turf did some beautiful logos for us, a 'VC' in center field and 'WARRIORS' down the side that really makes the aesthetics of the field better."
The old first-generation stuff Valley Christian had became so hard that it was like first-generation AstroTurf, Diatte said. It was replaced with Field Turf product that mimics bermuda grass in the infield and rye grass in the outfield. The turf will even have a "mow pattern," making the diamond look even more like a real-grass field.
The drainage will also be exceptionally good, able to drain 10 to 15 inches of moisture in one hour.
"I don't think we'll ever have that much rain here," Diatte said with a laugh.
Valley Christian has also spruced up the rest of the venue so that it's not just the field that looks sharp.
The Warriors' first home game was Feb. 21 against San Benito, the school it defeated in last year's section title game. The Haybalers spoiled the home opener, defeating Valley Christian, 3-0.
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John Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@prep2prep.com.
