How to Repair a Fastpitch Pitcher's Circle

During league play and tournaments, ball diamonds can take a beating. Batters and runners dig into the dirt for better footing, and the pitcher's natural leg extension for power can create a hole in front of the rubber. A flat fast-pitch softball diamond usually has hard-packed clay or tiny lime pebbles as the top surface layer. The dirt or stone in the pitcher's circle, infield and batter's box can be repaired quickly, even between innings or after a rain delay.

Things You'll Need

  • Shovel
  • Packing clay
  • Square tamper
  • Landscape rake
  • Lime pebbles (optional)
  • Chalk (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove standing water, if any, from a hole in the pitcher's circle, using a shovel.

    • 2

      Fill the hole with a bag of packing clay obtained from a landscaping business or specialty supply store. Compact the dirt tightly with a square tamper to create a level surface.

    • 3

      Rake lightly where the fill dirt was used, expanding the worked-up area to at least twice its original width. This will ensure a stable playing surface with a reduced chance of bad hops from batted balls hitting the patch.

    • 4

      Cover the dirt patch with a finishing layer of clay or lime pebbles. Smooth the patch with the back of the landscape rake.

    • 5

      Reapply the chalk line of the pitcher's circle, if necessary.

    • 6

      Tamp down the area again following the game. Add material as necessary to build up any low spots for a long-lasting repair.