Inside Edge: The Groundskeeper’s Playbook

Is your ballfield ready for the season? In this episode of The Inside Edge, former big league groundskeepers Paul Zwaska and Tom Burns sit down for a deep dive into spring sports field maintenance everything high school, middle school, and recreational field managers need to know before the first game.   From managing frost heave on home plates and mounds to building a complete spring opening checklist, Tom shares the hard-won secrets that separate sharp-looking, safe fields from problem-prone ones. Whether you're dealing with winter damage, weed pressure, or irrigation startup after a long off-season, this episode covers the full picture of spring field prep — including spring opening checklists, frost and snow impacts on infields and mounds, fencing and padding inspection, infield skin restoration, crabgrass prevention timing, pre-emergent application, edging, top dressing, low spot identification, drag work, irrigation startup, mowing height recommendations, and seeding considerations.   Whether you're a volunteer groundskeeper at a local Little League complex or a dedicated sports turf manager overseeing multiple high school fields, Tom and Paul's practical, experience-backed advice will help you optimize your spring routine, improve field safety, and take real pride in the fields you maintain.   Season Opening Checklist: https://duraedge.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DE-Checklist-spring.pdf

In this episode of The Inside Edge, former MLB groundskeeper Paul Zwaska sits down with Andy Ommen, founder of Professional Outdoor Solutions, LLC, to talk about how he went from being a dedicated baseball parent and former college football player to winning Field of the Year and launching his own turf solutions company. Andy shares insights on building community pride through better fields, balancing sports with family life, and what it takes to turn passion into a profession.

Before you pack up your rakes for the season, make sure your field is ready to handle the winter months. In this episode of The Inside Edge, former MLB Groundskeeper Paul Zwaska walks through a complete fall field maintenance checklist. Whether you manage a Little League, high school, or college field, these tips will help you save time, reduce spring repairs, and extend the life of your infield. Need help getting your field ready for next season? Reach out to us here: https://duraedge.com/contact-us/

In this episode of The Inside Edge, Paul Zwaska sits down with members of the Minnesota Baseball Association board to dive into the story of the Minnesota Town Ball Tournament. Together, they explore what it takes to build and sustain a thriving baseball tradition in small town America. From volunteerism to fundraising to creating a culture that keeps the game alive for generations, this episode is full of lessons for anyone passionate about community baseball. Want to connect with us about your own field or program? Visit duraedge.com/contact-us-social/

Join us on Inside Edge as we dive into the world of ballpark design with expert Ross Clites. Discover the innovative strategies and insights that are transforming how we think about recreational ball fields. From the challenges of maintaining diverse surfaces to the art of creating memorable experiences, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge for anyone interested in the future of sports architecture. Tune in to learn how thoughtful design can elevate the game and create lasting memories.

Too hard? Too soft? Too dusty? For years, fixing infield problems meant guessing. More sand here, more clay there. But when you're working on a tight budget, you can't afford to get it wrong. In this episode of The Inside Edge, former MLB Groundskeeper Paul Zwaska talks about why guessing won’t cut it and how to take a smarter approach to diagnosing and solving issues with your infield soil. Whether you're a parks director, coach, or volunteer groundskeeper, this one’s packed with practical advice to help you make the most of your resources and get the performance you’re after.

Join us for the the 3rd episode of The Inside Edge featuring former MLB Groundskeepers, Paul Zwaska and Michael Boettcher. In this episode, the guys discuss water and how it isn't always your enemy. Sometimes, water can be the "secret sauce" your ballfield needs to thrive.

In this conversation, Paul Zwaska interviews Steve Trosen from Home Field, discussing the intricacies of ball field construction and maintenance. Steve shares his journey from landscaping to specializing in sports field renovations, emphasizing the importance of surface drainage and proper grading. The discussion covers the challenges faced in achieving optimal drainage, the process of correcting surface grades, and the significance of hiring qualified contractors for field renovations. Steve also highlights the maintenance required to ensure the longevity and playability of ball fields, providing insights into the materials and techniques used in the industry.

Summary In this premiere episode of Inside Edge, host Paul Zwaska shares his journey from being a groundskeeper in Major League Baseball to focusing on youth leagues and community sports. He discusses the importance of maintaining fields at lower levels, creating long-range plans for field maintenance, and the challenges faced in implementing changes. Zwaska emphasizes the significance of budgeting, investing in quality equipment, and enhancing the overall experience for families involved in youth sports. He concludes with valuable lessons learned throughout his experience in sports management. In this conversation, Paul shares insights on creating exceptional youth sports facilities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high-quality fields to attract families. He discusses the satisfaction derived from working with youth leagues compared to professional baseball, highlighting the need for better field maintenance at higher levels. The conversation also covers regional differences in field maintenance practices, innovative solutions for common challenges, and practical maintenance tips for optimal field performance. Links National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/ncrfc/LMI_FrostDepthMap GDDTracker: https://gddtracker.msu.edu/?model=7&offset=0&zip=53507 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Inside Edge and Host Background 03:01 Journey from Major League Baseball to Youth Leagues 05:59 Creating a Long-Range Plan for Field Maintenance 08:53 Challenges in Implementing Change 11:49 Upgrading Facilities and Community Engagement 15:12 Budgeting and Financial Management in Youth Sports 18:02 Investing in Quality Equipment and Facilities 21:08 Increasing Participation and Revenue Growth 23:58 Enhancing the Overall Experience for Families 26:48 Lessons Learned and Future Directions 36:29 Creating Exceptional Youth Sports Facilities 39:25 Regional Differences in Field Maintenance 58:53 Innovative Solutions for Field Maintenance 01:12:05