The pings from metal bats and the thump of a ball hitting the distressed leather of the glove are a clear indicator that it is once again baseball season in Charlotte. While things seem to be normal, there is one huge difference that lays in Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium: the natural grass and dirt infield was replaced by artificial turf.
The infield made the transition to turf during winter break, leaving the field half-and-half with the outfield remaining natural grass. The new addition to the stadium cost around $300,000 but was needed due to drainage issues.
With the construction that has gone on in the area surrounding the stadium, damage has been done to the pipes that take water away from the field.