You might not think baseball when you look outside, but the Twins will be ready to play ball in less than one month.
Imagine sitting at Target Field, looking at green grass as Twins players rush out from the dugout for the top of the first inning.
We're almost there.
First, Twins head groundskeeper Larry DeVito and his eight full-time staff members have to remove the snow and grow grass before the chalk and mowers come out. This week they plowed the warning track and turned on the in-ground heating system that brings the soil to between 63 to 64 degrees in order to grow grass.
Snow is no match for the in-ground heating system which was turned on yesterday, but DeVito says the frigid air is not ideal. The grass struggles to grow when overnight lows dip into the teens, but he's not concerned yet. The week from March 15 to 25 is critical for preparation
"I'd rather work 16 hour days for 10 days and knock it out in mid-March than get this ready too early," he said. "Right now we're going to wait about a week before getting the grass exposed because of the cold temperatures."
DeVito hopes for sunny March days in the 30s and 40s, though the forecast shows the month won't be starting that way. He'll be depending on the Twins' two staff meteorologists Todd Nelson and Mace Michaels looking three to four days ahead at a time. He can't replicate sunlight, so there's only so much he can prepare for and control.
Right after the season, DeVito and the groundskeeping crew added seed to the field, followed by fungicide to prevent snow mold and then a breathable blanket goes on top for winter. Not that any of that is visible under a thick blanket of snow right now, but it's all part of a scientific, strategic approach to making the field Major League ready, because anything less isn't acceptable.
Each stadium has its own challenges, from drier climates in the Southwest, to pesky shady spots at retractable roof stadiums. No head groundskeeper has an easy job, but that's what makes Opening Day rewarding.
"I love the game. I just love getting it ready for our players and even love getting it ready for our visiting players and seeing a good baseball game."