Inside Edge: The Groundskeeper’s Playbook – Details, episodes & analysis

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Inside Edge: The Groundskeeper’s Playbook

zbuckleyduraedge

Education

Frequency: 1 episode/42d. Total Eps: 9

The Inside Edge, hosted by former MLB Groundskeeper Paul Zwaska, is your go-to podcast for keeping ballparks at their best. Whether you’re maintaining a Little League field, a high school diamond, or a local rec park, we’re here to help you create safer, more playable infields. Tune in for expert advice, hands-on tips, and conversations that give you The Inside Edge on ballfield maintenance. Brought to you by DuraEdge.

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Data updated on 14/07/2026

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https://www.weather.gov/ncrfc/LMI_FrostDepthMap
2 shares
https://duraedge.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DE-Checklist-spring.pdf
2 shares
https://gddtracker.msu.edu/?model=7&amp
1 share

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Score global : 42%

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Ballfield Season Opening Checklist | Inside Edge S2E1

Episode 9

Thursday, March 5, 2026 • Duration 01:09:15

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

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From Bad Hops to Field of The Year | Inside Edge Ep. 8

Episode 8

Monday, November 17, 2025 • Duration 40:11

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.

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Fall Ballfield Maintenance Checklist: How to Prep Your Infield for Winter | Inside Edge Ep. 7

Episode 7

Thursday, October 9, 2025 • Duration 45:46

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/

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The SECRET to thriving ballparks in small town America | Inside Edge Ep. 6

Episode 6

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 • Duration 55:10

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/

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Unlocking Secrets To Ballpark Design | Inside Edge Ep. 5

Episode 5

Wednesday, August 6, 2025 • Duration 01:13:43

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.

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Quit Guessing With Your Infield Soil... Do A Soil Test Instead! | Inside Edge Ep. 4

Episode 4

Wednesday, July 2, 2025 • Duration 01:05:17

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.

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The "Secret Sauce" Your Ballfield's Infield Skin Needs... Water

Episode 3

Friday, May 30, 2025 • Duration 51:07

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.

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How The Pros Approach Surface Grading and Drainage: Inside Edge Ep.2

Episode 2

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 • Duration 50:03

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.

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Episode 1: MLB Groundskeeper's Experience Implementing His Expertise Into Little League

Episode 1

Friday, April 4, 2025 • Duration 01:12:14

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

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