It appears that last week, officials from every school participated in a region-wide audit of all baseball fields. The goal was to decide which fields meet specifications provided by the KHSAA to be able to host the regional tournament. As expected, many schools failed this audit and will not be able to host region again until their site meets specifications. Some of these changes can be made easily while others may never be met. Here are some of the sites that didn't pass:

 

1. Clay County- apparently, Clay County failed for three different specifications: their dugouts won't comfortably seat 21 players, their lights don't meet specifications, and their fence is too shallow in right field. The last of the three surprised me most as I always thought Middlesboro's left field would be the one to fail this but obviously not.

 

2. Harlan County- Since they are still playing on the old Cawood field, their dugouts do not meet specifications as well.

 

3. Harlan- There are no bathrooms onsite, they must walk to the football field, and they lack double bullpens.

 

4. Bell County- Also, not bathrooms onsite, must walk to the football field.

 

5. Barbourville- Lack a grass infield and their backstop is too short. Also, they lack double bullpens.

 

6. Pineville- Quite a few.

 

7. Williamsburg- Their lights didn't meet specifications and their dugouts don't comfortably seat the minimum amount.

 

 

It goes without saying, there are a few others, but these were the most notable. Once again, kind of surprised that Middlesboro met specs because of their left field but apparently it was enough.

Harlan Countys facility is expected to be completed by next season!

Harlan Countys facility is expected to be completed by next season!

 

Heard it is supposed to be turf?

The football field will be turf.........not the baseball, all new sod! Covered grandstands, brick dugouts, indoor batting facility, etc. to match the school.