A’s play on grass in Sacramento, not turf

After months of discussions, the A’s reportedly will not play on artificial turf in Sacramento, as was planned until Monday.

The Athletic was the first to report the news and added this quote from a league spokesperson: “Given players’ clear preference for natural grass and after consideration with the MLBPA about the potential risks and benefits of retaining natural grass versus a replacement ..” the playing surface is equipped with artificial turf, all parties agree to move forward with a natural turf field for opening day in 2025.”

The first inkling that the A’s might actually play on natural turf instead of turf came at the year-end media session with A’s GM David Forst and manager Mark Kotsay, when they said that turf installation had not yet begun in Sacramento at this time and that no firm decision had been made as to what type of playing surface they would use in 2025.

By opting for a natural grass field at Sutter Health Park, the A’s and their Triple-A roommates, the River Cats, are addressing a key problem but potentially opening up a new one. They seem to have fixed the heat problem in Sacramento. During the summer months it will still be hot, but the turf will not warm the playing surface another 30-40 degrees, so it will be normal hot and will not create a real oven.

On the other hand, baseball games will be played on this field almost every day for six months, and the question of how the surface will hold up will certainly be tested over the course of more than 150 games.

With the field surface now maintained, the only upgrades left to complete are: the home clubhouse being built in left center field, a new batter’s eye, and some other renovations around the ballpark for both the players and fans. The amenities are the things that players believe make a place a “big league.” That’s why putting pressure on those where they can will make a big difference.

The plan calls for the A’s to stay in Sacramento for at least the next three seasons, possibly four, while their planned ballpark is built in Las Vegas. The A’s will not have a city designation during their time in Sacramento and will be referred to as “The Athletics” or “The A’s” for the duration of their stay.