Play ball? Forecasting the weather at Target Field

Midway  through my fifth season as the on-site meteorologist at Target Field, I can attest that the game is meant to be played outdoors.  It encourages families to be weather aware and gives fans, young and old, the opportunity to observe nature.  Get your eyes off the iPhone!

Previous to the start of a home series there is some discussion on what weather/precipitation problems might be in the offing. But the timing of showers and thunderstorms pretty much is a game day affair.

I arrive two hours prior to the first pitch and commence dialogue with  Senior Vice President  of Operations, Matt Hoy and head groundskeeper Larry DiVito. The initial chat deals with nailing down a decision regarding an on-time start.

If any delays are foreseen, the circle of participants expands to the umpire crew chief, the two managers and Twins President Dave St. Peter.

If weather delays are likely to be an issue, this information also needs to be passed along to Senior Director of Ballpark Operations Dave Horsman, the media and the fans.

Dick Bremer of the Fox Sports North broadcast team  joined the grounds crew for a day to experience all that is involved with preparing for a game.

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The field is left exposed and manicured during road trips. Larry and his crew work long hours on game days preparing the playing surface and attending to maintenance post game.

Putting on the finishing touches prior to the game is expertly orchestrated by the entire crew.

Sometimes a rain delay can't be avoided.  Folks often times drive a long distance to see a game and may only be in town for that game.  We do all we can to get in a complete game, as scheduled.

When the rain ceases, the field is quickly prepared for play; often times in only a half hour.  The placement of the tarp can normally be done in less than 90 seconds.

Pre-game activities begin about 40 minutes prior to the first pitch.  Celebrities and guest throw out the ceremonial first pitch about 30 minutes prior to game time.

Head groundskeeper, Larry DiVito keeps a watchful eye on the game and the playing field.

Sometimes I stray from the weather lab to take in a close up view of the action.

As the game moves along, we chat about overnight conditions, the the risk of leaving the field exposed as well as the weather prior to the start of the next game.  Larry waters the infield based on the forecast of sunshine, winds, humidity and the prospects for showers.

When the game is about to wrap up, I hang up the lab coat and head for the metro transit for the journey home.

Target Field gets an overnight rest, but not for long when a day game follows a night game.