Portolite softball game mats take on destructive toe drag at Missouri complex

Bob Ramsey attended a baseball tournament with his son at a premier sports complex in New York. He left with a vision—to create a replica of that complex in America’s resort heartland—Lake of the Ozarks. Over a beer, Bob shared the idea with Jeff Vernetti, a longtime colleague from his time in sports talk radio.

Ballparks National sports complex was born. The fast-growing complex currently has five fields designed for youth baseball, ages 12 and younger, as well as girls softball of all ages. Ramsey was adamant about the inclusion of girls softball, as he spent much of his career as a softball sportscaster.

There was just one problem. Softball pitchers’ toe drag was destroying the complex’s synthetic turf—one of many investments that makes Ballparks National unique.

“Toe drag was doing a real number on our fields,” said Bob. “It was causing significant and permanent damage to the synthetic turf we invested in. And that is no small investment, mind you.”

Bob began researching a solution. That solution was Portolite game mats. Bob ordered one mat, just to try.

“I didn’t know what to expect and whether the mats would live up to the hype,” said Bob. “Well, they did. And then some. After the first game on the new mat, we immediately called Portolite and ordered four additional game mats. These softball game mats are legit!”

Bob loves everything about Portolite’s game mat design, particularly the length of the mat behind the rubber, which supports the full pitching motion. In addition to tournaments, the mats see a lot of use from local clubs that practice at the complex.

As director of operations at the complex, Bob plans to invest in Portolite’s game mounds for baseball tournament play. That will come during phase two of construction.

“These softball mats are a home run all the way around,” said Bob. “Synthetic turf is a significant investment for any complex, and you need to do everything you can to protect it. Portolite softball game mats do just that.”

Portolite Pitching Mound’s 10-year limited warranty says it all. Portolite has set the standard in lightweight, durable and portable pitching mounds since 1992.