GLASSBORO Rowan University will continue its campus conversation about mental health services at Monday night's Student Government Association meeting after 10 deaths among students, faculty and staff this semester.

A meeting began on Thursday night following a student's fall from one of the Glassboro school's parking garages. The student survived, and authorities have not said whether the student jumped or fell accidentally.

Students and others in the Rowan communityhave been making and continue to make several claims on social media: That the school hasn't been honest about how many suicides have taken place, that it hasn't communicated with students when deaths occur, and that it hasn't done enough to provide mental health services.

Some students spoke of months-long waiting lists for care through Rowan's wellness center though the school says this semester, it stepped up staffing levels to minimize any delays, acknowledging waits plagued it in past years.

Rowan spokesman Joe Cardona on Monday reiterated to New Jersey 101.5 that there were three student suicides this semester, but 10 deaths of students or faculty members overall. Hesaid the school aims to honor the wishes of family members when determining how much detail to release about an individual's death, and follows privacy laws and regulations guiding the release of information.

The installation of a temporary fence on the top levels of the parking garages by its owner was accelerated by the Thursday fall, Rowan spokesman Joe Cardona told New Jersey 101.5 on Monday.Cordona said that the fence installation was a response to a student suicide in 2018. One of the students to commit suicide this semester just a few weeks ago also did so by falling from the garage, he said.

He additionally said 24-hour patrols would monitor the garage until more permanent barriers could be put in place.

"Then these two incidents happened in the last two weeks so they put up temporary stuff now and later on will put up more permanent fencing later," Cordona said.

The student in who fell Thursday continues to recover, but Cordona said the family asked additional information not be released.

About 100 students gathered on Friday night for a candlelight vigil to remember the students who took their own lives.

Monday night's meeting begins at 7 p.m. in Chamberlain Student Center Eynon Ballroom.

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After suicides, Rowan puts fences at garage where students fell and died - wobm.com

December 13, 2019 - By Ingrid Angelini, (UC Master Gardener of Mariposa County) - Is your New Years Resolution to do something to improve your health? You may want to consider the health benefits of gardening.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that gardening raises self-esteem, improves cardiovascular health, reduces stress and anxiety, promotes better sleep, increases hand strength, can foster relationships and sets the stage for future health.

Cardiovascular benefits are derived from moving around as the garden is maintained. Calories are thus burned, and an active lifestyle reduces the incidence of obesity, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and stroke.

Michigan State University, in cooperation with its university extension program, points out the benefits of reduced risk of colon cancer and premature death and notes that exercising both the arms and legs helps to prevent afflictions such as coronary disease. Strength in the hands and fingers is promoted by the digging, planting and pulling involved in gardening.

Intense physical activity is well known to foster deep sleep, but even light physical activity while gardening can lead to a better nights rest.

It was found that gardening can reduce the level of Cortisol, the stress hormone. By being outdoors we inhale Mycobacterium vaccae, a healthy bacterium which resides in soil and can increase serotonin levels, thereby reducing anxiety. Furthermore, self-esteem stems (no pun intended) from actually planting, tending and harvesting the plants, thereby offering a feeling of accomplishment.

While gardening alone can increase the aforementioned qualities of life and health, gardening with friends and family fosters bonds, and spreads well-being among participants. When children play in the dirt at an early age, there is a link to a reduction in future health problems, including allergies and autoimmune disorders.

The National Institutes of Health found one study revealing that daily gardening can reduce the risk of dementia by 36%. Evidence exists that growing plants actually enhances brain function. In addition, Cornell University researchers found that even growing an indoor plant can boost attention and improve ones mood.

Growing food leads to better eating and nutrition. Consuming your home-grown fruits and vegetables supports your physical and mental health by providing the antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients needed for a healthy body and brain.

Exposure to sunshine, the major source of vitamin D, strengthens the bones and immune system. Of course, avoid the peak hours between 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M., particularly in summer, and be sure to use sunscreen and sunglasses.

Gardening sharpens the mind, strengthens the body and soothes the soul.

UC Master Gardeners of Mariposa County are located at 5009 Fairgrounds Rd., Mariposa.

The U.C. Master Gardener Helpline is staffed;Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Serving Mariposa County, including Greeley Hill, Coulterville and Lake Don PedroPlease contact the helpline, or leave a message by phone at: (209) 966-7078By email (send photos and questions for researched answers) to:mgmariposa@ucdavis.edu

For further gardening information and event announcements, please visit:UCMG website:cemariposa.ucanr.edu/Master_GardenerFollow us on Facebook at:Facebook.com/mariposamastergardeners

Master Gardener Office Location:UC Cooperative Extension Office,5009 Fairgrounds RoadMariposa, CA 95338

Phone: (209) 966-2417Email:mgmariposa@ucdavis.eduWebsite:cemariposa.ucanr.edu/Master_Gardener

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Over the Garden Fence - The Health Benefits of Gardening - Sierra Sun Times

A new ground-based radar built to detect and track tens of thousands of objects in space has entered a trial period, the Air Forces Space and Missile Systems Center announced Dec. 10.

The move puts the system one step closer to being officially accepted by the Air Force for regular use.

Located on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, Space Fence will use advanced solid-state S-band radar technology to track objects smaller than 10 centimeters in low and medium earth orbit. With that increased capability, the new system will be able to closely follow space objects, maneuvers, launches and more.

With multiple mega-constellations in development, the need for systems that can effectively provide this level of space situational awareness is paramount. According to NASA, more than 17.6 million pounds of material are already in orbit, and the number of satellites and debris in space is only expected to grow in the near future, increasing the likelihood of collisions that could result in even more debris and increased danger to active satellites.

Lockheed Martin is the primary contractor on Space Fence and was awarded a $914 million contract for the project in 2014.

Space Fence will revolutionize the way we track and classify objects that threaten both manned and unmanned military and commercial space assets critical to our national defense and economy, said Rob Smith, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martins Radar and Sensor Systems in a statement. The Air Force Space Surveillance Network currently tracks about 25,000 objects. When Space Fence comes online, the catalog will experience significant growth and when fully operational, Space Fence will be the worlds largest and most advanced radar system, providing unprecedented space situational awareness.

Early testing has already demonstrated the systems advanced capabilities. During a March experiment, the Space Fence was able to pick up the orbital debris from an Indian anti-satellite test and plot out their next crossing times.

The Air Force anticipates declaring operational acceptance of the new system following the trial period.

CORRECTION: This story has been updated to more accurately represent Space Fences capabilities.

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A new radar to track space objects is almost ready - C4ISRNet

When I was planning my first Christmas dinner after my arrival over here in 2010, I found to my surprise that there are obviously just two options promoted by supermarkets all over the country you either have turkey, or you have ham. Not like back home where different regions have different traditions. Theres Christmas goose and Christmas carp, Christmas sauerbraten, Christmas fondue, and Christmas raclette. My family used to enjoy a beef roast that was threaded with bacon strips. My new family seems to belong to the turkey fraction with a lot of leeway as to how it is prepared.

Thanksgiving dinner in the Bacon family is definitely a turkey meal. As it was only my husband and I that very first Thanksgiving we celebrated together in our first home in Steilacoom, we made a turkey roll. I cannot remember where my husband bought it. It even came with a package of gravy (much to my distrust, as I prefer to make my gravies from scratch, as you know by now). But it was admittedly very delightful, and we cut down on the sides no stuffing, no pumpkin pie, no sweet potato casserole. Just beans, gravy, and mashers. Then came the Christmas parties on base more turkey meals. And the Steilacoom Historical Museum Associations Annual Dinner more turkey. By Christmas, I was turkeyed out and decided, Id go beef. Not the incredibly work-intense larded beef-roast my mother used to make, but something similar.

Of course, when we have guests, I always play it way more traditionally with turkey meals. Cranberry sauce (which I love) and bread stuffing (which I hate) will sit on the table as expected. I make a mean bean casserole these days. And my very own dressing of apples, onions, chestnuts, thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper comes as another side. But after that one meal, Im stuck with the rest of the turkey. And there were years when I didnt think that funny. Remember all these turkey meals elsewhere

These days, I see it as a challenge to come up with as many turkey dishes as possible that dont spell left-overs. For one, I make my own bone broth from the turkey carcass. Part of it goes into the gravy. Part of it is frozen to become the basis of a delicious turkey soup with carrots, leeks, and celery. I make turkey ragout fin, i. e. a tarragon white wine sauce with fine veggies (traditionally it would be with white asparagus and mushrooms but not everybody likes these, so carrots will do). Or I create an Asian style curry. Or a spicy turkey and rice salad with pineapple. By the time Im through with four or five recipes, the turkey is also gone. And Christmas is about to arrive and no turkey for us! Definitely not!

My husband likes anything duck. So, I have made canard lorange or duck breast with a Garam Masal sauce; I have made filets mignons and German roulade, too, to please my palate for beef. Anything but turkey, and my husband plays along.

Well, this year found me with a new Thanksgiving challenge, as we were just by ourselves and didnt want too much food on the table. The turkey rolls we once got have long vanished, and the turkey roasts that we used to get instead have sorely deteriorated in quality. Last years contained so much nasty fat and wrapped-in skin that never got crisp that I decided to create a turkey roll of my very own this year. I found a recipe that calls for garlic, sage, and rosemary, mashed up to a paste with olive oil. I added some thyme, salt, and pepper. I had ordered a fresh turkey breast (as expensive as an entire turkey elsewhere but well worth it for the freshness and flavor). And the left-overs are just another meal or two. Plus what I froze. But thats still not as much as an entire turkey. So, here we go another turkey season in the rolling. And what I formerly feared has become somewhat fun and a tradition.

Did I say we havent made up our minds as to what our Christmas Day dinner will be this year? We are still debating what we are going to have. But we agree over one thing: surely not turkey. Something that doesnt render left-overs. Just a nice one-time festive Christmas dinner.

Related

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Across the Fence: Turkey Days - The Suburban Times

By Thomas Harrigan

December 12, 2019

The Giants announced new dimensions for Oracle Park's outfield on Thursday as part of their plan to revamp the park for the 2020 season, which includes relocating the bullpens from foul territory to their new home behind the center-field wall.

Left-center field will move from 404 feet to 399 feet, center field will move from 399 feet to 391 feet, and "Triples Alley" in right-center field will move from 421 feet to 415 feet. The new center-field wall will be seven feet high instead of eight.

The bullpens, which had been located in foul territory since the stadium first opened in 2000, will be placed to the left and right of The Garden at Oracle Park. The Giants shared renderings of how the new bullpens will look on Thursday.

Fans will have a direct view from The Garden into the Giants' bullpen, and two new standing room terraces will be constructed next to the bleachers in left- and right-center field. The terraces will offer views of the playing field and into the bullpens.

The new dimensions could help increase the offensive output at home for the Giants, who went 35-46 while averaging only 3.35 runs per game at Oracle Park this past season, compared to 5.02 runs per game on the road. San Francisco ranked last in the National League with 63 home runs and 271 runs scored at home.

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Giants to move in outfield fences in 2020 - MLB.com

IFC'S "BROCKMIRE" SWINGS FOR THE FENCES IN ITS FOURTH AND FINAL SEASON PREMIERING IN MARCH 2020

HANK AZARIA-LED SERIES WELCOMES BACK SERIES ALL-STARS AMANDA PEET, TYREL JACKSON WILLIAMS AND KATIE FINNERAN

Reina Hardesty (The Flash) Joins the Cast

First Look Photo of Hank Azaria and Amanda Peet

NEW YORK - December 12, 2019 - IFC announced today that the fourth and final season of its critically-acclaimed series Brockmire starring Hank Azaria will premiere in March 2020. Returning for the series' final season are Amanda Peet, Tyrel Jackson Williams and Katie Finneran. Additionally, Reina Hardesty (The Flash) has joined the series' line-up for the final eight episodes.

Said Executive Producer and star Hank Azaria, "I really loved this season in several very right and a few very wrong ways. I hope you will too."

Jim Brockmire commented: "Making this show has been one of the top 7 joys of my life. Others include: that time by the swings with this guy Phil; my visit to the belt factory; my childhood days on the carrot farm; every time I finish a pancake challenge; that moment when you pass a porta potty and it really stinks then finally you get far enough away from it where you don't smell it anymore and just normal air seems like sweet, sweet perfume to you."

IFC Executive Director Blake Callaway added, "From the beginning, Brockmire was conceived as a four-season story, and we are so proud to see it written and produced to its creative conclusion. Blazers off to the amazing crew, our fantastic partners at Funny Or Die, and the incredible cast, especially the incomparable Hank Azaria, who lives, sleeps and breaths Jim Brockmire, as well as Amanda Peet who makes an indelible contribution to the show as Jules, and Tyrel Jackson-Williams who completely shines as Charles. Fans and critics alike will love watching how the story ends."

"It's hard to believe that Jim Brockmire first entered our lives a decade ago in what is now regarded as one of Funny Or Die's all-time classic videos," said Mike Farah, CEO of Funny Or Die and Executive Producer of Brockmire. "It's been an amazing journey and honor watching Hank bring so much comedy, empathy and emotion to the character, and we are excited for fans of the show to see the final and most ambitious season of Brockmire. I want to thank the entire Brockmire team, and especially IFC, for always championing our show."

Brockmire follows Jim Brockmire (Azaria), a famed major league baseball announcer who suffered a notorious public breakdown after stumbling upon his wife's (Finneran) infidelity - a breakdown so bad that "Brutal Brockmire" became a viral internet meme. Season 1 began a decade later, as Brockmire looked to reclaim his career and reputation by calling games for the Morristown Frackers, an underdog minor league baseball team. Despite finding happiness in Morristown alongside his girlfriend/team owner Jules (Peet), Season 2 began with a newly-single Brockmire calling games in New Orleans and living with his co-dependent friend Charles (Williams)... while fully indulging in the city's booze-riddled sins. When a drug-fueled night of partying with a stranger ends with a near-death experience, Brockmire realizes it's time to get sober once and for all. Season 3 took place one year after a stint in rehab, with Brockmire doing play-by-play in the radio booth for the major leagues in central Florida while maintaining his brazen and narcissistic tendencies, despite actually being on the wagon.

Brockmire originally appeared as a viral short video on the award-winning comedy website Funny Or Die. The series is written and developed by Joel Church-Cooper. This season Azaria, Church-Cooper and Funny Or Die's Farah and Joe Farrell are executive producers. Mo Marable is also an executive producer and series director.

Brockmire Seasons 1-3 are currently available to watch on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon and XBOX. Season 1 and 2 are also available on Hulu, with Season 3 joining Wednesday, January 1, 2020.

For updates on Brockmire, please check out:Website: http://www.ifc.com/shows/brockmireFacebook https://www.facebook.com/BrockmireIFC Twitter https://twitter.com/BrockmireIFC Hashtag #BrockmireInstagram https://www.instagram.com/IFC

About IFC

IFC is the home of offbeat, unexpected comedies. Acclaimed series Documentary Now!, Brockmire, Baroness von Sketch Show, Sherman's Showcase and the upcoming Year of the Rabbit air alongside fan-favorite movies and comedic cult TV shows. IFC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., and available across multiple platforms. IFC is Always On, Slightly Off.

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Breaking News - IFC's "Brockmire" Swings for the Fences in Its Fourth and Final Season Premiering in March 2020 - The Futon Critic

The Massachusetts Appeals Court today overturned a Superior Court judge's ruling that a church on Harvard Street in Mattapan has to make changes to a six-foot fence that really annoys a neighbor, ruling that matter should have gone to Land Court instead.

Lula and Leon Johnson sued Christ Apostle Church in 2014, saying they had long been allowed to park in the church driveway, dating to the day's when it was owned by the Jehovah's Witnesses, but that something hapened in 2013 to really sour relations between the couple and the church:

This resulted in the church building a new fence, six feet high, directly on the property line. Prior to building it, the church received a permit to build the fence from the city of Boston. The new fence did not have a gate in it. Moreover, because the Johnsons' home was situated very close to the lot line on the side facing the church, the new fence made it practically impossible for the Johnsons to access that side of their home for maintenance purposes; indeed, in one place there are only thirteen inches of space between the fence and the Johnsons' home.

In their filing, the church alleged that one of Johnson's grandson's attacked the pastor, and that's what led it to build the fence.

The couple sued in Suffolk Superior Court over what they claimed was a "spite fence," alleging negligence and "adverse possession." The church then filed a counter-suit alleging trespassing - the church said the Johnson's hired a contractor to move the fence away from their property.

A Suffolk Superior Court judge sided with the couple and ordered the church to install a gate in the fence and to let the Johnson's "access" their property from the church land.

But in its ruling today, the appeals court said that was a mistake, not for any reasons related to Lula Johnson's claims - the suit continued after her husband died - but because state law gives "exclusive original jurisdiction" over disputes related to parcels of land with titles registered in the county registry of deeds, and both pieces of land have titlles registered with the Suffolk County registry.

While not denominated as such, the judgment purports to grant the plaintiff a permanent easement to use the church's property to access her property. The Superior Court does not have jurisdiction to so encumber registered land.

So the court ordered the case transferred to Land Court for its consideration.

The rest is here:
Good fences don't make good neighbors, one court rules, but another court will have to consider the matter now, a third court rules - Universal Hub

The Real Housewives of Orange County are in Key West, and the drama is off the charts! The Tres Amigas are likely never going to be on good terms with Kelly Dodd ever again. Kelly made up with Tamra Judge on last weeks episode, but how long will that really last? Vicki Gunvalson has been reaching out to a woman that Kelly allegedly attacked. OOF.

For some reason, Shannon Beador took it upon herself to tell Kelly what Vicki was doing. GinaKirschenheiter wanted to do it first, but Fun Shannon beat her to the punch. Emily Simpson is also on the trip. Shes not really making an impact of any kind, but shes there. Braunwyn Windham-Burke probably didnt expect all this chaos when she planned the trip. Fun times are not allowed. Kelly and Vicki are about to go to war once again.

Vicki is injured. What a shock. Once again, the biggest drama queen of all time (besides Shannon) has been hurt. OKAY, VICKI.

Kelly, of course, doesnt believe Vicki is as hurt as she claims. Emily makes a hilarious dig about Tres Amigas being senior citizens, and Im dying. SO FUNNY.

Braunwyn, Emily, and Kelly take a tour of the Hemingway House, and it looks beautiful. Who knew there was so much history in Key West? Very cool.

Vicki falls trying to walk on her crutches, and her need for attention is annoying. Someone is trying a littletoohard to earn back her orange. Grow up.

Gina and Kelly have the same bathing suit and Kellys oranges are loud and proud. Sorry Gina, but Kelly wins a who wore it best contest this time. There really was no competition.

Watching how scared Gina is of water shouldnt entertain me as much as it does. If she isthat scared, she should stop putting herself in positions like this. Going on a jet ski isprobably not the place for someone with crippling water anxiety.

Honestly, watching Shannon do water sports is just as entertaining as watching Gina. Shannon doing athletics of any kind is never NOT going to be funny. Her facial reactions and body language are way too hilarious.

While in the water, Gina spots a shark, and now her life may be over. What a year. First, she was arrested, and now shes going to get eaten by JAWS. What a way to go though! Everyone out of the water!

I know the guide says nobody has ever died from a hammerhead, but damn. If I saw a HAMMERHEAD SHARK in the water, Id be fleeing for my life. Someone put my back on land.

Gina is crying, and Kelly hands her a starfish for good luck. LMAO. Alright. Hey, I know a shark is coming to eat you, but here is Patrick.

Braunwyn tells the Tres Amigas that Kelly admitted to having an anger problem. Here she goes again. Being the bone collector. She is SUCH a flip-flop.

The women are going out to a group dinner, so things are about to heat up. Theres almost no chance of this event going off without a Kelly and Vicki showdown. Someones going overboard on this booze cruise!

Braunwyn has the weirdest energy. She also looks panicked and frazzled. Im not sure if this group is the best environment for her.

Vicki has personalized hats for everyone, and the Kelly hat says Krazy AF. Apparently, doing it with a K is not shady. However, being shady doesnt make it not true. I think Kelly is very aware shes crazy, and she owns it for the most part.

Emily opens up to Kelly about her children mimicking her fighting with Shane Simpson. Kids pick up on everything, so thats not surprising. If their environment is toxic, theyll act out.

Kelly issues a very heartfelt apology to Tamra, and they exchange I love yous. Unfortunately, Tamra cant let that be it. She tries to initiate a peace treaty between Kelly and Vicki as well. LET IT GO.

How can Vicki honestly think shes doing nothing to Kelly? Shes done so many low down dirty things to Kelly. Pretending not to be self-aware isnt cute.

The ladies are back in Orange County after an intense Florida trip. Hopefully, being back home will knock some sense in them. The Tres Amigas cannot dominate this group forever. Its a clique that needs to come to an end.

Tamra, Shannon, and Braunwyn meet up for dinner with their significant others. They discuss Kelly and Vickis never-ending feud and how they always go low.

When you lay it all out there, they really are very similar. That could be the reason why they end up clashing.

Theyre inviting Kelly to Vickis engagement party. Oh, man. I dont know how great of an idea that is. Its the happiest day of Vickis life, and youre inviting her biggest enemy. Pot stirrers!

Kelly and her boyfriend Brian Reagan go to a batting cage, and hes horrible when it comes to athletics. Kelly actually can hit the ball really well! They talk about Vickis engagement party, but she has no interest in going to that. I feel that. Vickis been horrible to her.

Kelly shuts down Brian when he asks what the next step is for them. He wants her to move in, but she doesnt want to move in without an engagement. Fair enough. Although, we all know the real next step

Gina calls her mother and talks about the status of her marriage. She needs to figure out what shes going to do next. None of this is healthy. She wants to make the marriage work, but COME ON.

Her mother says its not just sex and says it shouldnt be the only priority. Thank you, momma! Preach! Gina is willing to stick this marriage out forallof the wrong reasons.

I feel like Tamra put her sons together in the room without telling them just to get a storyline. Thats not okay at all. Shes really forcing this situation.

However, the conversation turns to Tamras behavior. Shes been snapping at everyone lately. Shes projecting her financial issues onto the entire family.

Spencer Barneysays that Tamra doesnt really listen to him, and told him to get over a breakup. He claims theyre all wired by everyone. So many people in the family arent speaking to one another. What a mess.

Emily and Kelly are actually going to this anger management. I love that Emily is self-aware enough to realize she snaps too quickly. Thats such a good step.

Kelly had a better childhood than Emily, but the girl still has some issues. Although something went wrong in her life for her to get in the place shes in now. Most people dont react the way she does at the drop of the hat.

The therapist has them envision the people they find hardest to love. Naturally, Kellys top name was Vicki. She finds it hard not to punch Vicki in the face.

I mean, surely thats a common feeling. Theres so much hurt between the two. They might not ever be able to FULLY make up.

Emily wants everything in her life to be perfect to combat the chaos of her childhood. Stuff that happens when people are kids really sticks with them. It can be really rough.

Kelly doesnt want to hate Vicki. I actually believe that. I think she reacts really quickly to things. However, that doesnt mean she wants a blood feud. Shed probably prefer peace because at the end of the day nobody wants to fight forever.

Unlike Vicki, I dont think Kelly wants this to keep blowing up. Kellys going to the engagement party, so evidently, she is open to peace. Instead of fighting, this could be a new beginning for the two. I guess we will find out soon.

TELL US SHOULD KELLY AND VICKI MAKE UP? WHO IS MOST TO BLAME FOR THEIR FALLING OUT? ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS SEASON OF THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY?

[Photo Credit: Bravo]

Read the rest here:
Real Housewives Of Orange County Recap: Some Fences Are Made To Be Broken - Reality Tea

The seemingly ever-changing Marlins Park will sport a few new looks for the 2020 campaign. While roster changes are being made to improve the Marlins on-field product, that product will literally be presented on a new field.

The Marlins announced on Wednesday on their Beyond the Bases blogthat asynthetic grass surface will be installed for the upcoming season, thanks to a corporate partnership with Shaw Sports Turf. This new playing surface will replace the natural grass which struggled to take root at times in the retractable-roof stadium.

According to the announcement, the turf should closely mimic the surface play of natural grass.

The B1K: Batting A Thousand by Shaw Sports Turf is a dual fiber turf system comprised of Shaws high-performance Strenexe XD slit film and Bolt monofilament. This system provides excellent durability and functionality by minimizing infill splashing, maintaining adequate infill levels across the field. The Bolt fiber provides realistic ball roll, friction and natural grass aesthetics. These characteristics ensure the experiences of the players and fans will be maintained at the highest level.

Miami will join the Texas Rangers, who open their new stadiumGlobe Life Field in 2020, with the new synthetic turf for this season. In 2019, the Arizona Diamondbacks installed the same surface in Chase Field.

In an interview with Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republicin August, Diamondbacks infielder Nick Ahmedsaid he hadnt experienced any bad hops on the infield. Ahmed said the turf behaves as close to grass as any artificial surface on which he has played. He called it definitely slower than the grass.

This new synthetic system should play more realistically than other artificial surfaces like Astro-Turf. Notoriously fast and bouncy, Astro-Turf was said to impact player durability, leading to injuries. This is perhaps most notably associated former Marlin Andre Dawson, who played for 11 seasons on the artificial turf at Olympic Stadium for the Montreal Expos and had 12 knee surgeries.

Miami CEO Derek Jeter said the following in a press release regarding the new playing surface.

In going through the process of evaluating the playing surface at Marlins Park in 2019, we set out to find a solution to combat the challenges we have experienced with growing natural grass in Marlins Park. We appreciate the extensive research and new technology from our partners at Shaw Sports Turf to help us deliver a consistent playing field designed to enhance the safety for players and the playability for baseball.

MIAMI, FLORIDA MAY 30: Harold Ramirez #47 of the Miami Marlins. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Marlins Park will also feature slightly different dimensions in 2020. Straightaway center field will now be 400 feet from home, whereas it had been 407 feet for the last few years. In right-center field, the wall will now be 387 feet (previously 399).

The stadium has always been a pitchers park, but this adjustment may change that thinking.

On Beyond the Bases, Jeter is quoted about the new dimensions.

As we enhance the playing surface at Marlins Park, we felt it was also appropriate to take the opportunity to evaluate our outfield dimensions. We made the decision to adjust the distance of the outfield fence, which will now be more in line with the field dimensions you see across many of todays ballparks.

The Marlins were last in the MLB with 146 homers last season, 68 of which came at Marlins Park. According to Jordan McPhersons article today in the Miami Herald, the Marlins would have had 19 additional home runs last season with the new dimensions. McPherson notes the opposition would have also had 19 additional home runs playing at Marlins Park with the new distances.

While this change may affect the pitchers, its a positive move for the team. Having the ballparks dimension more in line with whats seen around the league will help market the team to free agents in the future.

See the article here:
Synthetic Turf and Shorter Fences coming to Marlins Park in 2020 - Marlin Maniac

More Babies Born With Opioid Exposure In The Denver Metro AreaOne mother talks about her experience and her plan to combat her addiction.

The Together 4 Colorado Toy Drive Is A Success Thanks To Generous DonorsOne little boy donated all of his birthday presents he got for his 7th birthday.

Saliha Sulieman Killed In Hit & Run CrashSaliha Sulieman's relatives talk about losing a member of their family.

Deadly Tanker Crash Closes I-70 Near Deer TrailWhat happened leading up to the tanker crash is being investigated.

Aurora Police Officer Nate Meier At Center Of DUI InvestigationOfficer Meier was found slumped over the wheel of his patrol car while on duty in March.

The Community Showed Their Support For The Together For Colorado Toy DriveThe Together For Colorado Toy Drive continues through Dec. 24.

Colorado Congressmen Joe Neguse, Ken Buck At Impeachment HearingsPres. Donald Trump is accused of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

Justin Simmons Is The Broncos Walter Payton Man Of The Year NomineeJustin is recognized for his community work.

Make-A-Wish Helps Boy Build SnowmanBrantley is from Texas and playing in the snow had been a dream.

Adaptive Athletes Surprised With New GearUS Paralympic athletes helped coordinate the gear surprise in Breckenridge.

Student Zach Curnutt Honored For Saving Woman From PoolZach Curnutt is considered a hero for saving Courtney Jackson.

Volunteers Help Build Tiny Homes For HomelessThe new homes will be at the "Beloved" tiny home village in the Globeville neighborhood.

Charges Dropped Against Aaron Ellinoff In Short-Term Rental CaseThe Denver DA says new information made it tough to prosecute.

Aurora Police Dept. Criticized For Handling Of Suspected DUI CaseAurora Police Officer Nathan Meier was found passed out behind the wheel of his patrol car, while on duty.

Driver Arrested In Deadly Hit & Run, Victim Identified As Saliha SuliemanSaliha Sulieman is a refugee and mother of 5.

Coloradans Who Worked At Rocky Flats Face Serious Health ProblemsMany get their medical bills paid for by the government, but one group is missing out.

Toy Drive Benefits Boys and Girls Clubs Of Metro DenverThe Together 4 Colorado Toy Drive Continues Through Christmas Eve.

Hinsdale County Sheriff Resigns, Moves From ColoradoThe sheriff's family was caught in an avalanche in Lake City.

800 Tons Of Hay Burns In PlattevilleThe fire caused $250,000 in damage.

A Lot Of People Donated To The Together 4 Colorado Toy DriveThe toy drive continues through Christmas Eve.

The "Pineapple Express" Blasting Our WayWatch Dave Aguilera's Forecast

St. John Properties Employees Celebrate Holiday BonusThe head of the company gave a total of $10 million to employees.

Golden Considers Vaping Proposal To Raise Age From 18 To 21The Golden City Council is hearing public opinion during its Thursday night meeting.

Victim In Hit & Run Identified As Saliha SuliemanSaliha Sulieman was struck by an RV driven by Roosevelt Cribbs, Jr.

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Dog And Elk Play Together On Opposite Sides Of Fence In Colorado - CBS Denver