Popular Mechanics - USA (2019-05)

@PopularMechanics _ May 2019 83

Step 7. To m a ke t h e t r i g ge r,
attach the binder clip to the
end of the slingshot handle
with duct tape. Press the clip
open, then further secure the
trigger by wrapping more tape
around the slingshot handle and
the inside of the binder clip.
Step 8. Put the two tongue
depressors on top of each
other and wrap them in duct
tape. Attach them to the upper
handle of the binder clip with
more tape.
Step 9. To load your weapon,
place a small, round object like
a cork or a marshmallow into
the sling. Pull back on the sling
and insert it in the binder clip.
Be careful not to let go before

BEFORE BASEBALL SEASON started at the end

of March, crews across the country had to get the

fields ready. Along with mowing the grass and

smoothing the infield dirt, they had to add the

white lines that go down both sides of the field to let

umpires know when a ball is fair or foul. We asked

Clay Wood, the head groundskeeper for the Oak-

land A’s, how they draw those lines—and how they

keep them so straight.

Some teams make their lines using powdered

chalk, but Wood uses bright white paint. The lines

start at home plate, so before he starts painting,

Wood has to make sure that home plate is in exactly

the right spot, and at the right angle. “If that’s off,

every thing is going to be off,” he says.

From the back corner of home plate, he runs a

string past the outside edge of first base to a nail at

the outfield wall. Then he runs another string from

the back corner along the other side of home plate

past third base to the wall. He pulls the strings as

tight as possible to make sure that they’re very

straight and that they won’t move while he’s paint-

ing. Next he sprays the paint on with a special tool

called an airless paint sprayer, which is powered by

a small gas engine. The outfield lines are repainted

every three days, and the infield lines are refreshed

for every game.

HOW DO THEY DRAW

THE FOUL LINES ON A

BASEBALL FIELD?

it’s secure!

Step 10. Aim the slingshot (not

at a person!), then squeeze the

wooden stick and the handle

together in your hand to fire.

cable

tie

end

cap

4"

elbow

connector

elbow

connector

tee

connector

end

cap

rubber

band

4"

2"

2"

2"

tee
connector