When the baseball and softball teams finally take the field this spring, some new amenities will greet player and spectator alike.

First, the softball field was outfitted with a fence. It's six-feet high and spans from dugout to dugout. The fence cost approximately $14,000, according to Whitehall Athletic Director Robert Hartman. He said it was erected to protect the players from a swale in the outfield.

The boys field will showcase a new scoreboard. This new feature was provided by MetLife, a corporate sponsor.

As the snow still covered the field, the Whitehall softball team jogged past their inaccessible home. Head coach Alexis Berg-Townsend said that conditioning would still be part of their training despite their inability to get on the field. They were also inside, getting their basics down and preparing as best they could given the circumstances.

"We have a very young team," said Berg-Townsend. "Even if we were outside, we would be doing a ton of fundamentals because of the young team we have."

She said that stressing the fundamentals is critical since their line-up will reflect a lot of new faces.

"Basically, there could potentially be new players at every single position this year. So fundamental work, fundamental work, fundamental work, both in hitting and defense."

With the team rounding the corner onto Mechanicsville Road, the fence loomed in the foreground distorting the runners. The dimensions of the fence are 210 ft. along the foul lines and 225 ft. to straight center field.

The fence may pose some adjustments, especially with hitters who are run producers, looking to make an impact with one swing of the bat.

"I think with any players, especially if they know that they have power, will always look to try and go for the fence," said Berg-Townsend.

She believes that the tendency to swing for the fence will be alleviated once they get outside and onto the field.

"When we work and scrimmage a little bit more, [they'll learn] that it's not as realistic as what they think it is, and to hit more for the line drive," said Berg-Townsend. "The minute you start swinging for the fences, you're going to pop up to the third baseman or shortstop."

Defensively, there will also be an adjustment. Berg-Townsend said they have some familiarity with the fence since it was in place for their district game.

The outfielders have to learn where to place their hand, and how to run to the fence because we don't have a warning track," said Berg-Townsend. "Their teammates will have to help them when they're running out toward the fence and how close it is."

The team is now preparing to head to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where it will finally see green grass and get in some games. Berg-Townsend said they leave March 19 with their first game the following Saturday against Passaic, New Jersey.