Money down the drain. The Rec department purchased three sets of brand new "Magnetic Breakaway Superbases." Some assembly is required. It turns out you assemble the first base without the breakaway option even though they ship it with the parts to make all three "breakaway." The second and third bases are then assembled by attaching the proper shear plate. Your choices are: 6x4" - 200 lbs applied force, 4" square - 120 lbs. of applied force, 4x2" rectangular plate - 90 lbs. applied force.

The thing that really caught my eye was the warning that is printed on all three of the pages of the assembly instructions:

"WARNING: Be advised that sliding into a baseball or softball base represents a clear and present danger. Injury may occur. All players should be informed of the risks inherent in this sports activity."
Hmm, Tom Clancy now writes product warning labels?

This is just another example of buying overkill. You are not supposed to leave the bases connected to the magnetic base when not in use.

They sat out there all season.

The inability to get the in-ground fixture plug to be properly positioned on second and third base on the two ball fields left both bases not "connected" to the magnet. Anyhow, more money down the drain.

But as have I previously mentioned, the Rec equipment is not taxpayer funded. It is funded with the profits from the phone system and the commissary, so it's our money down the drain.
  ¶ 8:48 AM