In this episode of Major League Remodel workshop, Host Denny Janson helps Greg McMichael install a backyard batting cage. With the site selected and measured off, the support poles erected, and the cables secured, the cage netting can now be raised and secured. Materials: Cage netting (#42 knitted-nylon netting) 24 bitsnaps 30 wire S-hooks 8-foot ladder
Raising the Net
- Two extra poles were secured in at the center-points of the long sides of the cage to provide added support for the net, and to prevent sag. The two center poles were installed in the same manner as the four corner poles.
- Install the bit snaps and wire hooks to the outer edge of the net (figure A).
- Begin hanging the net using the hooks, starting on one side of the net at one corner (figure B), suspending the net from the cable.
- Work your way down the net on one side of the cage layout, fastening the net with snaps and hooks as you go.
- Round the first corner -- fastening the net to the top of the pole -- and continue fastening the down the short side.
- Rounding the corner with the net can be challenging, since the net won't have much slack. This job will go much easier with two people working together (figure C).
- Continue working in this way until the net has been raised completely to form the cage enclosure (figure D).
- With the netting raised (figure E, go back around the entire structure and make any necessary adjustments to straighten the netting and eliminate bunching or other problems.
- Wire anchors can be installed at the bottom of the cage, around the bottom perimeter of the net (figure F) to prevent the netting from blowing in the wind.
- As a safety measure, install orange flags on the diagonal support cables to make them more visible (figure G).
- For added strength on the backside of our cage, an additional 10'x10' piece of netting was installed. This will help prevent premature wear from the direct impact of batted practice-balls.
- Tip: When the black netting begins to show wear or discoloration, black spray-paint can be used to hide the worn spots.
In the segment that follows, Denny and Greg build a portable pitcher's to provide an authentic baseball-diamond touch to the batting cage.
RESOURCES :
Roadside Baseball: A Guide to Baseball Shrines Across America
Model: 0892047143
Author: Chris Epting, Joe Buck
McGraw-Hill Companies
Website: www.mcgraw-hill.com
Triumph and Tragedy in Mudville: A Lifelong Passion for Baseball
Model: 0393057550
Author: Stephen Jay Gould
W. W. Norton & Company
The Science of Hitting
Model: 0671621033
Author: Ted Williams, John Underwood
Fireside Publishing
Batting cage by Stan Mar Sports Nets
Stan Mar Sports Nets
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Website: www.stanmarnets.com
Special thanks for DIY's Major League Remodel
Athlete's Advantage, LLC
Featured in Major League Remodel marathon.
www.athletesadvantage.com
Louisville Slugger factory and museum
800 West Main St.
Louisville, KY 40202
Featured in Major League Remodel marathon.
www.slugger.com
Wilson Sporting Goods
Featured in Major League Remodel marathon.
www.wilsonsports.com
Stan Mar Sports Nets
Batting cage featured in Major League Remodel workshop, episode 101.
www.stanmarnets.com
SpaceMakers Of East Tennessee
Featured in Major League Remodel special.
www.spacemakersofet.com
Memories Photo and Portraits
Knoxville, TN
Photo transfer featured in Major League Remodel marathon.
www.memoriesphotos.com
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