DIY Network

Batting Cage, Part 3: Pitcher's Mound From "Major League Remodel" episode MLR-101

advertisement

Former Atlanta Brave pitcher Greg McMichael opted to install a batting cage in the backyard of his Georgia home. Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E Figure F Figure G Figure H Figure I Figure J Figure K Figure L Figure M Former Braves pitcher Greg McMichael notes that baseball teams create a home-field advantage by designing a pitcher's mound to their own desired specs. Greg takes a trial run on a portable pitchers mound, an added feature on his custom-made batting and practice cage.

In this segment, Denny and Greg build a portable pitcher's to provide an authentic baseball-diamond touch to the batting cage.

Greg, a former pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, notes that major league baseball teams can create a home-field advantage by designing a pitcher's mound to their own desired specs. The dimensions and slope of the mound can actually enhance the performance of the pitcher.

According to Greg, the purpose behind having the pitcher positioned on top of a mound relates to the idea that it's easier to create greater ball momentum as the pitcher moves down the slope of the mound over the course of his pitch. Steeper mounds can produce greater momentum. Since nearly all playing fields incorporate a raised pitcher's mound, it's helpful to utilize one when practice-pitching.



Portable Pitcher's Mound

Materials:

2x10 boards, 12-feet long (for joists and braces)
Plywood (for surface) Astroturf, outdoor carpet or similar material
Rubber foot-stop
Circular saw
Cordless drill; counter-sink bit
Utility knife
Galvanized screws

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection, and follow proper safety precautions, when working with power tools.

Steps:

• For our pitcher's mound, we used 2x10's to create angle-cut joists for the sloped frame of the portable pitcher's mound. Begin by measuring and marking a spot 24 inches from the end of the 2x10 (figure A). This will designate the area of the joists that will be left flat -- the portion of the structure on which the pitcher will stand.
  
  
  
  
• Using a speed square, measure across 6 inches from the 24-inch mark. This measurement will set the angle for the cut. The formula for the slope is 1 foot (length) per 1 inch (height).
  
  
  
  
• With the marks made, snap a chalk-line to create the angled layout of the cut (figure B).
  
  
  
  
• Cut along the chalk line with a circular saw to create the angled joist for the pitcher's mound (figure C). You should be able to get two joists out of each 2x10 board. You'll need a total of four joists.
  
  
  
  
• After all joists have been cut, the framework of the mound can be assembled. Line up all four joists lengthwise on sawhorses, and begin installing the back brace (figure D). The brace is simply made from another 2x10 cut to the appropriate length.
  
  
  
  
• Pre-drill the holes for attaching the back brace using a counter-sink bit, then fasten the brace to the ends of the joists using galvanized wood screws (figure ). Secure the outer joists first, then space the two inner joints evenly when attaching them.
  
  
  
  
• Attach a shorter brace at the opposite end of the joists using the same technique (figure E). Once installed, the two braces will keep the joists stationary and secure.
  
  
  
  
• Next, measure and mark a sheet of plywood (figure F) that will be applied to form the slope's surface.
  
  
  
  
• Cut the plywood to size using a circular saw.
  
  
  
  
• Repeat the process for the smaller piece of plywood that will form the flat surface at the top of the pitcher's mound where the pitcher will stand.

  Tip: If possible, set the angle of your saw at a 5-degree angle. This will allow the two plywood pieces to be joined together seamlessly.
  
  
  
  

• Secure the smaller piece of plywood to the flat portion of the frame with galvanized screws.
  
  
  
  
• Position the larger plywood piece on the slope (figure G), making sure the edges are flush, then secure it to the frame using galvanized screws.
  
  
  
  
• Roll the surface material (outdoor carpet, Astroturf or similar material) onto the surface to ensure complete coverage (figure H).
  
  
  
  
• Fold half of the carpet back and begin applying spray adhesive to the backing (figure I), making certain that you get adequate coverage with the adhesive. Press the carpet down on the wood to secure it (figure J).
  
  
  
  
• Repeat the process on the other half of the carpet.
  
  
  
  
• Trim the excess carpet from the edges using a utility knife (figure K).
  
  
  
  
• Install the rubber foot-stop on the flat portion of the mound with nails (figure L).
  
  
  
  
• According to our plans and slope-formula, the completed "mound" (figure M) has a flat portion raised to a height of 10 inches. The slope angles down, dropping the height by 1 inch per foot of length. Over the 6-foot span, the height drops from 10 inches (at the upper end) to 4 inches (at the lower end).

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

The Art of Pitching
Model: 068813226X
Author: Tom Seaver
William Morrow and Company, Inc./HarperCollins
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-207-7000
Fax: 212-207-2145

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