| Batting Cage, Part 4: Pitching Machine and Practice Equipment |
From "Major League Remodel" episode MLR-101 |
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With the batting cage constructed, and the portable pitcher's mound built, the finishing touches in this Major League Remodel include some "bells and whistles" -- the addition of a self-feeding pitching machine, a practice-net for pitching, and a radar gun for measuring the speed of pitches.
- The Strike Zone (TM) pitching net from Easton (figure A) has a back-stop to catch pitched balls, and a marked opening to indicate an authentic player strike-zone. The net backing catches the pitched balls, making it fast and easy to collect them.
- The separated corner areas at the top and bottom of the zone (figure B) denote the optimum locations for a pitch -- the pitches most likely to result in a swing-and-miss by a batter. The center area of the strike zone -- a.k.a, the "dead zone" -- can be covered during pitching practice in order to concentrate on optimum placement at the upper and lower corners.
- The automated pitching machine (figure C) has a reservoir of baseballs and a self-feeding mechanism. This machine enables a player to get in some solo batting-practice. One of the keys to success in baseball is achieving consistency through repetition of good technique. This machine helps accomplish that objective.
- For the ultimate practice accessory, a radar-gun (figure D) and display can be installed to measure the precise speed of pitches. This device, like the pitching machine, has proved to be an effective tool in helping players (especially young players) refine their techniques.
- The finished batting cage (figure E) is the ideal "companion" for baseball players -- of any skill level -- who want to polish their pitching and batting techniques. If you're a die-hard baseball enthusiast, consider transforming your backyard into a baseball practice-camp by installing a batting cage and related accessories.
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
Easton's Strike Zone(TM) Pitcher's Target
Easton's Strike Zone Pitcher's Target, and other products from Easton, can be purchased from most sports-equipment suppliers.
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
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