If you have a softball or baseball team, installing an indoor or outdoor commercial batting cage will help you hone your skill, train athletes and just have fun. Batting cages are the basic training vehicle for baseball and softball, and with Grand Slam Safety, they can be a reality for you.
What Do You Need for Batting Cages?
Before you start shopping for batting cages, consider your needs — including how much use the batting cage may get, how many athletes will be using it and what level of ability or athleticism the users will have. Knowing the size of your outdoor space or indoor space and having a budget in mind can help, too.
Once you have a general idea, think about comfort and safety. Take a second look at where you want your cage to be. If it’s in an outdoor spot, make sure the sunlight will not cause glare for players. Consider lighting if you want the batting cage accessible at night.
How Much Space Do You Need for a Batting Cage?
You need enough space for a good swing and room for players and coaches. Standard batting cage netting can be 70 feet by 14 feet wide and about 12 feet high. Custom netting cages and those for more experienced athletes may be higher. You'll need about 4 feet of clearance around the batting cage if there are obstructions nearby, like a chain-link fence or a tree.
How Do You Prepare the Ground for a Batting Cage?
Before you install an outdoor batting cage, make sure you can dig down for fence posts. Grass will wear down readily and need frequent maintenance, so it's not an ideal surface.
Artificial turf stays green and even without much care. You can also choose rubber flooring, which can work for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Professional batting cages sometimes have sports court material or concrete for added durability.
Before putting down surfacing, you'll need to smooth out the ground. Outdoors, you can use utility sand. Another option is to box off an area and put down cement under the batting cage for added stability and even ground.
How Much Would It Cost to Build a Batting Cage?
Costs can vary widely, from a few thousand dollars for a simple outdoor kit to over $80,000 for a professional or commercial batting cage with custom features and multiple batting stations.
You'll also need a pitching machine, accessories and hardware. If you're building outdoors, you'll have added costs for features like outdoor lights and artificial turf or rubber mats.
Should You Hire a Professional for Batting Cage Installation?
It's possible to install a basic backyard or at-home batting cage yourself, especially if your project is for a young child or just for fun. You can use batting cage kits, but be sure to level the ground and make the installation secure and safe.
In most cases, it’s best to leave installation to the pros. With a professional installation at home, you can improve the value of your property and ensure safety for anyone practicing in the batting cage. You can even work with a professional team to create a batting cage that you or your athlete can grow into, making it a smart long-term investment.
If you have a commercial property or are creating a batting cage for a team, it’s even more important to work with a professional installation team to limit your liability and to ensure the practice space can stand up to more robust use. You'll have peace of mind knowing your batting cage is compliant with all relevant laws.
Start Your Batting Cage Frame Construction Today
Are you ready to swing for the fences? Grand Slam Safety can help with professional installation services for indoor and outdoor batting cages. Our years of experience will get you in the game and keep you safe. It’s right there in our name. Check out our batting cages today or contact us to discuss your project.