BATTING CAGE
FAQS
1. How much space is required for a batting cage?
The standard batting range consists of batting stalls which measure a minimum of fifteen feet wide. However, the depth of the range can vary from approximately 70 feet to as deep as 136 feet. Use the examples to find how much space is required for a batting cage.
Examples:
Number of Stalls
Four Cage System
Five Cage System
Six Cage System
Seven Cage System
Eight Cage System
Nine Cage System
Depth
60′ (18.2 m)
77’ (23.4m)
91’ (27.7m)
105’ (32m)
115’ (35m)
126’ (38.4m)
Width
70’ to 90’ (21.3-27.4m)
70’ to 100’ (21.3-30.4m)
70′-120′ (21.3-36.5m)
70′-126′ (21.3-38.4m)
70′-132′ (21.3-40.2m)
70′-137′ (21.3-41.7m)
2. How many cages do I need?
The answer to this question is similar to “How much space is required for a batting cage?” But it depends on a number of variables. These include your location, demographics, ages of patrons, number of ball teams, location of ballparks, and local batting cage competition to name a few. Some general guidelines:
Examples:
Population
20,000 to 40,000
40,000 to 80,000
80,000 to 150,000
150,000+
Number of Stalls
Four Station batting cage with dual machines
Five to Seven Station batting cage with dual machines
Seven to Eight Station batting cage with dual machines
Nine Station batting cage with or without dual machines
Please Note that these estimates DO NOT reflect systems that include “Dual Machines”, Cost for adding dual machines is approximately $3,100 per machine. However, these figures represent “estimates” for these various construction requirements. Local material costs, labor costs and specific site variations may alter these figures substantially. In addition, we advise you to review the “ABC Construction Blueprints” with a qualified contractor to get exact construction and development cost. As well as refer to “How much space is required for a batting cage?” NOTE: Other “off-site” costs and extra’s may be required. Items such as utility services (electrical services and storm drainage), parking requirements, services/office building may be needed and are not included in these estimates.
4. How much does it cost to start an indoor batting cage?
Please Note that these estimates DO NOT reflect systems that include “Dual Machines”, Cost for adding dual machines is approximately $3,100 per machine. However, these figures represent “estimates” for these various construction requirements. Local material costs, labor costs and specific site variations may alter these figures substantially. In addition, we advise you to review the “ABC Construction Blueprints” with a qualified contractor to get exact construction and development cost. NOTE: Other “off-site” costs and extra’s may be required. Items such as utility services (electrical services and storm drainage), parking requirements, services/office building may be needed and are not included in these estimates.
Automated Batting Cages can help answer the following to assist in the development of a batting cage: if the batting cage will be indoor or outdoor, how large a cage would be adequate, exact costs for equipment, and supply systems and construction blueprints available.
As with any commercial equipment, quality, reliability, and commitment to service after the sale will vary from one manufacturer to the next.
6. How much can I charge?
At ABC, we factory program our machines to throw 15 pitches per game, which lasts 90 seconds. For instance, you can charge $2 to $4 per game. ABC offers tokens in various sizes, or if you’d like a cashless option, we are able to integrate with most game cards.
7. How should I send ABC my order?
ABC accepts orders by fax at any time. To order this way, download the Fax Order Form and send to 1-800-366-7505 or 1-503-304-1899. Alternatively, you can use the Fillable Online PDF Form and email to parts@funpartsxpress.com. In addition, if you choose to submit a payment directly on our website, you will need to use a credit card. We use SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) to ensure that all data passed between the web server and browsers remain private and secure.
8. Why does ABC use a wheel instead of an arm machine?
The common thought is that wheel machines don’t allow batters adequate timing to hit the ball, whereas arm machines claim they offer a better wind-up motion and timing. However, the ABC wheel machine offers a visual timing sequence by exposing the balls before they are released (via our ball feeding tray) and after they are released and fed into our wheels. Arm machines, due to the inherent danger of the arm striking the operator or maintenance person, have been mandated by the Federal Government to enclose their arm with a very large enclosure. This obscures the vision of the arm motion and eliminates any natural advantage of the arm motion. Therefore, balls are never hidden with the ABC machine. Our machines expose the ball longer and with better timing than any other wheel machine available.
9. What is the team usage of wheel vs. arm machines?
Every major league baseball team owns several wheel-type machines and hundreds of professional ballplayers own wheel machines for their personal training. Although ABC does not sell “team model” machines, we have a very long history in the pitching machine business. Beginning in 1971 and ending in 1985, we manufactured and sold pitching machines to thousands of youth programs throughout the US and Canada including Little Leagues, High Schools and Colleges and as well as every professional team in the US and Canada. Today, over 5,000 wheel machines are sold every year to these clubs. In addition, wheel machines represent the vast majority (100 wheel machine to 1 arm model machine) of pitching machines used in the US and Canada by baseball and softball teams. Why? Because they are the safest, the most accurate and the most reliable machines available!
10. Can ABC machines be converted from baseball to softball?
The ABC machine can be converted from baseball to softball (or vice versa). No other commercial wheel-style machine is capable of converting from baseball to softball.
11. What maintenance is required in wheel vs. arm machines?
Our experience in converting owners from arms to ABC equipment proves to us that ABC equipment is the most reliable and requires the least maintenance of any machine offered today. In every case, the conversion was done to reduce maintenance, increase accuracy, and provide a safer environment in the batting range operation. However, in some cases, conveyor and hopper systems offered by the arm model manufacturers did not work in any fashion. In addition, these customers have seen higher revenues and profits due to this conversion!