Batting Cage Etiquette

Batting cage time has always been a challenge when the season gets going. We do have a few simple rules of engagement that make things easier, but we must all work together to make it successful.

During practice times

• Fields 2 & 3 split cage 1 and fields 4 & 5 split cage 2. Generally, the older divisions get the first 45 minutes of cage time and the younger divisions get the last 45 minutes of cage time. I recommend that coaches communicate with each other before practice begins to coordinate their batting cage time.

• Always exercise courtesy and remember we all have to share.

Game Days

• Any teams that are playing games during the week get priority over the teams that are practicing during the week. (No older division seniority applies).

• Before a game, just give each kid 6-8 pitches, this is not batting practice time, just a warm-up.

• The home team gets the first half of cage time before a game and visitors go second (unless both coaches agree otherwise).

• To use a cage, a team must be at the fields and ready to use them. (If you only have 3-4 players ready, you are out of luck). If your entire team is on the field and you are sending a small group of girls over that is okay, just keep them moving and make sure they are all present!

• In many cases, we will have multiple age groups with games during the week; the older divisions get priority with the cage. With two quality cages, we should still be able to get everyone through. (I.E. the 14U teams share one cage; they don’t each get one and so on down the divisions). Keeping the number of pitches per kid down is a must. If your team is not ready, you must give up the cage time (even the older divisions).

"Twin Spin" Hitting Machines ­ Operation & Safety

(NOTE: Please keep the balls and power cord stored in this cage at all times)

Operating Instructions

1) Do not tamper with ball chutes, they are pre-set and should not need to be adjusted.

2) The height adjustment is the turnbuckle on the lower right side.

3) Flip the "On/Off" power switch to "On".  The green light will appear.

4) Flip the "Start/Stop" switch to the "Start" position to start the machine.

5) Adjust the speed dial as needed.

6) Always throw test pitches before allowing a batter to begin hitting.

7) RIGHT CHUTE:  throws Fast Balls LEFT CHUTE:    throws Change-ups

8) To turn machine off, go in reverse order ­ "Start/Stop" switch first, then the "On/Off" switch last to cut the power to the motor (this is designed to prolong the motor life).

9) Cover the machine and lock the cage after use.

Safety Requirements

1) This machine is to only be used by adults.  Long hair should be tied back, and loose clothing should be kept away from the moving wheels.

2) A protective screen must be used when operating the machine.

3) Always use a Grounded power cord #12 minimum.  This is kept in our cage at all times.

4) Never throw two balls at once.

5) Twin Spin is not weather proof, nor is it implied to be.  Cover the machine after you are done using it (don't rely on another coach to do so).

6) Machine is equipped with an electronic speed control.  Being struck by batted balls will damage control and void warranty.