FORT SILL, Okla.-- Fort Sill softball players have another way to practice finding that sweet spot when they swing the bat at the Fort Sill batting cages adjacent to the Cannoneer Softball Complex.
"The batting cages are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Shane Dunlevy, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation community recreation chief. "They are outfitted with motion detector lights so if it looks dark when you get there, move around a little and the lights will come on."
Softball players can choose from one of the three slow pitch machines or the fast pitch machine. The cages are also a great way to relieve stress.
The batting cages, which have been open since May 2010, are free.
"You can bring your own bat and helmet or you can touch base with the sports department or Goldner Fitness Center and check out everything you need to practice some softball," said Dunlevy. "We built the batting cages as part of our continuing efforts to upgrade the Cannoneer Softball Complex.
John Williams, a pest control applicator for the Directorate of Public Works, plays for the Wichita Snyder Mechanics team and says he uses the batting cages almost every day.
"It's a great way to get in some extra batting practice. I've brought several team mates to the cages to get extra batting practice," he said. "These are the only batting cages locally. You'd have to drive to Oklahoma City or Wichita Falls for the next closest batting cages."
B.J. Cole, former All-American softball player for Cameron University, recently learned the batting cages were open and free. "I think it's great that we (Fort Sill) offer batting cages right here on post," he said. "I like doing both the fast and slow pitch. It helps me stay in shape, and it keeps my batting skills from getting rusty."
Cole is also the youth sports director for FMWR.
Alan Hanson, an FMWR employee with the sports division, takes care of the batting cages. He attributes his quick recovery after neck surgery to being able to use the batting cages.
"After my surgery, I would come out here and hit a bunch of balls every day to get my range of motion back. I'll hit left and right handed, and now in addition to being a better hitter, I'm also completely recovered."
The Softball Complex is just south of the Sheridan Road Shoppette on Cannoneer Field Road. For more information, call the sports office at 442-5623.
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