New baseball batting cage with astro turf
The Pitch
Problem statement
In 2021 through a combination of funding streams, Kent Mariners Baseball Club successfully acquired a high quality pitching machine to greatly enhance the number and quality of batting related activities we could offer our members. We had also previously acquired a temporary, pop-up batting cage for other baseball activities however we quickly found it's set-up to be extremely time-consuming (for a 'pop-up') and was not quite the right size for use with our new pitching machine. Consequently we were unable to use the machine as frequently, or as effectively as the Club and its members would have liked.
Solution
Having received permission from the landowner of the sports field, our solution is to build a correctly sized, permanent, but de-mountable batting cage. Being permanent no time would be lost in setting up the batting cage meaning we could provide easier and more frequent access to the pitching machine. The £1,850 we are asking for would cover the cost of a 55 foot Fortress Trapezoidal Baseball Batting Cage (£787) and astro turf to cover the floor area within the batting cage to provide a consistent durable surface (£1,063). Having been built we anticipate that this will increase the amount and quality of batting practice we can offer our members, creating an unrivaled facility in Kent
Why are we best placed to deliver?
Established in 2002, Kent Mariners Baseball Club has been providing friendly, inclusive and competitive baseball opportunities in Kent for 20 years. In 2021 the current management group successfully organised a short-notice ground move and also delivered on the acquisition of a new pitching machine that would revolutionise they way we train and what we can offer our members. Re-elected in its entirety by our members at the Club's AGM in the winter of 2021, the same management group are confident of making the project a success. We are also excited to be working closely with our host - the Hoo Village Institute to increase our involvement with the local community.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Fortress Trapezoidal Baseball Batting Cage (55 foot) | £787 |
| Harrier Kingston Artificial Grass (35mm, 4m x 16m) | £1,063 |
Beneficiaries
50 people
Expected impact
Upon completion the project will immediately impact the quality of training we offer our current membership of c.40 members. We conservatively estimate that the addition of a permanent batting cage will attract an additional c.10 new members over the coming season (to October). With the community involvement projects / events we are arranging for the coming year with the Hoo Village Institute we anticipate that perhaps the same number again will be able to make use the facility in 2022 alone. As the only such facility for baseball in Kent, we ultimately believe the permanent batting cage will prove a significant draw for potential new members from across Kent and will be key in growing the club and local interest in the sport.
Track record
In 2021, using a combination of the club's development fund, donations and a grant through Kent Sport the Club were successful in acquiring a £2,300 pitching machine - one of the most significant development projects in the club's history.