US20200197776A1

US20200197776A1 - Batting practice systems

Info

Publication number: US20200197776A1
Application number: US16/245,094
Authority: US
Inventors: Jorge V. Gonzalez; Crystal Gonzalez
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-01-10
Filing date: 2019-01-10
Publication date: 2020-06-25

Abstract

A batting practice system; the system includes a physical apparatus for baseball and softball batting practice, which simulates pitches with a ball attached to the apparatus. The system may include a vertical support post having a base end and a top end, a projecting arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end attached to the top end of the vertical support post, a rod swivel-mounted on the distal end of the projecting arm; the rod configured to hang in a generally vertical position, a ball mounted at a lower end of the rod, a base member configured to support the vertical support post on a ground surface; and a home-plate representation fixed to the base member in a position below the ball.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/615,778 filed 2018 Jan. 10, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of training apparatus for sports and more specifically relates to training apparatus for sports using balls tethered to a line or cord.

2. Description of Related Art

Baseball and softball are popular sports played by scores of school children and adults, recreationally and professionally. Beginner and experienced players spend many hours practicing, to improve and perfect their technique and be successful during friendly and competitive baseball and softball games. It is common for a player to practice batting with a partner who throws practice pitches. This is an inconvenient arrangement, as it requires the engagement of the additional person. Further, the efficiency of the practice is low, as a person can throw repeated pitches with limited speed, and due to the need for practice balls to be retrieved from the field. There is a need for a convenient way to practice batting at a high speed of repetition, for long periods of time. It is further desirable for the player to be able to easily change the practice location.
Various attempts have been made to solve problems found in baseball batting practice art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,537 to Zuber relates to a tethered baseball batting practice apparatus. The described tethered baseball batting practice apparatus includes a batting practice apparatus includes a ball, an elongated support arm made from PVC pipe and various PVC fittings, and a strand of flexible material tethering the ball from the support arm. A PVC adapter fitting is provided on the first end portion of the support arm for removably attaching the support arm to a separate mounting member. A PVC tee fitting is provided on the second end portion of the support arm for providing a rotatable structure on the support arm. A PVC plug fitting is secured to the PVC tee fitting, and the strand is secured to the PVC plug fitting. Various mounting members are disclosed to mount the apparatus on various existing support structures, including a post, a chain-link fence, and an umbrella stand base.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known training apparatus for sports art, the present disclosure provides a novel batting practice system. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a physical apparatus for baseball and softball batting practice, which simulates pitches with a ball attached to the apparatus.
A batting practice system is disclosed herein. The batting practice system may include a vertical support post having a base end and a top end, a projecting arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end attached to the top end of the vertical support post, a rod swivel-mounted on the distal end of the projecting arm; the rod configured to hang in a generally vertical position, a ball mounted at a lower end of the rod, a base member configured to support the vertical support post on a ground surface; and a home-plate representation fixed to the base member in a position below the ball.
A method of producing a batting practice system is also disclosed herein. The method of producing the batting practice system may comprise the steps of: providing a vertical support post having a base end and a top end, providing a projecting arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end attached to the top end of the vertical support post, providing a rod swivel-mounted on the distal end of the projecting arm; the rod configured to hang in a generally vertical position, mounting a ball at a lower end of the rod, providing a base member configured to support the vertical support post on a ground surface, and providing a home-plate representation fixed to the base member in a position below the ball.
For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a batting practice system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the batting practice system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the batting practice system of FIG. 1, during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the batting practice system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the batting practice system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the batting practice system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the batting practice system of FIG. 1, illustrating height-adjustment features of the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the batting practice system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the batting practice system of FIG. 1, in a compact folded configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the batting practice system of FIG. 1, in a compact folded configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of producing a batting practice system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a training apparatus for sports and more particularly to a batting practice systems as used to improve training apparatus for sports using balls tethered to a line or cord.
Generally, the system provides a specially-designed baseball/softball training aide for baseball/softball players, particularly youth and other beginners. The system provides a simple and effective means for improving and perfecting a player's batting swing technique and muscle memory. The system may be used by general consumers, baseball/softball amateurs, professional players, coaches, trainers, and sports instructors. Virtually anyone from the age of five to professional age groups may benefit from using the batting practice system disclosed herein.
The system provides baseball/softball players with a simple yet effective training tool that helps to improve their batting skills. Designed around a tethered ball and plate, the system can repeatedly simulate pitched balls. This unique device offers a highly visible, easily attained target for landing a hit and perfecting a player's swing. As a result, the repeated practice with the system will improve a player's confidence, self-esteem, stance, and swing, providing essential training assistance to achieve more base hits and home runs. This system will enhance the game of baseball/softball for all who participate, teaching focus for accurate batting leading many players to a better experience and more championships.
The batting practice system may comprise a vertical support post, a generally horizontal arm attached to the vertical support post, a rod swivel-mounted on the distal end of the horizontal arm that hangs in a vertical position, a ball mounted at the distal end of the rod, and a base platform consisting of three legs, a plate, and two wheels. The arm and the vertical support post may be configured for the arm height to be adjustable according to the height of the player. The swivel-mounted rod may be configured to rotate up by about 90 degrees, placing the ball mounted at the end of the rod in a pitch position for batting practice. The system may be further configured to retract the ball every few seconds, by placing the rod in the original vertical position and positioning the ball for the subsequent ball to be hit again.
The three legs forming the platform may be foldable, allowing for the batting practice system to collapse for easy transport and storage. The two wheels mounted on the platform may allow for the system to be easily moved to a new practice location.
Two of the three legs may be longer than the other leg. The two long legs may be mounted on the bottom end of the vertical support post, and may form a line. The short leg may extend from the end of the vertical support post, at a right angle relative to the two long legs. A horizontal plate may be mounted on top of the short leg of the platform. The horizontal plate may be shaped as a pentagon, thus simulating a “home plate” in the sports of baseball and softball.
The two wheels may be mounted on the bottom end of the vertical support post. The three legs may be foldable, allowing for the batting practice system to collapse for easy transport. The two wheels may allow for the system to be easily moved to a new practice location.
A set of pins may be used to attach the horizontal arm to the vertical support post, the rod swivel-mounted on the distal end of the horizontal arm that hangs in a vertical position, the ball mounted at the distal end of the rod, and the base platform including the three legs, plate, and two wheels. The swivel-mounted rod may be configured to rotate up by 90 degrees, placing the ball mounted at the end of the rod in a pitch position for batting practice.
The vertical support post, the horizontal arm, and the platform legs may be made of heavy-duty steel, stainless steel, or heavy-duty aluminum. The swivel-mounted rod may be flexible, tubular, made of stainless steel or aluminum, and covered in a molded-rubber sleeve. The ball may be made of leather or rubber. The rod may have a ring at its proximal end to be swivel-mounted on the distal end of the arm, with the ball mounted on the distal end of the rod. The exact specifications, materials used, and method of use of the batting practice system may vary upon manufacturing.
Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-9, various views of a batting practice system 100. FIG. 1 shows a batting practice system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of the batting practice system 100 of FIG. 1, during an ‘in-use’ condition 150, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As noted above, the system provides baseball/softball players with a simple yet effective training tool to help players improve their batting skills. Designed around a tethered ball and a home-plate visual reference, the system is capable of repeatedly simulating a pitched baseball or softball.
As illustrated, the batting practice system 100 may include a vertical support post 102 having a base end 104 and a top end 106; a projecting arm 108 having a proximal end 110 and a distal end 112, the proximal end 110 attached to the top end 106 of the vertical support post 102; a rod 114 swivel-mounted on the distal end 112 of the projecting arm 108, the rod 114 configured to hang from the projecting arm 108 in a generally vertical position; a ball 116 mounted at a lower end of the rod 114; a base member 118 configured to support the vertical support post 102 on a ground surface; and a home-plate representation 126 fixed to the base member 118 in a position below the ball 116.
FIG. 3 shows a rear perspective view of the batting practice system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the batting practice system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the batting practice system 100 may include the vertical support post 102, the projecting arm 108, the rod 114 with a ball 116 mounted at a lower end of the rod 114, the base member 118, and the home-plate representation 126, as shown.
The base member 118 may comprise multiple legs joined with and extending outwardly from the base end 104 of the vertical support post 102. More specifically, the multiple legs may comprise three legs identified herein as first leg 130, second leg 132, and third leg 134. In one implementation of the system, the first leg 130 and the third leg 134 are arranged in a generally parallel alignment. More specifically, the first leg 130 and the third leg 134 may have a generally collinear alignment that extends through the base end 104 of the vertical support post 102, as shown.
In the above-noted implementation of the system, the alignment of the second leg 132 and the projecting arm 108 may be generally parallel with the projecting arm 108 in an aligned positioned above the second leg 132, as shown. In this arrangement, both the second leg 132 and the projecting arm 108 are orientated generally perpendicular to the first leg 130 and the third leg 134, as shown. The resulting leg configuration functions to provide a stable base support for the vertical support post 102 during use. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, etc., other support arrangements such as, for example, arranging the legs in equiangular orientations, utilizing more legs, utilizing alternate weighted bases, etc., may be sufficient.
The home-plate representation 126 may consist (comprise) of a substantially planar member having a geometric shape generally matching a home plate of a baseball or softball diamond. In one implementation of the system, the home-plate representation 126 may consist (comprise) of a pentagonal body as specified by the rules of an applicable sanctioning sports organization, for example, the Major League Baseball Official Rules, the Little League rulebook, etc. In one implementation of the system, the dimensions of the home-plate representation 126 may be about 17 inches (43 cm) across the front, about 8.5 inches (22 cm) down each side, with a triangular rear of two sides of about 12 inches (30 cm). The rear edges may be placed 45 degrees to the sides, making a point at the back. The home-plate representation 126 may be constructed from aluminum or a rigid plastic and may be finished in a white color to enhance visibility. The home-plate representation 126 may be fixed to the second leg 132 in a position below the ball 116 to assist users of the device visualize the strike zone 115 (see FIG. 6) and relationship between the ball and the plate during use. The plate may be mounted in a manner allowing the plate to be rotatable 180 degrees to accommodate both right and left-handed batters.
The rod 114 supporting the ball 116 may be swivel-mounted on the distal end 112 of the projecting arm 108 and configured to hang in a generally vertical position above the home-plate representation 126, as shown. The rod 114 may be generally tubular in shape and may be constructed from one or more durable materials. Materials suitable for use in the construction of the rod 114 include stainless steel and aluminum. The rod 114 may be configured to have a degree of flexibly and may include some resilient elasticity to promote rebound. In some implementations of the system, the rod 114 may be covered in a molded-rubber sleeve.
The upper end of the rod 114 may include an eyelet 117 to allow the rod 114 to be secured to the projecting arm 108 using a retaining pin 125 extending transversely through the arm. The rod 114 and mounting assembly may be configured to allow the ball 116 to move from a resting position 122 along a swing path angularly displaced by an angle (Q) of at least about 90 degrees with respect to such resting position 122 (see FIG. 7). In some implementations of the system, the material of the rod 114 may be relatively stiff with limited flexibility, thereby promoting a quick return of the ball 116 to the original resting position 122 and to prevent the rod from winding around the projecting arm 108 when the ball 116 is struck. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of material properties as described herein, methods of designing flexible and resilient structural members will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other rod arrangements such as, for example, forming the rod from a highly flexible cable, utilizing one or more resilient springs within the assembly, utilizing elastic rod etc., may be sufficient.
The ball 116 may be made of leather or rubber. The size and construction of the ball 116 may be similar to a regulation baseball or softball. The ball 116 may have a solid body of molded elastomeric material and a regulation circumference of between approximately 9-16 inches. The ball 116 may include a hollow bore to receive the lower end of the rod 114. The ball 116 may be firmly secured to the rod 114 in such a way so that it does not come lose after extended use. Alternately, the ball 116 and the rubber sleeve of the rod may be molded as a unitary structure.
At least one wheel 120 may be provided to assist wheeled transport of the batting practice system 100. In one implementation of the system, two wheels 120 are mounted to the base end 104 of the vertical support post 102, as shown. The wheels nay be formed from hard rubber and may be secured within support brackets 121 by retaining pins 125, such as threaded bolts.
A set of retaining pins 125 may be used to attach the projecting arm 108 to the vertical support post 102, the rod 114 to the distal end of the projecting arm 108, the three legs, 130, 132, 134 to the vertical support post 102, the home-plate representation 126 to the second leg 132, and the two wheels the vertical support post 102. In one implementation of the present system, such retaining pins 125 may consist of threaded bolts, washers, and retaining nuts, as shown.
The vertical support post 102 may further comprise a handle 124 configured to assist handling of the batting practice system 100 during transport. The handle may be mounted to the vertical support post 102, as shown.
FIG. 5 shows a side perspective view of the batting practice system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 shows a side perspective view of the batting practice system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some implementations of batting practice system 100, the projecting arm 108 and the vertical support post 102 may comprise a vertical adjuster 127 configured to enable adjustment to a vertical height of the distal end 112 of the projecting arm 108. This feature allows the height of the ball 116 to be adjusted to best fit the size and stature of the user. The vertical adjuster 127 may include a second releasable lock assembly 137 configured to lock the distal end 112 of the projecting arm 108 at a user-selected vertical height.
The vertical adjuster 127 and releasable lock assembly 137 may consist (comprise) of an indexing plate 160 located at the top end 106 of the vertical support post 102. The indexing plate 160 may include a set of apertures designed to interoperate with a central pivot aperture 162 and at least one locking aperture 164 of the projecting arm 108. In the present embodiment, the indexing plate 160 may contain multiple apertures including a first centrally-positioned aperture 166 and a set of locking apertures 167 spaced equidistantly from the central aperture 166, as shown. Each locking aperture 167 may be spaced from the central aperture 166 at the same center-to-center distance established for the locking apertures at the projecting arm 108, thus forming a common aperture-spacing relationship between the two components.
The releasable lock 136 of the projecting arm 108 is configured to lock the projecting arm 108 in a selected relationship relative to the vertical support post 102. The releasable lock 136 may include a threaded fastener (i.e., a bolt), a cam-type plunger, or similar retaining-pin assembly. In the present implementation, a threaded bolt is passed through a selected locking aperture of the projecting arm 108 to engage a locking aperture of the indexing plate 160.
When assembled, a bolt is engaged within the pivot aperture 162 to define an axis of rotation 168, about which the projecting arm 108 rotates relative to the vertical support post 102. When assembled, the projecting arm 108 may be rotated up and down relative to the vertical support post 102 about the axis of rotation 168. As the projecting arm 108 and the vertical support post 102 are rotated relative to one another, it will be appreciated that at least one locking aperture of the projecting arm 108 will align with one of the locking apertures of indexing plate 160, which in this arrangement corresponds to a height settings of the distal end of the projecting arm 108.
When a user wishes to adjust the height setting of the projecting arm 108, the user disengages the bolt from the aligned locking apertures and rotates the projecting arm 108 to a selected position. As the projecting arm 108 nears the selected position, the user aligns one of the locking apertures of the indexing plate 160 with a corresponding locking aperture of the projecting arm 108. Once aligned, the locking bolt can be reengaged within the selected pair of locking apertures. This locks the position of the projecting arm 108 relative to the indexing plate 160 of the vertical support post 102 to prevent further relative movement.
The vertical adjuster 127 may also be used to pivotally fold the projecting arm 108 to a lowered position adjacent the vertical support post 102 to assist compact storage (see FIG. 8).
FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of the batting practice system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the base member 118 of the batting practice system 100 may comprise the first leg 130, the second leg 132, and the third leg 134, as shown. In one implementation of the system, the first leg 130, the second leg 132, and the third leg 134 may be pivotally foldable to assist compact storage. In this regard, the first leg 130, the second leg 132, and the third leg 134 may each have a pivot-type mounting arrangement including first set of releasable locks 136 configured to lock the legs in either an open position 140, as shown in FIG. 1, or a pivotally folded position 142, as shown in FIG. 8.
FIG. 8 shows a front perspective view of the batting practice system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In reference to the FIG. 1 through FIG. 8, each leg may engage a receiving bracket 170 having a pivot aperture 172 and locking apertures 174, as shown. Each leg may include a set of corresponding apertures designed to interoperate with the pivot aperture 172 and the locking apertures 174 of the bracket 170. In the present embodiment, the bracket 170 contains locking apertures spaced equidistantly from the central pivot aperture 172, as shown. The locking aperture of each leg may be spaced from the pivot aperture 172 at the same center-to-center distance established for the locking apertures at the bracket, thus forming a common aperture-spacing relationship between the two components.
Each releasable lock 136 may be supplied as a threaded fastener, a cam-type plunger, or similar retaining-pin assembly. In the present implementation, a retaining knob 176 with a threaded shaft is used. The knob 176 is passed through a selected locking aperture of the bracket 170 to engage a locking aperture of the leg.
When assembled, a pin or bolt is engaged within the pivot aperture 172 of the bracket and corresponding aperture of the respective leg to define an axis of rotation 178, about which the leg may rotate relative to the bracket (and the vertical support post 102). When assembled, each leg may be rotated (i.e., folded) up and down relative to the vertical support post 102 about the axis of rotation 178. As the leg is rotated up and down within the bracket 170, it will be appreciated that the user can align the locking apertures of the bracket 170 with the locking aperture of the leg, which in this arrangement corresponds to either the open position 140 or the pivotally folded position 142 of the leg.
When a user wishes to fold the legs for transport, the user disengages the threaded knob 176 from the locking apertures associated with the open position 140 and pivotally-rotates the legs to upright folded positions adjacent the vertical support post 102. This aligns a second set of locking apertures of the brackets and legs associated with the upright folded position 142. Once aligned, the threaded knob 176 can be reengaged within the second set of locking apertures to lock the position of the legs and prevent further relative movement.
FIG. 9 shows a side perspective view of the batting practice system 100 of FIG. 1, according to the present disclosure. As above, the batting practice system 100 may be placed in a folded configuration for convenient transport and storage. Once folded, a user may use the wheels 120 and handle 124 to transport the device.
Components of the batting practice system 100 may be composed of any strong, durable, and lightweight material, having a suitable thickness and structural strength to bear the type of loads that may be encountered by the system during normal use. In one implementation of the system, the vertical support post 102, the projecting arm 108, and components of the base member 118 are formed from metal. Preferred metals suitable for use in the construction of the system include aluminum and steel. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other material arrangements such as, for example, composites, polymers, alternate metallic alloys, etc., may be sufficient.
According to one embodiment, the batting practice system 100 may be arranged as a kit 200. Referring again to FIG. 3, the kit 200 may include a set of instructions 202. The instructions 202 may detail functional relationships in relation to the structure of the batting practice system 100 (such that the batting practice system 100 can be used, maintained, or the like, in a preferred manner).
FIG. 10 is a flow diagram 550 illustrating a method 500 relating to producing a batting practice system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the a method 500 may include the steps of: step one 501, providing a vertical support post may have a base end and a top end; providing a projecting arm may have a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end attached to the top end of the vertical support post; step two 502, providing a rod swivel-mounted on the distal end of the projecting arm, the rod configured to hang in a generally vertical position; mounting a ball mounted at a lower end of the rod; step three 503, providing a base member configured to support the vertical support post on a ground surface; and step four 504, providing a home-plate representation fixed to the base member in a position below the ball.
In addition, the method 500 may include the additional step five 505 of configuring the projecting arm and the base member to be foldable to comprise a compact configuration assisting transport and storage.
It should be noted that step 505 is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 10 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method 500. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for batting practice system 100 (e.g., different step orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc.), are taught herein.
The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:

1. A batting practice system comprising:

a. a vertical support post having a base end and a top end;

b. a projecting arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end attached to the top end of the vertical support post;

c. a rod swivel-mounted on the distal end of the projecting arm, the rod configured to hang in a generally vertical position;

d. a ball mounted at a lower end of the rod;

e. a base member configured to support the vertical support post on a ground surface; and

f. a home-plate representation fixed to the base member in a position below the ball.

2. The batting practice system of claim 1, further comprising:

a. at least one wheel configured to assist wheeled transport of the batting practice system;

b. wherein the at least one wheel is mounted to the base end of the vertical support post.

3. The batting practice system of claim 1, wherein the rod is formed from a flexible material.

4. The batting practice system of claim 1, wherein the rod is configured to allow the ball to move from a resting position along a swing path angularly displaced at least about 90 degrees with respect to such resting position.

5. The batting practice system of claim 1, wherein the projecting arm is configured to be pivotally foldable to assist compact storage.

6. The batting practice system of claim 1, wherein the vertical support post further comprises a handle configured to assist handling of the batting practice system during transport.

7. The batting practice system of claim 1, wherein the vertical support post, the projecting arm, and the base member are formed from metal.

8. The batting practice system of claim 1, wherein the base member comprises multiple legs joined to the base end of the vertical support post.

9. The batting practice system of claim 8, wherein the multiple legs comprise a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg.

10. The batting practice system of claim 9, wherein the first leg and the third leg are arranged in generally parallel orientation.

11. The batting practice system of claim 9, wherein:

a. the second leg and the projecting arm are arranged in generally parallel orientation; and

b. the second leg and the projecting arm are arranged are arranged in an orientation generally perpendicular to the first leg and the third leg.

12. The batting practice system of claim 9, wherein the home-plate representation is mounted on the second leg.

13. The batting practice system of claim 9, wherein the first leg, the second leg, and the third leg are configured to be pivotally foldable to assist compact storage.

14. The batting practice system of claim 13, wherein the first leg, the second leg, and the third leg each comprise a releasable lock configured to lock respective legs in an open position and a pivotally folded position.

15. The batting practice system of claim 1, wherein the projecting arm and the vertical support post comprise a vertical adjuster configured to enable adjustment to a vertical height of the distal end of the projecting arm.

16. The batting practice system of claim 15, wherein the vertical adjuster comprises a first releasable lock configured to lock the distal end of the projecting arm at a user-selected vertical height.

17. A batting practice system comprising:

a. a vertical support post having a base end and a top end;

d. a ball mounted at a lower end of the rod;

e. a base member configured to support the vertical support post on a ground surface;

f. a home-plate representation fixed to the base member in a position below the ball;

g. at least one wheel configured to assist wheeled transport of the batting practice system;

h. wherein

i. the base member comprises a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg, each one joined to the base end of the vertical support post,

ii. the first leg and the third leg are arranged in generally parallel orientation,

iii. the second leg and the projecting arm are arranged in generally parallel orientation,

iv. the second leg and the projecting arm are arranged are arranged in an orientation generally perpendicular to the first leg and the third leg,

v. the home-plate representation is mounted on the second leg,

vi. the at least one wheel is mounted to the base end of the vertical support post,

vii. the projecting arm and the vertical support post comprise a vertical adjuster configured to enable adjustment to a vertical height of the distal end of the projecting arm,

viii. the vertical adjuster comprises a first releasable lock configured to lock the distal end of the projecting arm at a user-selected vertical height,

ix. the rod is configured to allow the ball to move from a resting position along a swing path angularly displaced at least about 90 degrees with respect to such resting position,

x. the first leg, the second leg, and the third leg are configured to be pivotally foldable to assist compact storage and the first leg, the second leg, and the third leg each comprise a releasable lock configured to lock respective legs in an open position and a pivotally folded position,

xi. the projecting arm is configured to be pivotally foldable to assist compact storage, and

xii. the vertical support post further comprises a handle configured to assist handling of the batting practice system during transport.

18. The batting practice system of claim 17, further comprising a set of instructions; and

wherein the batting practice system is arranged as a kit.

19. A method of producing a batting practice system comprising the steps of:

a. providing a vertical support post having a base end and a top end;

b. providing a projecting arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end attached to the top end of the vertical support post;

c. providing a rod swivel-mounted on the distal end of the projecting arm, the rod configured to hang in a generally vertical position;

d. mounting a ball mounted at a lower end of the rod;

e. providing a base member configured to support the vertical support post on a ground surface; and

f. providing a home-plate representation fixed to the base member in a position below the ball.

20. The method of producing a batting practice system of claim 19, further comprising the step of configuring the projecting arm and the base member to be foldable to comprise a compact configuration assisting transport and storage.