Batters Box caters to baseball, softball players of all skill levels
GAYLORD — After a 20-year career in the United States Coast Guard, Christopher Wagoner and his wife, Jacqueline, were sure about two things in 2022 when he decided to retire.
One, they wanted to live in Northern Michigan and promptly moved to Gaylord. Two, they also wanted to open a batting-cage business where baseball and softball players, teams and the public could practice the sport in a safe environment and improve their skills.
Last September, the couple opened the Batters Box at 818 N. Otsego Lake Dr.
Jacqueline grew up in Cheboygan and is a devoted baseball fan. She played softball in youth leagues and on the high school level and still follows the Detroit Tigers. Christopher, who grew up in Connecticut, didn't participate in baseball as a child.
However, as an adult he played softball in the military and eventually coached his son's teams.
"Even though I never played much until the military, I have done a lot of coaching so I know the game," he said.
Christopher and Jacqueline have taken their passion for baseball and created a business that enables everyone to enjoy what is still considered America's favorite pastime.
The Batters Box features a ProMounds Practice Mound. This 5' wide mound is made with high density foam, PRAT (ProMounds Rubber Armor Technology), spike resistant artificial turf and a built-in pitching rubber. The high density foam creates a durable, lightweight mound. The spike resistant artificial turf completes the mound, giving a thrower a real game feel.
"We have two batting lanes and a pitching lane that are turfed. We have nets in the cages which are retractable," said Wagoner.
The Batters Box facility can be used for other sports, noted Wagoner.
"My wife and I and her parents have played badminton here," he said.
Wagoner said the Batters Box also has top of the line pitching machines for batting practice.
"A high school player can go in and take fast-pitch hardball practice. We can also set it up so someone can pitch to a softball player," he added.
The Batters Box charges $45 to use a batting cage for an hour. That cost can be split between several individuals, and Wagoner said the business offers discounts as well.
"We have everything that you would need except baseball gloves," said Wagoner. "We have helmets, bats and balls. We also have a pitching screen so someone can do their own pitching instead of using a machine."
To use a pitching machine, a batter must be at least eight years or older.
"Kids under eight can use the soft toss or a tee," Wagoner said.
The Batters Box also provides clinics for players of all skill levels to work on their hitting, base running, fielding and pitching.
Some have suggested that American youth are turning away from baseball and moving to other sports. Wagoner doesn't see that happening in Gaylord.
"I am on the Little League board and last year we had record numbers, especially for softball. The numbers were growing even before the Gaylord High School girls won a state title last June," he said. "It's a major reason why we opened the cages. This is a big baseball and softball town."
Recently, the Wagoners welcomed a family that included grandparents, parents, children and other relatives for an afternoon of activity.
"This is not just for serious athletes, it is also for family fun," he said.
— Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Batters Box in Gaylord offers baseball, softball amenities
