Patent ID: 9149698
Filing Date: 2015-10-06
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. A method of using a training program for improving hitting of a baseball by enhancing a batter's tracking skill to follow a pitched baseball, the method comprising: (a) selecting a baseball from a set of baseballs, each baseball of the set of baseballs including a cover having a pair of panels joined together by a continuous seam of lacing, the cover having a single-colored pattern provided thereon, the single-colored pattern including a closed linear marking and a generally circular marking, the closed linear marking having a curved portion with a shape generally conforming to a portion of the seam and disposed in offset, adjacent relationship to the portion of the seam, and the generally circular marking disposed within the curved portion of the closed linear marking, wherein the single-colored pattern of the selected baseball of the set of baseballs is a first color, and the set of baseballs includes at least one other baseball having a single-colored pattern of a second color, and the first color is different from the second color; (b) pitching the selected baseball to a batter; (c) detecting, when the selected baseball is pitched to the batter, an audible indication from the batter of the color of the single-colored pattern on the selected baseball as perceived by the batter when the selected baseball has entered a hitting zone adjacent to the batter.