Abstract:
The baseball and softball training system includes a home plate, a first base, a second base and a third base positionable relative to one another in order to practice base running and defensive baseball or softball skills. In this regard, the first base includes three indicia comprising a baseline section, a corner section and a leadoff section while the second base and the third base each include two indicia comprising a corner section and a leadoff section. The aforementioned indicia emphasize a contact location on each respective base depending on the baseball or softball game situation.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a baseball and softball training device. More particularly, the invention relates to a training device capable of teaching the proper technique of running the bases in baseball or softball. 
         [0002]    Baseball and softball fields have similar rules and, as a result, have similar field layouts. That is, both sports have a home plate where a batter attempts to strike a ball thrown by a pitcher. The batter becomes a base runner after hitting the ball into play, receiving a base on balls or otherwise being hit by a pitch during the at-bat. The objective of the batter is to get on base and score a run by crossing home plate. Points are scored in baseball and softball when the batter runs around the infield and touches each base sequentially, i.e. first base, second base, third base and then home plate. The base runner must touch each base without being “forced” out or otherwise “tagged” out with the ball. Hence, effective base running is important to successfully winning a baseball or softball game. Even at the Major League Baseball level, effective base running can result in additional runs and thereby determine the game winner. 
         [0003]    The bases themselves are typically square and have a somewhat uniform thickness. On a standard baseball field or softball field, the bases are oriented toward one another. The bases are often white and have no visual cues that communicate to the base runner the optimum way to run the bases. But, the bases may include padding or other cover material capable of withstanding metal cleats. The base runner may strike any portion of the base when running the bases. In this regard, the location the base runner strikes the base is important both fundamentally and physically. Fundamentally sound base running enables the base runner to strike the base and move to the next base with the greatest amount of momentum. Physically, striking the base awkwardly can cause the base runner to trip over the base, roll an ankle or otherwise collide with the defensive player, thereby causing injury. Therefore, the base runner should know where to strike the base depending on the game situation in order to maximize base running skills and prevent injury. 
         [0004]    In one scenario, the batter may strike the baseball or softball thrown by the pitcher. Assuming the ball is put into fair territory and hits the ground at least once, the defense can force out the batter by touching first base with the ball before the batter. Most commonly, one of the infielders will pick up the ball and throw it to the first baseman, who is touching first base. Here, the base runner may run through first base in an effort to beat the throw. That is, the base runner may touch first base and allow momentum to carry the base runner down the first baseline while attempting to stop. Oftentimes, the base runner and the first baseman are both at first base at the same time. On one hand, the base runner must be careful not to step on the foot or heel of the first baseman receiving the throw. On the other hand, the first baseman should occupy the inside corner of the base when receiving the throw from another defensive player so as to avoid obstructing the base runner. Hence, the base runner and first baseman should touch first base at different places so as to prevent collision. 
         [0005]    Alternatively, the batter may hit the baseball or softball into the outfield gap such that there is no chance the defense can pick up the ball and throw it to the first baseman before the base runner reaches first base. In this scenario, the base runner may want to try and reach second base before the ball is returned to the infield. Here, the base runner wants to round first base toward second base in stride. Instead of running through first base, the runner will swing slightly to the right of the first baseline and lean into first base in an attempt to turn to second base while maintaining maximum running speed. The base runner must get to the next base, second base, before the defense tags the base runner with the ball. 
         [0006]    The batter is otherwise awarded first base by receiving a base on balls or by being hit by a pitch. The batter must then know how to properly occupy first base in order to maximize getting to second base without being tagged out. Of course, proper base running techniques ensure that the base runner has proper foot placement when rounding the bases in order to limit susceptibility of turning/rolling an ankle or otherwise losing balance, both which could cause loss of momentum or injury. 
         [0007]    Optimum base running involves running at top speed while maintaining maximum momentum and balance when rounding each base. In the first scenario described above, the top speed is best maintained by the base runner by striking the outer half of the first base so as to avoid stepping on heel of the first baseman touching first base. In the second scenario, the top speed is best maintained by the base runner by striking the raised portion at the inside corner of first base. The first baseman should not be standing in the way of the base runner in this scenario because there is presumptively no play at first base, i.e. the defense has no chance of getting the ball to first base before the base runner touches first base. Accordingly, the base runner should lean inward and strike the inside corner of first base at maximum speed. The base runner uses the inside base corner as a foot plant to support an aggressive left turn towards second base. 
         [0008]    The base runner should employ a similar technique when rounding subsequent bases (i.e. second base and third base). That is, a base runner endeavoring to efficiently round second base or third base en route to third base or home plate, respectively, should endeavor to strike the raised portion at the inside corner of each respective base, as described above with reference to rounding first base. In this way the base runner can properly plant and push off the inside corner of the base to more aggressively turn toward the next respective base without losing speed. A base runner capable of effectively using the inside corner of each base is able to reach the next, subsequent base, most efficiently, i.e. in the shortest amount of time. 
         [0009]    Like many other skills in baseball and/or softball, the subtleties of effective base running take time to master. Unfortunately, most instructional time, especially at the youth level, is spent teaching other basic skills such as batting, fielding, catching and throwing. As a result, little time is spent coaching base running techniques. Regardless, learning to effectively run the bases requires practice. Consequently, it is important to frequently and correctly repeat efficient base running skills. 
         [0010]    Thus, there exists a significant need for a baseball and softball base running training device. Such a baseball and softball base running training device should include a set of bases (i.e. first base, second base and third base) having a plurality of markings thereon that identify the correct place to strike the base when running the bases. Moreover, such a training device may include home plate and a tee selectively attachable thereto. Such a training device should also be capable of quickly and efficiently demonstrating the proper and efficient placement of striking the respective bases when running the bases. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The baseball and softball training system disclosed herein generally includes a home plate, a first base, a second base and a third base having a plurality of indicia thereon. For example, the first base includes three indicia comprising a baseline section, a corner section and a leadoff section. The second base includes two indicia comprising a corner section and a leadoff section and the third base, similarly, includes two indicia comprising a corner section and a leadoff section. The indicia on each base preferably comprise a distinct color such that different indicia on the first base, the second base and the third base are visually distinguishable from one another. Accordingly, like indicia of the first base, the second base and the third base should comprise like colors. 
         [0012]    In a particularly preferred embodiment, the baseline section of the first base is located generally along an outer third of the base, opposite the leadoff section. Moreover, the corner sections of the first base, the second base and the third base are preferably located generally along an inner third of each respective base, below the respective leadoff sections. Similarly, the leadoff sections of first base, the second base and the third base are preferably located generally along an inner third of each respective base, above the respective corner sections. The aforementioned positioning of the indicia emphasize a contact location on each respective base such that the home plate, the first base, the second base and the third base are positionable relative to one another in order to practice base running and defensive baseball or softball skills on a baseball or softball field. In this regard, the first base, the second base and the third base may further include a neutral area designating a non-contact location of each base. This neutral area should contrast the visual appearance of the indicia such that a base runner does not immediately identify the neutral area as a potential contact location when practicing base running and defensive baseball or softball skills. 
         [0013]    In an alternative embodiment, the baseball and softball training system may further include a batting tee selectively attachable to the home plate. The batting tee preferably selectively telescopes such that a ball holder associated with the batting tee may be vertically positioned according to the height of the batter using the batting tee of the baseball and softball training system disclosed herein. 
         [0014]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a collection of bases used in accordance with the training device disclosed herein; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a home plate having a baseball tee attached thereto; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is an alternative perspective view of  FIG. 1 , illustrating extension of the baseball tee; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a baseball player swinging a bat at a ball on the baseball tee; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating a base runner running through first base; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is another perspective view illustrating a base runner taking a lead off of first base; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a base runner rounding first base. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention for a baseball and softball base running training device is referred to generally by the reference number  10 . In  FIG. 1 , the base running training device  10  includes a home plate  12 , a first base  14 , a second base  16  and a third base  18 . The home plate  12  and the bases  14 ,  16 ,  18  are preferably sized to match the regulation size for baseball bases or softball bases. In accordance with the base running training device  10 , the home plate  12  and the bases  14 ,  16 ,  18  may be flat and portable (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) or otherwise constructed out of similar materials as a professional base such that the base has a peg that engages a corresponding shaft formed into the surface of the playing field. Preferably, the home plate  12  and the bases  14 ,  16 ,  18  are highly portable such that the base running training device  10  may be used in any one of a number of different locations. In this regard, the base running training device  10  can be used for instructional purposes at the professional level as well as for little leaguers who otherwise practice and play games at various locations. Although, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the home plate  12  and bases  14 ,  16 ,  18  can take on a number of different configurations for use with a number of different field environments as long as the home plate  12  maintains the general regulation shape and the bases  14 ,  16 ,  18  maintain the generally square shape as typically used in baseball or softball. 
         [0024]    The base running training device  10  is designed specifically to enhance the base running skills of a base runner in a baseball or softball game. In this regard, the bases  14 ,  16 ,  18  provide base runners with immediate visual aid in locating the desired position of striking the corresponding base  14 ,  16 ,  18  when running the bases. Each of the bases  14 ,  16 ,  18  includes a plurality of visual cues. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the first base  14  includes four different sections. The first base  14  includes a neutral section  20  that is preferably the color of any standard baseball or softball base, e.g. white or off-white. The neutral section  20  preferably contrasts the other sections, identified in more detail below, so as to downplay the role of striking this portion of the first base  14 . Accordingly, the first base  14  further includes a baseline section  22 , a corner section  24  and a leadoff section  26 . Each of the sections  22 ,  24 ,  26  is preferably visually readily identifiable by a base runner via contrasting colors or other visual cues applied to the first base  14 . In this regard, the base runner immediately identifies the location of striking the first base  14  during base running. In a similar sense, the second base  16  also includes a neutral section  20 ′, a corner section  24 ′ and a leadoff section  26 ′. Similarly, the third base  18  includes a neutral section  20 ″, a corner section  24 ″ and a leadoff section  26 ″. The neutral sections  20 ,  20 ′,  20 ″ of each of the bases  14 ,  16 ,  18  are preferably the same white or a neutral off-white color that does not immediately catch the eye of the base runner. This is the portion of the respective bases  14 ,  16 ,  18  that a base runner should not strike according to the preferred and efficient way of running bases. The first base  14  further includes the baseline section  22  located on the outer third of the first base  14  toward foul ground—i.e. toward the first base dugout. A runner will immediately identify that the baseline section  22  is the area of first base that should be struck when running through the first base  14 , as will be described in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 5 . Similarly, when rounding the bases, a base runner will immediately identify that the corner section  24 ,  24 ′,  24 ″ of the first base  14 , the second base  16  and the third base  18 , respectively, provides the best point of contact in order to maintain speed and momentum while turning toward the next base. The leadoff section  26 ,  26 ′,  26 ″ of the first base  14 , the second base  16  and the third base  18  provide visual identification of the point where the base runner should contact the bases when leading off therefrom. 
         [0025]      FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate a tee  28  selectively attachable to the home plate  12 . Of course, the tee  28  may connect to the home plate  12  by any means known in the art, such as a mechanical mechanism or an adhesive mechanism. For example, the tee  28  may threadingly engage the home plate  12 , may snap into a receptacle in the home plate  12  or may simply clip to the home plate  12 . Preferably, the tee  28  resiliently attaches to the home plate  12  such that any force that strikes the tee  28  (e.g. during batting) does not detach the tee  28  from the home plate  12 . Accordingly, the tee  28  includes a ball holder  30  for positioning a corresponding baseball or softball on the tee  28  during batting. The ball holder  30  is preferably made from a somewhat flexible yet resilient plastic or rubber material capable of withstanding contact from a baseball bat, such as a metal or wood bat. The tee  28  further includes, as shown in  FIG. 3 , an extension  32  that telescopingly extends out from within a housing  34  of the tee  28 . In this regard, the extension  32  may be retained within the housing  34  by friction fit or by another mechanical mechanism. In one embodiment, the extension  32  simply slides out from within the housing  34  and is positioned at the preferred height by simply friction between the outer portion of the extension  32  and the interior portion of the housing  34 . Alternatively, the extension  32  may include a plurality of extendable sections  36 ,  36 ′,  36 ″ that clasp into one another when the tee  28  is in the fully extended position ( FIG. 3 ) and otherwise collapse into one another when the tee  28  is in the fully retracted position ( FIG. 2 ). In another alternative embodiment, the extension  32  may include a set of ribs or clips that otherwise engage a corresponding set of indentations or receptacles that are capable of positioning the ball holder  30  at the desired height. A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the tee  28  may comprise any one of a number of different elements, such as the extension  32 , the housing  34  and the extendable sections  36 ,  36 ′,  36 ″, that enable a user to position the ball holder  30  at any desired height for use with the base running training device  10 . Moreover, the extension  32 , the housing  34  and any of the extendable sections  36 ,  36 ′,  36 ″ are all preferably made from the same or similar resilient material as the ball holder  30  and should be capable of withstanding being struck by a metal or wood bat. 
         [0026]      FIGS. 4-7  illustrate use of the base running training device  10  in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein. As shown in  FIG. 4 , a batter  38  is in the process of swinging a bat  40  at a ball  42  positioned on the ball holder  30  of the tee  28 . The batter  38  endeavors to strike the ball  42  (and not the tee  28 ) to place ball  42  in fair play. Thereafter, the batter  38  becomes a base runner  44  ( FIGS. 5-7 ) in an endeavor of touching, sequentially, the first base  14 , the second base  16  and the third base  18  in order to score a run by crossing the home plate  12 , before being either forced out or tagged out. For example, the batter  38  may strike the ball  42  into the infield of a baseball field or a softball field. One of the infielders on the defensive team may pick up the ball (after it hits the ground at least once) and throw it to a first baseman  46  ( FIG. 5 ) in an attempt to get the ball  42  to the first base  14  before the base runner  44  touches the base. In this particular situation, the base runner  44  and the first baseman  46  may both end up at the first base  14  at the same time. Accordingly, the first base  14  is color coded to provide immediate visual identification of the location of the first base  14  where the base runner  44  should strike the first base  14  and where the first baseman  46  should touch the first base  14  to avoid collision. In this regard,  FIG. 5  illustrates that the base runner  44  should strike the baseline section  22  and the first baseman  46  should tag the first base  14  at the corner section  24 . This ensures that a foot  48  of the base runner  44  does not interfere with or otherwise step on a foot  50  of the first baseman  46 . The base runner  44  will immediately identify the location of the color-coded baseline section  22  to ensure that the foot  48  does not interfere with the foot  50  of the first baseman  46 . Similarly, the first baseman  46  will immediately identify the location of the corner section  24 , color-coded differently than the baseline section. Preferably, the baseline section  22  is formed on the outer third section of the first base  14  closest to foul ground. This further ensures that the base runner  44  is positioned as far away from the first baseman  46  as possible. 
         [0027]      FIG. 5  also shows the position of the neutral section  20  disposed between the baseline section  22  and the corner section  24 . This positioning further ensures adequate clearance between the foot  48  of the base runner  44  and the foot  50  of the first baseman  46 . Note that the corner section  24  is formed on a lower third of the first base  14  on the same side as the leadoff section  26 . The positioning of the corner section  24  relative to the leadoff section  26  allows the first baseman  46  to “hold” the base runner  44  on the first base  14  during the next at-bat. That is, the base runner  44  touches the first base  14  along the leadoff section  26  in the manner shown in  FIG. 6 . The first baseman  46  may straddle the corner section  24  of the first base  14 , or otherwise extend therefrom as shown in  FIG. 5 , in order to receive the ball  42  to either “force” out the base runner  44  or otherwise “tag” out the base runner  44  with the ball  42 . This positioning of the first baseman  46  ensures non-interference with the base runner  44 . The coloration of the leadoff section  26  also provides visual identification of the location where the base runner  44  should return to the first base  14  in the event that a pitcher endeavors to “pick off” the base runner  44  leading off therefrom. The positioning of the leadoff section  26  is in a location wherein the first baseman  46  should not be standing because the foot  50  of the first baseman  46  should be located at or near the corner section  24 . The leadoff section  26  is also positioned to give the base runner  44  the best opportunity to avoid a tag by the first baseman  46 . Accordingly, the base runner  44  may also utilize the leadoff section  26  with respect to the second base  16  and the third base  18  in similar respect as is done with the first base  14 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 7  further shows use of the bases  14 ,  16 ,  18  wherein the base runner  44  rounds the base  14 ,  16 ,  18  in an attempt to reach another base. In this embodiment, the foot  48  of the base runner  44  strikes the corner section  24  in an endeavor to maintain maximum momentum and velocity while simultaneously cutting toward the next base. In this case, the first baseman  46  ( FIG. 5 ) is not obstructing the base runner  44  from touching the corner section  24 . In a sense, this is based on the principle that a defensive player cannot otherwise stand in the way of or obstruct the running path of a base runner, especially if there is no play (i.e. the defensive player is not in a position to get the base runner out) at that particular base  14 ,  16 ,  18 . Thus, the base runner  44  is capable of maintaining speed and momentum in the most direct running route to the next corresponding base. The corner section  24  enables even the novice runner to immediately identify the location of striking the base to maintain the most efficient running path. 
         [0029]    Accordingly, like sections  22 ,  24 ,  26  are preferably identical in color on each of the bases  14 ,  16 ,  18 . That is, the corner section  24  of the first base  14  is preferably the same color as the corner section  24 ′ on the second base  16  and the corner section  24 ″ of the third base  18 . Likewise, the leadoff section  26  of the first base  14  is preferably the same color as the leadoff section  26 ′ of the second base  16  and the same color as the leadoff section  26 ″ of the third base  18 . This enables the base runner  44  to immediately identify on each respective section  22 ,  24 ,  26  on the bases  14 ,  16 ,  18  for striking, depending on the corresponding situation. Moreover, the color of each section  22 ,  24 ,  26  preferably contrasts from one another so that there is less of a chance one section is confused with another section. 
         [0030]    Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made to each without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.