Baseball batter training method

A batter training and protection system and method are shown. A protector for protecting an infield area is provided with a plurality of indicia situated thereon or integrally formed therein to define a plurality of target areas, respectively. The indicia may comprise a plurality of material segments, a plurality of colors, patterns, graphics or the like in order to define the plurality of target areas at which a player may practice bunting a baseball.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to baseball and, more particularly, to a target system and method for training a player to bunt a baseball to predetermined zones or targets and also for protecting an infield area of a baseball field.

Baseball is a game played with a wooden bat and a hard or soft ball by two opposing teams of nine players, each team playing alternately in the field and at bat. When a ball is hit by a player at bat, the player runs a course of four bases laid out in a diamond pattern in order to score, which is why it is important for batters to be proficient at hitting a baseball.

One type of hit is the full swing hit and another type of hit is the bunt. During the bunt, a pitched ball is hit with less than a full swing and with an upper hand of a player supporting the middle of the bat, so that the ball rolls slowly in front of the infielders.

During batting practice, a player practices bunting softly such that the ball rolls slowly in front of the area directly in front of home plate. This is sometimes referred to as a sacrifice bunt and is designed to advance a runner from first base to second base at the expense of a sacrificial ground out by the batter. Some batters are so adept at bunting a baseball that they can bunt the ball for a hit. This type of bunt is typically hit along and in front of the third baseline in “fair” territory. Whether a bunt is a sacrifice bunt or a bunt-for-hit bunt is usually determined by the direction of the bunted ball and its rolling speed.

During batting practice, each player takes a turn at hitting baseballs pitched to him or her by a pitcher. Batting practice takes place at daily team practice sessions and before each game. Typically, each team averages about twenty players. During each practice session, each player takes at least ten full swings and three practice bunts, resulting in at least 200 hits that take place per session and 400 before a game, which represents the total number of hits for both teams.

Many of the balls hit in the full swing session take a downward trajectory, thus hitting the turf area in the infield inside the base paths. In baseball, this is called a “grounder.” It is believed that up to half of the hit balls are grounders. As a result, the grass in the infield area directly in front of home base is subjected to great wear and stress during each pre-game practice period. Added to this pre-game wear is the wear of the weekly 500–800 balls impacting the same infield grass area during daily practice of the home team. The overall stress of these continued impacts, in aggregate, results in the degradation of the quality of turf in the infield area directly in front of the home base batting area.

To combat this damage to the infield area, many teams use a mesh fabric to cover the area in front of home base during batting practice. To keep the mesh fabric down in the wind and to protect the players from tripping over the edges, the infield mesh protectors were anchored to the ground via steel stakes through grommets in the edge of the protector spaced approximately three feet apart.

To help batters aim their bunts in practice, cones similar to traffic cones have been used. The cones are placed in the infield where a batter would attempt to hit a bunt at the cone. This type of product has not been commercially successful because of the potential safety problem in that during a full swing portion of a batting practice session, a ground ball glancing off a target could injure a defensive player.

There is needed, therefore, a system and method for improving bunting proficiency and, if desired, for providing protection for the infield area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide at least one or a plurality of indicia for providing well-defined target zone(s) or area(s) to train a player where to hit sacrifice bunts and bunts-for-hits.

Another object of an embodiment is to provide a bunting target that can be placed on a surface, either outdoors or indoors, and that provides one or more target zones at which a player may hit a baseball. The bunting target may be used on any desired surface, such as a baseball infield or diamond, batting cage area, gymnasium floor or other surface, such that a baseball may be bunted onto the target and permitted to roll thereon.

Another object of one embodiment is to provide a protector, protection means or a protection system and method for protecting the infield area and simultaneously providing the aforementioned target zone(s) or areas.

Another object of one embodiment is to provide a baseball training system and method that provides a plurality of indicia that may be placed on the ground or on another tarp, for providing a plurality of well-defined target zones. In one embodiment, the indicia may comprise a plurality of patterns or colors, respectively, that define the plurality of target area or zones. For example, a yellow color may be used to identify and segment the target zone or area along third baseline and which defines a bunt-for-hit area, and a green color may be used to identify and define a sacrifice bunt area, and a red color may be used to identify a bad-bunt area, target or zone.

In one aspect, this invention comprises an infield protector and bunting trainer for protecting an infield area of a baseball field and for facilitating training a player to bunt a baseball, comprising: a protector for placing on the infield area, and a plurality of target zones for defining a plurality of targets at which a player may throw or hit a baseball.

In another aspect, this invention comprises a baseball training system comprising: a material comprising a predetermined shape, and at least one indicia associated with the material for defining at least one target zone to facilitate training a baseball player.

In yet another aspect, this invention comprises a baseball training system comprising a trainer for placing at an infield area, and a plurality of indicia associated with the trainer for defining a plurality of target zones for training a batter where to bunt a baseball.

In still another aspect, this invention comprises a method for training a batter to bunt a baseball, providing a trainer for positioning on an infield, the trainer comprising a plurality of target zones at which the batter may bunt the baseball, and throwing a baseball at the batter so that the batter may hit the baseball at one of the plurality of target zones.

In yet another aspect, this invention comprises a bunting target system comprising: at least one bunting target for placing on a surface and for providing a batter with a target area at which the batter may bunt a baseball wherein the at least one bunting target lies in a first imaginary plane that is generally parallel to a second imaginary plane of the surface and permitting a bunted baseball to roll on it.

In still another aspect, this invention comprises a method for training a player to bunt a baseball to a predetermined area on a baseball field comprising the steps of: providing a target that defines at least one target zone at which the player may selectively bunt the baseball, and positioning the target in an infield area so that when the baseball is pitched at the player, the player may bunt it toward one of the plurality of target zones.

In yet another aspect, this invention comprises a baseball field comprising: a baseball field, a bunting target panel having a plurality of bunting targets situated on the field.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring toFIGS. 1–32, a baseball training system10for training a player12(FIG. 1) to hit or bunt a baseball14will now be described. The invention will be described and shown as used with an infield area16of a baseball field18, but it is to be understood that it could be used on a practice field, indoor area, a batting cage area or other suitable area if desired.

As is well known, the typical baseball field18comprises a first baseline20and a third baseline22. It is desirable to help players12become more proficient at aiming their hits and bunts during batting practice to a bunting target or trainer11comprising at least one or a plurality of different target areas or zones24,26and28and30that are defined by a plurality of indicia A–D, respectively, and described more particularly later herein. The target zone24corresponds to a bunt-for-hit area or zone where the batter12bunts the baseball14with the intention of obtaining a hit, rather than a sacrifice out. The target areas or zones26and30are sacrifice bunt areas that provide a plurality of targets at which the player12bunts the baseball14with the intention of advancing a runner on base, while knowing that he will probably be thrown out at first base. The fourth area or zone28in the embodiment being described is a bad-bunt area or zone at which the player12should avoid bunting the baseball14because of the high probability that the player12will be thrown out at first base or the runner on first base will be thrown out at second base, or both.

Except for the target zone or area24, the target zones26–30increase in their lateral size along their width (labeled by double arrow X inFIG. 2) as they extend radially away from home plate50. The target zone24(FIG. 1) defines a parallelogram that retains substantially the same width (labeled with arrow Y inFIG. 2) along its entire length. The plurality of target zones24–30provide a plurality of distinct, visible targets at which player12may practice hitting and bunting the baseball14. In the embodiment being described, four target zones24–30are shown, but it should be understood that more or fewer target zones24–30may be provided.

Referring now toFIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of the invention comprises at least one or a plurality of material targets, sections, segments or covers32,34,36and38. The targets32–38comprise the plurality of indicia A, B, C, and D, respectively, that in turn, identify and define the target zones24–30mentioned earlier. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, the plurality of indicia are identified for ease of understanding by the letters A, B, C and D. The indicia A–D define the various target zones or areas24–30, respectively. The plurality of indicia A–D provide the player12with a plurality of distinct and visible target regions, zones or areas24–30at which a batter may hit or bunt the ball14. In the embodiment being described, the system10comprises one indicia A–D associated with each of the targets32–38, respectfully, but it should be understood that more than one indicia A–D may be used with the targets32–38and some of the targets32–38may be provided without any indicia A–D. The indicia A–D define predetermined shapes and sizes that generally correspond to the shapes and sizes of the desired target areas or zones24–30that may be selected by a person, such as a baseball coach. In the embodiment being described, target32defines an overall shape and area that is different from the shapes and areas of targets34–38, but it should be understood that the targets32–38may comprise the same or similar shapes and areas if desired. For example, it may be desirable to provide a target having the shape of target32along the first baseline to provide a bunt-for-hit area target. Thus, the targets32–38whether used separately or in combination (either detached or secured together), provide targets on whatever surface they are place, such as the field18or infield area, batting cage area, the ground, a floor (e.g., a gymnasium floor or arena floor or any surface or practice area).

In one embodiment, targets32–38are fastened or coupled together at the seams40,42and44with a heat weld or sewn seam, as best shown inFIG. 12. In another embodiment illustrated inFIG. 13, the targets32–38may be detachably fastened together with a suitable fastener39, such as Velcro® fasteners39, but other fasteners could be used, such as snaps (not shown), zippers (not shown) and the like. As illustrated inFIG. 16, some or all of the targets32–38may be placed on the ground adjacent one another and not fastened together at all if desired. For ease of illustration, the embodiment will be described assuming the targets32–38are permanently fastened together at seams40,42and44, as illustrated inFIGS. 1–4.

The indicia A–D may be any suitable indicia for providing the player12with a bunting target or a visual image of the various target zones24–30. For example,FIGS. 3 and 4illustrate each of the targets32–38comprising a predetermined or preselected color indicia integrally formed in the targets32–38. In the illustration shown inFIGS. 3–4, the targets32–38are yellow, green, red and green, respectively, to identify the various target areas24–30. The indicia A–D may be the same or different, with the importance being that the indicia A–D provide the player12with a visual image or display of the various target zones24–30at which the player12is being trained to bunt the baseball14. The target zones lie in a plane that is generally parallel to the ground or other surface on which the targets32–38are situated, as illustrated inFIGS. 21–26which shows a plurality of indicia A–E. The indicia A–D do not have to encompass the entire area defined by targets32–38. For example, the indicia A–D could be distinct divider lines or boundary lines (not shown) along the seams40,42, and44that separate and define the zones24–30or even pictures or an image in the zones24–30. Thus, the indicia A–D and targets32–38, zones24–30and could be any suitable size, shape, pattern, color, lines, art, graphics, painting, texture, fabric for providing the player12with a visual image of the various target zones or areas24–30. Also, the indicia A–D may have the same or a different shape, size or configuration from the zones24–30and targets32–38.

It should be understood that the indicia A–D may be placed on, applied to, secured to or fastened to any existing one-piece tarp or sheet, as illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 15, with the indicia A–D defining the target zones24–30. Thus, in another embodiment of Applicant's invention, there is provided the plurality of targets, zones or areas24–30applied to or integral with a one-piece material.

In the illustrations ofFIGS. 1–4, the targets32–38embody and define the indicia A–D, and the indicia A–D define the target zones24–30at which the player12bunts the baseball.FIGS. 5–12illustrate various end, side and sectional views illustrating the indicia A–D, such as the colors being integral with the various targets32–38. The embodiments shown inFIGS. 3–12illustrate the indicia A–D comprising colors applied to or integral with the targets32–38, but again, the indicia A–D associated with the targets32–38may comprise other indicia, such as separators, patterns (not shown), graphic patterns, graphics, colors, lines, pictures or images applied to the targets32–38or integral therewith. Also, more or fewer indicia A–D may be used depending upon the number of targets or zones24–30to be defined. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 21–26, the bunt zone32-1is provided along first baseline and this is defined by indicia E. The important feature is that the indicia A–D are provided to define the targets or zones24–30that provide the batter12with a visual image and visually perceptible target zones or areas24–30that correspond to the aforementioned bunt-for-hit zone, sacrifice bunt zones and bad-bunt zone. Although not shown, audible sounds, sensors or other indicators may be provided or used with the bunting target11in order to notify the player12of the zone24–30in which he or she hit the baseball14.

As shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, note that target32comprises a plurality of edges32a–32d, target34comprises edges34a–34d, target36comprises edges36a–36dand target38comprises edges38a–38das shown. After the targets32–38are situated adjacent each other or are fastened together, either permanently or detachably, they define the bunting target11having a perimeter48defined by the edges38b,38c,36c,34c,32c,32a,32d,34d,36dand38d. As shown, the bunting target11defines a trapezoid shape in the illustration being described.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1–12and14, the targets32–38are illustrated as being permanently fastened together at seams40,42and44to define the bunting target11.FIG. 13illustrates the targets32–38being detachably fastened together by a suitable fastener39, such as Velcro®.FIG. 16illustrates the targets32–38neither detachably nor permanently fastened together, but being situated adjacent one another as mentioned earlier.FIG. 15illustrates the bunting target11defined by the indicia A–D which are applied to or integral with a continuous, one-piece material, such as a sheet or tarp70of any preselected shape or size. In this illustration, the indicia A–D is applied to the sheet or tarp70by, for example, affixing, adhering, painting or embossing the indicia A–D onto the material sheet or tarp70. Alternatively, the bunting target11may be provided in either a one-piece or multi-piece construction having an adhesive (not shown) or gum surface (not shown) for affixing bunting target11to tarp70. In another embodiment illustrated inFIG. 14, the bunting target11may be laid over or attached to an existing tarp or field protector52using suitable fasteners54and56, such as Velcro®.

It should be understood that the bunting target11has multiple features and functions. It comprises the indicia A–D, which defines the plurality of target zones24–30, respectively, and it may be provided in a durable and/or water-proof material that protects the infield area16from weather and/or damage from the numerous practice bunts and grounders that are hit at the plurality of target zones24–30during practice or warm up before a game. In one embodiment, the targets32–38and the bunting target11are a mesh material comprised of a vinyl coated polyester. It should be understood, however, that the material may be made using a fabric or other polymer material (either solid or mesh) if desired.

Referring now toFIGS. 6 and 12, note that bunting target11comprises a sewn seam or hem60on its exterior perimeter48defined by edges11a,11b,11cand11d. The seam60contains a web of material62that provides strength to the perimeter48. In one embodiment, the bunting target11may be provided with a plurality of grommets64at spaced intervals along the perimeter48. The grommets64receive a stake for staking the bunting target11to the ground. Although not shown, the grommets64may be aligned with other grommets (not shown) on an existing tarp and staked with a common stake (not shown), such as in the embodiments shown and described inFIGS. 13 and 14.FIGS. 27–32illustrate another embodiment without the use of grommets64, andFIG. 11illustrates another bunting target11that comprises a weight66, such as a chain, in the seam60to weight the bunting target11down and to reduce or eliminate the need for the grommets64and stakes.

It should be understood that each of the indicia A–D and plurality of targets32–38may comprise a predetermined or preselected area and shape. When the target32or bunting target11is situated in the infield16, the edges32aand32bbecome aligned with and generally parallel to the third baseline22as shown. This provides the batter12with a well-defined “alley,” target zone or area24defining the bunt-for-hit area or zone24at which the player12may attempt to hit the ball14. In the embodiment being described, the dimensions and areas of the targets32–38and bunting target11are as follows:

Although the bunting target11has been shown and described as comprising the four indicia A–D integral with the targets32–38, respectively, that define the four target zones or areas24–30, it should be understood that more or fewer indicia A–D or targets32–38could be provided if desired. For example, it is anticipated that on a professional baseball level, more indicia A–D may be provided to fine tune the professional player's ability to bunt the baseball14toward more particular zones, areas or targets on the infield16.

As mentioned earlier, the bunting target11comprises the indicia A–D formed in and defining the plurality of targets32–38that correspond to the plurality of target zones or areas24–30and the targets32–38may be permanently or detachably fastened together in the manner described herein to provide the bunting target11. In another embodiment, a single integral tarp, sheet or cover52(FIG. 15), without welds or seams40,42and44, (FIG. 2), may be used to define the bunting target11, with the plurality of target zones or areas24–30, respectively, being defined by indicia A–D applied to the cover or integrally formed therein. The tarp, sheet or cover52may be provided in any desired dimension, thickness, shape or size. Thus, a unique feature of Applicant's invention is that it provides indicia A–D that are applied to or integral with the single segment or integral with the various segments or targets32–38to define the plurality of target zones or areas24–30. As alluded to earlier, each target32–38may comprise more than one indicia A–D, which means that each target32–38may define more than one of the target zones24–30.

As mentioned earlier, a feature of the embodiment being described is that one or more of the targets32–38and/or bunting target11may simultaneously define protection means or a protector for protecting an area that they cover from damage from ground balls or balls that are bunted or hit toward the areas24–30. The bunting target11may also be provided in a water resistant material to simultaneously protect the field18from rain.

As alluded to earlier and as illustrated inFIG. 14, the targets32–38may be placed on top of or even adhered or fastened to an existing field protector, such as the tarp52. For example, the targets32–38may be permanently or detachably fastened together and placed on or secured to the tarp70, which may comprise Velcro®54,56that enables the bunting target11to be detachably fastened to the tarp52.

Several processes and methods for manufacturing the bunting target11and embodiments previously described will now be described relative toFIGS. 17–20. InFIG. 17, a plurality of supply rolls80,82and84having a supply of the material having the indicia A–D, such as the colors mentioned earlier, integrally formed therein is provided. The materials80–84are provided to a cutter or cutting station86where they cut to the shape selected which are the polygonal shapes in the embodiment being described. The various segments, sections and targets32–38are transferred to a welding station where they are heat welded to form the seams40–44described earlier herein. The various targets32–38comprise the indicia A–D as shown and define the bunting target11which is then situated at a seaming station where the web62is placed and the seam60(FIG. 12) is folded at station90as shown. The bunting target11is then transferred to the sewing station92where the double stitch61may be applied to the bunting target11to seal the seam60created at the station90. The sewn bunting target11is then transferred to a grommet station94where the grommets64are placed at the ends of the seams40,42and44and in the corners of the bunting target11illustrated.

Referring now toFIG. 18, another method or procedure for manufacturing the bunting target11comprising the indicia A–D is shown. The process begins with a supply of material96that is cut to the predetermined or desired shape of the bunting target11at a cutting station98. The cut material is then transferred to an indicia station100, where the indicia A–D are applied to the bunting target11. In this regard, the indicia station100may apply the indicia A–D by means of painting, embossing, labeling, securing or other means in order to define the target areas32–38as described earlier herein.

FIG. 19refers to yet another process and method for applying and creating a bunting target11on the conventional tarp70. The conventional tarp70is subjected to an application of the indicia by applying indicia A–D thereto in the manner described earlier herein (e.g., by painting, embossing, adhesive or the like).

FIG. 20illustrates still another process and method for manufacturing a conventional tarp or cover52with the bunting target11. In this embodiment, the application station104applies the various indicia A–D to an existing material, such as a material having an adhesive or the aforementioned fasteners54,56(FIG. 14) that is then applied to the cover or tarp52to provide the tarp52with the plurality of target areas32–38as shown.

A method for training a batter to bunt a baseball will now be described. The targets32–38are assembled to provide the bunting target11, which is situated or placed in front of a batter's box on an indoor area or outdoor area, such as in front of a batting cage or on the infield area16illustrated inFIGS. 1–4. Referring back toFIGS. 1–4, if the bunting target11is used on the baseball field18, then it is placed in the infield area16bounded by first baseline20, the pitcher's mound21, third base22and home plate50. The indicia A–D associated with the targets32–38define the desired plurality of target zones24–30, respectively. A pitcher13or batting machine (not shown) throws the baseball14toward the batter12so that the batter12may practice bunting the baseball14at one of the target zones24–30. For example, if the batter12is practicing bunting the baseball14toward the bunt-for-hit target zone24, defined by indicia A inFIGS. 1 and 2, the batter12bunts the ball toward the target zone24, which is identified by the color yellow in illustration. The player12may then attempt to hit pitched balls14at the same zone24or one or more of the other zones26–30.

Advantageously, this system and method provide means for training a player to bunt or hit a baseball14toward a particular target area24–30. If the bunting target11and the targets32–38making up the bunting target11, whether used alone or fastened together, are made of a durable material of the type described herein, then the targets32–38and bunting target11will serve the dual purpose of protecting the field from balls hit or bunted at the target zones24–30.