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| - What better way to kill time between spring training games than the batting cages. We came here in the afternoon wanting to see if we were as good as the players we had been watching. The answer is no, of course not, but it was brutal to see just how bad we were.
There are bats you can rent for $1 and cheapo freebies outside. Helmets are all around too, and the machines take tokens which I think give you 20 pitches. Front desk guy was super helpful and instructive, in case you have trouble with the concept of coin go in, balls come out.
One particular attempt by our group was cursed. We had been doing okay, making some solid contact sometimes and missing other times. One time an unnamed individual, walked in and tried to swing at some pitches. The first five blew past him at the blistering 30mph or whatever the slow pitch machine throws.
We started paying attention as the next pitch came out. Miss again. Then another, then another, then another. There might have been something weird with the lighting or perhaps a trick with perspective and height. The machines might have been moving even, who can say. But then another miss and another and another.
Before we knew it we were all standing watching as the last pitch came in and then it was all over. Home Run Stadium became Perfect Game Stadium. The other machines were ignoring the pitcher as is tradition until the very end of the game. They continued to ignore each other after because they are still just machines. But in their inability to express emotion, we laughed in shock and surprise.
Thank you for the memories Home Run Stadium Batting Cages. You've earned a special place in our hearts.
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