Some cages are built as a business; this backyard batting cage in Geneva, OH was built by a coach for his own son, and then opened up to anyone who loves the game as much as they do.

The cage

Anthony's outdoor cage measures 50 feet long, 16 wide, and 12 tall, wide and tall enough to swing freely and work off a mound. It comes stocked with a pitching machine, baseballs, a hitting tee, and a bullpen mound, with enough space for infield work too. Parking is on site. Sessions run $25/hour, and since it's right in his yard, he'll happily offer you whatever he has to drink while you hit.

Who it's for

With room for a good-sized group and both a machine and a mound, this cage fits solo hitters chasing reps, pitchers logging bullpen time, and small teams running a full practice. Anthony coaches and gives lessons, so you can come and get instruction or simply come and do your own thing, the space works either way.

The host

Anthony coaches 14-to-16-year-old baseball and gives private pitching and hitting lessons; he played semi-pro ball in Florida and is training for open tryouts again. He built the cage for himself and his son, and as he puts it, "this isn't a business. I just want to offer a place to hit and throw and pass on my experience to help." That's the whole spirit of the place.

Good to know

This is a relaxed, no-pressure setup in a private yard, so it's easy for players coming after school or work. Bring what you like to hit off of, and Anthony's experience is there for the asking if you want a set of eyes on your swing or delivery.