There's something to be said for a no-fuss place to hit, and this backyard batting cage in Phoenix, AZ delivers exactly that, a private setup Stephen Dean built for himself after a lifetime in the game, and now shares with hitters who just want to swing in peace.

The cage

The cage runs 59 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 14 feet tall, an outdoor cage tucked into an alley on the property, with real length for full sessions. It comes with an L-screen, a hitting tee, and a bucket of baseballs, so you've got what you need to get right to work off the tee or with front toss. Sessions are $25/hour, one of the more affordable ways to log serious reps in the Phoenix area, and the private layout means the cage is entirely yours for the hour.

Who it's for

It's an easygoing cage that suits individual hitters and small groups (up to six guests) who value privacy and their own schedule over bells and whistles. It's great for a hitter who just wants to grind through a tee-and-toss session without anyone hovering, or a parent working with a kid one-on-one.

The host

"I am a lifetime ball player," Stephen says, a restauranteur with a deep love of baseball who "finally made my own cage." There's real pride in that line, and it comes through in how simple and welcoming he's kept the setup. This is a cage built by someone who genuinely loves the game and wanted his own place to play.

Good to know

The best part is the access: you can hit whenever during the day, and you never have to meet anyone, it's your space for the session, no coordination required. On-site parking is available. Note there are no lights yet, so plan for daytime sessions. House rules are straightforward: no pets, no smoking, no glass.