Mike Alder always said that if he ever had the space, a batting cage would be the first thing he'd build. He got the space, and this backyard batting cage in Queen Creek, AZ is the result, lights and all, tucked into a neighborhood that happens to love baseball as much as he does.

The cage

The cage measures 50 feet long, 15 feet wide, and 14 feet tall, a notably wide outdoor setup on brand-new artificial turf, with plenty of room on either side of the plate. It's equipped with a newer Casey Pro pitching machine, an L-screen, a hitting tee, baseballs and softballs, and enough space for some infield work. Very good lighting means night sessions are no problem at all. Sessions are $50/hour, and included baseballs come free, with bat and helmet rentals available as add-ons if you'd rather show up empty-handed.

Who it's for

With a wide cage, a real machine, lights, and room for up to 12 guests, it suits individual hitters, families, and small groups who want a well-equipped place to train, day or night, baseball or softball. The extra width makes it comfortable for both righties and lefties, and for a coach working alongside a hitter.

The host

"I am the youngest of 5 boys and come from a competitive family," Mike says. "I played baseball until college. I always said if I had space in my backyard, it's the first thing I'd build. Now I've got it!" You can hear the satisfaction in that, a lifelong ballplayer who finally got to build the thing he always wanted. His neighbors, he notes, are "super cool" and don't mind people coming by to hit.

Good to know

The lights are plenty bright for evening sessions, and the turf is brand new. Parking, seating, and a sound system are on site. House rules keep it clean: no glass, no seeds, no smoking. Helmets and bats are available to rent if you'd rather travel light, and baseballs are already included.