DIY Network

Building a Backyard Sports Complex NFL star Michael Strahan helps a family create the ultimate backyard sports haven. From "Special Presentation" episode DHFA-STM

(Continued from page 6)

Setting the Sleeves

1. Pour a thin layer of gravel into the bottom of the hole and pack down. This will also allow you to set the height of the metal sleeve. The sleeve should be set so that the top of the sleeve is level with the ground. This will place the set screws approximately two inches below grade.

advertisement

Host Michael Strahan (left) shows homeowner Gary Valinoti how to set the sleeves for the batting cage.

Safety Tip: The sleeves are set at ground level to insure that no pipe will protrude above ground if the cage is ever removed.

2. Place two pieces of scrap wood around the sleeve at the surface and use mini bar clamps to hold the sleeve level and vertical. Once the sleeve is set, fill the hole around it with the fast setting concrete (mix the concrete as per the package instructions — when mixed fully it should be the consistency of peanut butter). Make sure to tape over the set screw in order to keep cement from covering it. Fill the concrete to just under the set screw, and use post hole level to check the sleeve one last time. Leave the clamps in place until the cement cures.

3. Repeat this step until all the sleeves are in and cemented. When you are finished, there should be 10 sleeves in the ground.

	Figure T
	Figure U
	Figure V
	Figure W
	Figure X
	The Valinoti family will now have a Homefield Advantage the next time they hit the baseball diamond.

Installing Upright Poles and Netting

1. Place four of the 14' support poles into their sleeves at the four corners of the cage until they hit the bolts that are in the bottom of the sleeve and tighten the set screws.

2. To insure that the top of your cage is level, it must match the contour of your land. To set the cage to the contour to your land, start at the highest point of the cage. Tie a string on the vertical pipe at ground level. Walk the string out 56 feet (the entire length of the cage) to the opposite corner. Pull it tight and use a line level to determine the proper height on the pole so it is level with the point at the high end. Mark the spot with a sharpie and tie it off. Do the same for the other side of the cage. The difference in height between the corners will determine how much pipe you will need to cut off to insure that the top of the cage is level even though your ground is not.

Carpenter's Tip: When working with a structure that will be elevated, it is easier to do as much prep work on the ground as you can. Working to level this cage while on top of 14' high ladders is not recommended. The following steps should help to decrease the amount of leveling needed in the air once the structure has been erected.

3. Use the abrasive cut off machine to cut the two poles from the lowest points to the proper length. Using a grinder with a wire wheel (figure T), smooth over the cut edges of the pipe so that they will properly accommodate the fence couplings.

4. Once all four corners have been cut and set in place, put in the remaining six uprights into their sleeves, but do not tighten them. Again, tie a string line from the top of the tallest uprights to the opposite corner along the 56' side, however this time, place the string at the top (not the bottom) of the pole to insure that the upright poles are cut in the right place. Use a line level on the taught string, to mark the point on each of the remaining support poles where it is to be cut. Remove the poles and use the abrasive cut off saw to adjust the height of the remaining support poles. Use the wire wheel to smooth the cut edges of the poles.

Note:Be sure to return poles to the exact location (figure U) where they were set to ensure that the top will fit properly and be level.

5. After the poles have been cut, but before they are returned to their sleeves, connect each opposite upright pole to one of the 15' cross pipes.

Note: Be sure to use the proper connectors — corners get three-way connectors, while the six interior supports get four way connectors. Tighten the set screws on the connectors to create the support rib. Then walk the rib upright (figure V) and place it into the metal sleeves. Tighten the set screws in the sleeves to secure the uprights using a socket wrench.

6. Once the ribs of the cage have been assembled, start installing the 14' side braces that connect each of the ribs together. Tighten all the connectors using a 5/16" Allen wrench (figure W).

Hanging the Net

Note: The netting hangs from the structure, meaning that the ribs of the cage are outside of the net. You should leave at least 6" of netting on the ground to catch errant balls.

1. Unfold the batting cage net so that the center seam of the net is visible. Drag the net under the ribs of the cage and line the center seam under the center of the cage. Start at one end and raise the center of the netting to the top of the cage.

2. Attach the net to the structure with zip ties and carabiners so the netting hangs from underneath the cage. Work your way down the center. Once the net is hung along the center, continue to secure the sides (figure X).

3. You can decorate your cage by purchasing custom made vinyl signs, plastic pennants and bunting. Use shorter zip ties to hang them to the netting.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

RESOURCES :

Wittek Golf Supply Co., Inc.
Website: www.Wittekgolf.com

Indoor-Outdoor Carpeting (Beaulieu of America)
Check for dealers near you.
Website: www.beaulieu-usa.com

Baseball Warehouse
Website: www.Baseballwarehouse.com