4.28.2004
When we get bored and there are no mice or bees to kill, we like to build things here around the house. And we are not limited to illegal movie props. Our latest project: a batting training aid my brother told me about known as Mauer's Quickswing. Joe Mauer is a rookie catcher for the Minnesota Twins who was picked ahead of Mark Prior in the draft a few years ago as the number one pick. This device was created by his dad to help him hit better. With softball/baseball season in full swing (pun intended), what better time than now to rip off their idea and improve as a player. (Their patent is only pending, so hopefully we won't get sued.)
Mauer's Quickswing sells for $100. 5824's model cost us less than $20. (another up-close photo) A couple trips to Home Depot to pick up some PVC pipe and parts, using only a hacksaw, a drill, some fishing wire, and skills learned from watching American Chopper we were able to create a fully fuunctional batting training aid.
Our model does not currently use baseballs. Instead, we hit foam ball that are the size of golf balls. This helps to improve hand-eye coordination even more than hitting a baseball would. (Well, that and hitting baseballs into the side of our house would probably get our landlords upset.) And like the Bud Light Treadmill, our model folds up for easy storage.
Note: This batting tool is about 80 times better than the Hit-A-Way baseball endorsed by Reggie Jackson. Paul Molitor endorses the Mauer Quickswing. Fred McGriff endorses Tom Emanski's Defensive Drills video. Supercal strongly recommends using the 5824 SwingQuick (patent pending).
Mauer's Quickswing sells for $100. 5824's model cost us less than $20. (another up-close photo) A couple trips to Home Depot to pick up some PVC pipe and parts, using only a hacksaw, a drill, some fishing wire, and skills learned from watching American Chopper we were able to create a fully fuunctional batting training aid.
Our model does not currently use baseballs. Instead, we hit foam ball that are the size of golf balls. This helps to improve hand-eye coordination even more than hitting a baseball would. (Well, that and hitting baseballs into the side of our house would probably get our landlords upset.) And like the Bud Light Treadmill, our model folds up for easy storage.
Note: This batting tool is about 80 times better than the Hit-A-Way baseball endorsed by Reggie Jackson. Paul Molitor endorses the Mauer Quickswing. Fred McGriff endorses Tom Emanski's Defensive Drills video. Supercal strongly recommends using the 5824 SwingQuick (patent pending).
