Ron Marstiller, All-Star pitching guru at Grand Slam USA, wanted to develop a way to simulate real game situations for his pitchers to face batters.  He came up with the Live Pitching/Hitting League.  It provides the pitcher, catcher, and batter with live-game situations without the mess of the whole team.

     For those not familiar with the Live Pitching/Hitting League concept, here's a brief explanation.  The game has seven innings or an hour and 15 minute time limit with an umpire.  Each player "bats" every inning and receives seven pitches from a pitcher.  Points are awarded for each position:  the catcher, pitcher, and batter.  For example, line-drives hit into designated areas of the net, successful bunts, fielded bunts, strike outs, walks, passed balls and dropped third strikes.  Players for each team alternate until the innings are completed.  At the end of the last inning the team with the most points win.  Sounds just like a ballgame to me!

     Aside from the obvious fun aspects of the hitting league, there are tremendous development benefits.  We have all observed the "pressure" players experience in game competition.  We have also observed how little players experience pressure in practice situations.  The Live Pitching/Hitting Leagues create a situation where a player can practice under "Semi-pressure" situations.

     Each team consists of 4 players that must include a pitcher and catcher, with alternates.  League standings and individual averages are tallied each week.  Prizes are awarded for team champions.  Grand Slam also provides a free agent list if you would like to play and don't have a team.  Call Grand Slam at 614-890-7526 to sign-up or for more information.

LEAGUE DATES:

Fall Session:       Begins week of October 28, 2007

Winter Session:  Begins week of January 13, 2008

Days:                     Monday - Friday         Game Times: 6 or 7:30pm  

Divisions:            10, 12, 14-under, High School and College

Cost:                     $100 per person for 7 weeks + play-off