Batter up!

For Alexandria Little Leaguer Trav Clark, 13, the new sports facility on South Pickett Street is like his own Field of Dreams.

“This place is like heaven. Dad, can I move in?” asked Trav after touring The StrikeZone Baseball and Softball Academy that is now open for practice.

The StrikeZone is a full service, high tech facility that is revolutionizing the way Northern Virginia baseball and softball players approach their sport. It is an indoor facility dedicated to helping players of all ages improve their game through the availability of clinics, camps and year-round, all weather practice facilities.

The grand opening took place on Monday and for the many who attended it was two hours of balls and strikes. The facility was crawling with 6 to 16 year olds who make up the bulk of sluggers in training.

“The Washington Nationals debut on April 14, 2005, really inspired a renaissance for baseball in our area,” said owner Dan Connolly. “Now instead of trekking to Baltimore to root for the home team, we have one in our own back yard.”

With a renewed passion for the all American classic of baseball, Alexandria residents are flocking to the new facility. “From my perspective, the StrikeZone is a terrific addition to the Alexandria community. I have been involved with baseball in Alexandria since the 1960s, and feel that this is the most wonderful environment for kids and grownups,” said Jim Clark, Trav’s Dad, and a partner at Land, Clark, Carroll, Mendelson & Blair, P.C. “The StrikeZone is a family run business with a low key atmosphere where kids can enjoy themselves and benefit from the terrific set of instructors who help them to improve their game. There is quality instruction, but also enough free time so that the kids can practice what they have learned. It could not be a more pleasant environment,” he said.

Memberships
The StrikeZone is tucked away in a warehouse location, nestled among carpet dealers, window contractors, and a lumberyard. It is organized as a membership organization, like many area gyms. Membership rates are as follows: yearly membership for an individual is $450; yearly membership for a family is $450 plus $100 per additional family member; and six-month memberships are $295.

The down and dirty warehouse location speaks to the essence of baseball – no frills, just sweat, determination and practice, practice, practice. The facility is decked out with the latest in training equipment including three Iron Mike ball-pitching machines. With pitch speeds ranging from 40 to 75 MPH, batters can test their mettle against the equivalent of a major league pitch.

The StrikeZone features a Juggs Curveball Machine capable of throwing a variety of breaking balls and fastballs. For softball practice, a Juggs Softball Machine is available and features a feeder rack, which can deliver 13 softballs per round. The technology does not stop there. The StrikeZone is equipped with the latest in computer analysis with the Right View Pro program. This is a computer program that will record a batter, and compare his or her technique with that of a major leaguer.

You can learn to time your swing to that of the Toast of New York, Derek Jeter, or any other major league slugger for that matter. This recording can be reviewed with a coach and then the images are printed out or burned to a DVD for continued review and improvement.

Owner Dan Connolly conceived of the idea of the StrikeZone because of his own son’s interest in the sport. With the emergence of the Washington Nationals and the growing popularity of the sport, he was “simply responding to a need.” “Our training facility is geared to those who are dedicated to the sport and want to improve. It is a great way for teams to develop their skills, and a great way for parents and children to connect, have fun, and develop an expertise in this all American sport,” he said.

There are approximately 1,300 Little Leaguers in the Alexandria and Springfield area. It is a growing sport, and like everything else in the Washington, D.C. area, it is competitive. The softball leagues organized by the Alexandria Recreation Parks and Cultural Activities Department (703-838-5003) also benefit from honing their skills at the complex.

Training program
Steve Devine, a hitting and fielding instructor at the StrikeZone, served as the head varsity baseball coach at the Indiana Institute of Technology for three years. He recommends a training program to any aspiring baseball or softball player that focuses on strength, balance, speed and flexibility. Devine said he feels that baseball is a great way to get children off the couch and away from their video games.

“For children, exercises that develop balance and speed, such as foot drills, balance beam work, and quick runs around the park are great. A strength-training program should not be started until high school, and under a coach’s direction,” Devine said. “Anyone can benefit from a run around the block and a series of sit-ups and push ups.”

He encourages aspiring ball players to come in and practice and to schedule a private lesson with a coach. “We are equipped to aid our clients in achieving their own personal best,” he continued. There are 6-week clinics available in the fields of hitting, pitching, catching, and baseball skills development.