A HIT: FIRM GIVES PRACTICE TO AREA BATTERS

Area baseball and softball enthusiasts will have a chance to hone their batting skills at Home Run Hitter, a batting-cage facility scheduled to open this week.

Home Run Hitter, which will be operated by Debbie Michel and her family, is at 1903 Independence, across from Central High School and next to Wink's convenience store.

"We're excited about opening up soon," said Michel, a Notre Dame High School graduate who played on the softball team there and has also been an assistant coach at Notre Dame the past few years. "I think people are going to enjoy it."

The indoor facility will feature six total batting cages for baseball and softball, with slow-pitch and fast-pitch being available for softball. Two of the baseball batting cages will be regulation size, with one designed for Little League.

"We have jugs machines, which are top of the line," said Michel. "People will be able to set the speed for however fast or slow they want, with fastballs, curves and sliders. The softball machine will also throw a drop ball.

"The machines are all self-fed, so if two people come in one can bat while the other feeds the machine, and then they can trade off. Any age group will be able to come in and find the speed they want."

While the exact hours of operation have not been determined, Michel said the summer hours will most likely be from 3-10 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Michel said there will be team rates available and batting instructors will be available at various times.

"We'll also have picnic tables set up so people that come with their children can be able to relax," said Michel. "We want a family type atmosphere."