Designated hitter pitching training system (The DH)

Abstract

The Designated Hitter Pitching Training System (DH) is a silhouette figure of a batter that stands in the batter's box during bullpen sessions for baseball and fastpitch softball pitchers of all ages and skill levels. Constructed of durable polyethylene, the DH comes in three sizes: the Pro (6′2″), Varsity (5′8″) and Youth (5′2″). The DH provides a more realistic, game-like way for pitchers to practice and will improve a pitcher's ability to more consistently throw their pitches in the strike zone, as well as pitch more accurately and confidently to the inside part of the plate with the Inside Pitch Target. All of this will combine to improve game performance. The DH can also be used by pitchers and catchers as part of their practice activities such as throwing to bases, bunt defense, pitchouts, and intentional walks.

1 . An article of manufacture for providing a more realistic, durable and safe means for baseball and fastpitch softball pitchers of all ages and skill levels to more effectively practice the act of pitching; a safe means for baseball and fastpitch softball pitchers to practice throwing inside, “jamming” pitches at game intensity, and a written training system (Location Mechanics) for training baseball pitchers to improve their ability to consistently throw all pitches throughout the entire strike zone, thereby improving game performance, comprising:
 A flat surface and beveled-edge design constructed of rotationally molded polyethylene that virtually eliminates pitch deflections, making the DH a much safer product behind which catchers can receive pitches. Pitches that hit the DH behave similarly to a pitch that hits a human batter.   The DH is constructed with a batter's key reference points clearly visible (hands, elbows, knees) which provides pitchers a more accurate view of the entire strike zone, and a unique Inside Pitch Target so pitchers now have a safe, effective means to practice pitching inside, “jamming” pitches. The Inside Pitch Target is a piece of heavy, brightly colored cord that connects to the elbow and is quickly and easily attached and removed.   The DH base is designed (dimensions and materials) to absorb the energy of a pitched ball, making it impossible to tip over during use. It also has a recessed base so that the attachment bolts at the DH bottom never come in contact with the surface it is placed upon. This prevents the marring of floors when used indoors.   In view of limitations now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new, virtually indestructible and useful device for baseball and fastpitch softball pitchers to practice the act of pitching in a more realistic way, enabling them to more consistently throw their pitches into the strike zone. In addition, it allows pitchers a means of practicing throwing pitches to the inside part of the strike zone without causing injury to another player. All of this combines to more realistically prepare pitchers for game performance. It is simpler and more durable in construction, universally usable, and more versatile in operation than known apparatus of this kind.   The purpose of the present invention is to provide a new pitching training system that has several novel features not offered by the prior art apparatus that results in a realistic and effective tool to help baseball and fastpitch softball pitchers more effectively locate their pitches in the strike zone which is not apparent, obvious, or suggested either indirectly or indirectly by any of the prior art apparatus.   
     The Designated Hitter Pitching Training System (The DH) is composed of three parts: 
     1) A virtually indestructible, hard plastic (polyethylene) life-like silhouette figure of a baseball/softball batter. This simulated batter is reversible as either a left handed, right handed, and/or “crowd” the plate hitter and is used by baseball and fastpitch softball pitchers of all ages and skill levels for pitching practice. It is particularly designed as a stand-alone unit for training to throw any and all pitches into the strike zone, with or without a catcher positioned behind. It can also be used by pitchers and catchers as part of their practice activities such as throwing to bases, bunt defense, pitchouts, and intentional walks. 
     2) A sturdy recycled rubber base making the device impossible to tip over during use, even when directly struck by a ball. It also has a recessed base so that the attachment bolts at the DH bottom never come in contact with the surface it is placed upon. This prevents the marring of floors when used indoors. 
     3) The Inside Pitch Target (IPT), which is a brightly colored cord connected at the DH's elbow and extending down vertically to the knee area and a key part of the Clock Training System contained in Location Mechanics. The IPT is quickly and easily attached and removed and serves as a target for locating pitches to the inside, “jamming” part of the strike zone at game-effort intensity. It can be used both with and without a catcher positioned behind it. Location Mechanics contains various drills and checklists which details how coaches and pitchers can practice with and use the DH to improve pitching performance.
 The foregoing has outlined, in general, the physical aspects of the invention and is to serve as an aid to better understand the diagrams and description to follow. In reference to such, there is to be a clear understanding that the present invention is not limited to the method or detail of construction, fabrication, material, or application of use described and illustrated herein. Any other variation of fabrication, use, or application should be considered apparent as an alternative embodiment of the present invention.