Pitcher's tee

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pitching/throwing practice device for baseball and softball players, and to a method of using the device. It is a simple and inexpensive pitching/throwing practice device useful for indicating the accuracy, velocity, and consistency of the user's throwing motion for both baseball and softball players. More particularly, this invention includes a ball device that when used in conjunction with a target device aid the pitcher/thrower in correcting his throwing mechanics by providing visual and audible feedback.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A baseball/softball pitching and throwing practice device comprising:
 (i) a base supporting a generally vertical post that adjusts from  12  to  48  inches and is attached to a target area;   (ii) said target area comprises a target support arm and a target strike zone comprising a plurality of foam protrusions;   (iii) wherein one or more of said foam protrusion makes an audible snapping noise when struck;   (iv) wherein said target strike zone is not permeable to a cord, baseball, or softball when struck;   (iv) a means for rotating said base so that said base is positioned in folded relation against the vertical post; and   (v) a means for rotating said target support arm so that the plurality of foam protrusions are positioned horizontally or vertically; and   (vi) said means for rotating said target arm also configured for positioning the plurality of foam protrusion in folded relation against the vertical post.   
     
     
         2 . The pitching and throwing device of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of foam protrusions comprises three equal-sized foam protrusions attached to the target support arm. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the foam protrusions are further colored or painted to simulate a strike zone. 
     
     
         4 . The pitching and throwing device of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of foam protrusions comprises a total of seven foam protrusions each attached to the target support arm with a center protrusion being largest in width and outermost foam protrusions on opposite sides of said target strike zone being narrowest in width, and a protrusion next to each said outermost foam protrusion having equal widths, with a foam protrusion on opposite sides of said center protrusion having equal widths. 
     
     
         5 . The pitching and throwing device of  claim 4  wherein the plurality of foam protrusions are colored or painted to simulate a strike zone. 
     
     
         6 . A ball device comprising a baseball having a cord attached to one side of the baseball so that it will not interfere with the ability of a pitcher or thrower to grip said ball device. 
     
     
         7 . A ball device as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said cord is of a weight so that the cord extends in a straight line when said ball device is pitched or thrown. 
     
     
         8 . The ball device of  claim 6  wherein the said cord is of a weight and composition so that when the cord strikes a foam protrusion of a target device an audible snapping noise is produced. 
     
     
         9 . A baseball pitching practice method comprising:
 (i) positioning the device of  claim 1  a distance from the baseball pitcher that is approximately equal to 90% of the said baseball pitcher's height;   (ii) positioning the target support arm of  claim 1  so that the foam protrusions are horizontal;   (iii) positioning the target support arm so that said foam protrusions are about the height of the middle thigh of the baseball pitcher;   (iv) having the baseball pitcher clasp a ball device consisting of a baseball having a cord attached to one side of the baseball so that it will not interfere with the ability of a pitcher or thrower to grip said ball device and simulate at least one pitch aimed at the foam protrusions of the device of  claim 1 , making a snapping sound without penetrating said plurality of foam protrusions; and wherein the foam protrusions correspond to a strike zone and simultaneously trains the baseball pitcher via audible and visual feedback to direct pitches to the strike zone; or having the baseball pitcher clasp a ball device instead of a baseball while performing the simulation, said baseball device being comprised of a baseball with a cord attached thereto and the wrist is snapped so that the cord strikes the foam protrusion without penetrating said protrusion while making an audible snapping sound.