Bat like a Pro with the Derek Jeter Hurricane Batting Trainer

Your son is part of the little league, but he graces the bench more often than he takes the bat. And when he does take the bat, you hear disappointed sighs and spiteful jeers much more often than you hear the satisfying crack of a bat making contact. Your daughter is not doing too well in her softball games, either. You yourself can’t hit a ball even if your life depended on it.

Perhaps it’s time to give your son, your daughter and yourself some supplementary batting training with the Derek Jeter Hurricane Batting Trainer. Yup – THAT Derek Jetter!

Overview: This machine has been designed to help baseball and softball players work at their batting skills even when they don’t have anyone to play with. The ball is attached to a stick that revolves around the stand when hit strongly enough. The stand, on the other hand, is fixed on a four-legged, non-slip and sturdy base. The player can try hitting the “ball” while it is at rest or hit it while it is moving.

The whole trainer weighs 37 pounds. Its height and swing resistance can be adjusted to fit the player’s size and ability. Currently, the unit retails for around $180.

What You’ll Love: Very sturdy construction and very stable base; hit it with all your might, play with it all afternoon and you’ll find it hasn’t moved an inch. It is flexible as you can practice with a stationary as well as a moving target. Conveniently, the ball is attached to the stick so you don’t have to chase after the ball after every swing. Much as you’d like to see your ball fly over three blocks, it can be tiring chasing after balls and apologizing to irate neighbors who did not want the extra vent your ball made in their windows. Batting power feedback is available; just count how many turns the ball-and-stick assembly made after you hit it.

The greatest features are the adjustable height and resistance. It can be used by anyone – men, women, boys, and girls – 6 years old and above. If you think you’re too old to use it, carry it inside the house and practice your batting there. If your wife asks what you’re doing, tell her you’re working out and practicing your hand-eye coordination – both of which she’ll surely appreciate (lecherous wink).

Full Disclosure: This is not something you’d enjoy carrying around. At 37 pounds, this is no lightweight even if someone tells you otherwise. You can probably transfer it from one place to another, but you’ll not enjoy the experience. Of course, be thankful for its weight; it’s what keeps the unit standing when you hit it.

While the unit itself is very tough, the power bands that come with the unit may be a problem. If yours snap, ask customer service for a replacement. Also note the metal will rust if it gets exposed to the elements so be sure to put a cover on it if you are leaving it outside.