Baseball and softball players of all ages can hone their skills at Tigard’s D-BAT PDX WEST training facility.
My 8-year-old son, Cruz, has played T-ball then baseball since kindergarten, but we’ve never taken him to a batting cage. So when we heard about D-BAT PDX WEST, an indoor baseball and softball training facility that opened last year in Tigard, we were excited to check it out.
The 25,000-square-foot space has 19 cages in total, 16 for hitting and fielding, and three for pitching. Four cages have machines that pitch baseballs, and fast-pitch or slow-pitch softballs; these cages are walk-in only and operate with a card swipe. ($2.50 for one turn of 13 to 15 pitches or 15 turns for $25.) Other cages can be rented for 30 minutes ($25 non-member) or an hour ($50 non-member). The cages can be used by parents/coaches and players, or even by a coach and team. They are suitable to practice pitching, hitting and fielding. You can also sign your player up for a lesson, 30 minutes ($50 for non-members) or an hour ($95 for non-members).
When we visited on a Saturday afternoon, the turf was hopping. In addition to several players rotating in to the pitch-machine cages, there was a group of boys horsing around and playing dodgeball with a teenaged instructor for a birthday party. It was pretty loud, but the vibe was laid-back and fun.
Cruz had a 30-minute lesson with Assistant General Manager Cole Hoskins. Hoskins started Cruz out on a tee and gave him pointers on his swing. Hoskins had an encouraging and easygoing style, helping Cruz — but not putting any pressure on him. “He gave me useful tips like practice hitting with one hand and all you have to do is find a good stance when you’re hitting,” said Cruz. Soon Cruz was smacking the ball with a satisfying, metallic phwiiiiing sound! (That noise was coming from all over the facility!) Hoskins then popped baseballs at Cruz from the side for him to hit. And eventually he pitched to him from behind a net. With just a short amount of one-on-one coaching from Hoskins, Cruz’s hits improved. Shortly after, they switched to fielding practice. Then a ball popped up and dinged Cruz on the kneecap. And that was our signal it was time to go. Pro tip: D-BAT keeps ice packs on hand should you need one.
If You Go
Players should bring their own batting helmet, mitt, batting gloves and water bottle. Players should wear athletic shoes or turf shoes, not cleats.
Gold membership is $48 a month and includes 225 pitches from the pitching machines a day; a 20% discount for camps, lessons and cage rentals; and a 10% discount at the pro shop. Platinum membership is $78 a month and includes unlimited pitches from the pitching machines; a 30% discount for camps, lessons and cage rentals; and a 15% discount at the pro shop. Memberships are month-to-month.
D-BAT also hosts birthday parties! Assistant General Manager Cole Hoskins says they have been very popular and get booked months in advance. The $375 package for up to 12 kids includes 90 minutes in the party room; one swing card per child; two reserved cages; a portable pitching machine; an instructor to lead games or practice; three large pizzas and two 2-liter sodas; plates, napkins and cups; and clean up.
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