The present invention comprises a unique system and method for providing adaptable ball delivery and tracking, including appropriate sensor hardware, interactive gameplay user interfaces and point of sales systems. The system and method of the present invention are especially relevant to baseball and softball as, among other components, the system comprises a vertical, ground-up soft toss ball delivery mechanism, automated player and ball-tracking devices, and ball-collection and transport systems. The ball collection and return components eliminate the need for fielders and enable the creation of the first batting range. The vertical, ground-up soft-toss pitch machine further enables the first multi-story batting facility with player batting bays that open onto a sports field. Further, certain embodiments of the present invention integrate hitting screens, augmented reality display and simultaneous coordination of gameplay and communication between players, regardless of the players' physical location.

A ball propelling apparatus is interchangeable between pitching mode and a pitch back mode. In the pitching mode, a ball propelling machine with a mounting assembly is supported by a support assembly at a height above a supporting surface. The support assembly connects to the mounting assembly. In the pitch back mode, a netting structure having a framework assembly and a ball-chute harness is provided and the framework assembly is connected to the mounting assembly while the ball-chute harness for connecting to the ball propelling machine. The framework assembly has a base assembly that is positioned to contact the supporting surface while supporting a net anchoring assembly to which netting is secured to capture and funnel thrown balls into the ball-chute harness. The balls that are funneled into the ball propelling machine by the ball-chute harness are pitched back toward the thrower.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a system for returning a golf ball to a golfer playing simulated golf or hitting a golf ball towards any vertical surface or hitting it into a net or such, the system including a ball catcher tray assembly adapted to receive a golf ball after the golfer has hit the ball against an impact surface, the ball catcher tray optionally including ball catcher tray sections connected together. Embodiments may also include a golf ball launcher adapted to receive the golf ball as it rolls from the ball catcher tray assembly. Embodiments may also include a modular track system comprised of interconnected track sections, at least one of which may be connected to the golf ball launcher and may be adapted to receive the golf ball from the golf ball launcher as the ball may be propelled toward the golfer.

A golf ball identification apparatus and system for is disclosed herein. The golf ball identification apparatus includes a housing, a cover, a helical track within the housing, and an antenna. The antenna is positioned at a bottom of the housing and is configured to identify a golf ball that has a wireless identification device.

A machine catches a pitched baseball or softball, and pneumatically returns the ball to the pitcher without damage to the ball. The pitcher throws the ball into a mat hung inside a housing, which absorbs the ball impact, such that the ball drops onto a sloped floor and roles into a ball return tube. A pressurized air tank delivers air on demand by the pitcher to the tube to project the ball back to the pitcher. The machine is self-contained on wheels for portability.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide systems, devices, and/or methods allowing for the faster, easier determination of the carry distance for golf balls hit with golf clubs, the automatic return of range golf balls for reuse, containment nets that don't touch or get close to supports or poles, range field surfaces that don't use artificial or natural grass or need water, and instead use soft, rubbery, polymer, or other synthetic (recyclable) materials for range field surfaces to permanently eliminate the need to use water, chemicals, workers, ball-pick-up-equipment, carts/tractors (fuel), machinery, or do any maintenance on range field surfaces at golf driving ranges.

A machine catches a pitched baseball or softball, and pneumatically returns the ball to the pitcher without damage to the ball. The pitcher throws the ball into a mat hung inside a housing, which absorbs the ball impact, such that the ball drops onto a sloped floor and roles into a ball return tube. A pressurized air tank delivers air on demand by the pitcher to the tube to project the ball back to the pitcher. The machine is self-contained on wheels for portability.