Systems and methods are shown for pitch detection involving a first linear array with multiple detection devices for detecting an object mounted on a base for positioning near the front of home plate, adjacent the front edge of the home plate. Some examples include an indicator on each detector to indicate detection. In some examples, the detectors communicate detection to an analysis system. In some examples, the analysis system determines and displays a pitch result from the position of the detect object. In other examples, a second is positioned at a known distance from the plate and communicates a detection position to the analysis system, which determines pitch speed and result from the two positions. In another example, three arrays are used to determine a curved pitch path. Another example has an array positioned near the back of the plate for determining pitch result, path and speed.

A baseball base plate assembly for securing a baseball base on a baseball diamond includes a baseball base that includes a rigid underbody and a pliable top attached to the rigid underbody. An anchor well is integrated into the rigid underbody and a plug recess is formed into the rigid underbody. An anchor is insertable into the anchor well in the rigid underbody which can be extended into a hole in the ground thereby anchoring the baseball base to the ground. A plug is positionable in the plug recess for storing the plug and the plug can be inserted into the hole in the ground to inhibit the hole in the ground from becoming filled with debris.

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.

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 base for use in converting a baseball diamond from a diamond having 15 bases to having 18 bases without the need to alter the substructure of the diamond. The base comprises a base top and an anchor post extending from a bottom of the base top. The base top defines a square having a first side, a second side opposite said first side, a third side extending between first ends of the first and second sides, and a fourth side opposite the third side and extending between second ends of the first and second sides, wherein all of the sides of the base are about 18 in length. The anchor post is positioned, such that a center of the anchor post is about 7 from the first edge, about 10 from the second edge, and about 9 from each of the third and fourth edges.

The present disclosure provides an apparatus for adapting a first base to a double first base having a fielder base and a runner base. The apparatus may include a first plate. The first plate may define a top face, a bottom face, a first side, and a second side. The first plate may include an anchor aperture defined on the first side. The anchor aperture may be shaped to receive a ground anchor of a fielder base. The second side may be configured to be secured to a runner base. The first plate may further include one or more teeth protruding from the bottom face on the second side. The anchor aperture may be shaped such that the first plate mechanically engages and resists angular movement of the ground anchor relative to the first plate.

Embodiments are directed to an electronic home plate system that includes a home plate enclosure and at least one image sensor system disposed within the enclosure, each image sensor system including an image sensor, a lens and a first processor. The first processor is adapted to detect a motion of a ball by continuously capturing frames from the image sensor. The detecting motion includes capturing a first frame, capturing a second frame, subtracting the first frame from the second frame to create an image, and checking for pixel changes between the first frame and the second frame. The detected motion of the ball includes the ball passing over the home plate enclosure or the ball passing near and not over the home plate enclosure.