A sensing system and method determines whether a slow pitch softball has been delivered in a strike zone. The system includes: a dual, mirror image slow-pitch software home plate; the home plate having an upper surface and a lower surface; the lower surface configured for attachment to ground; the upper surface comprising a pressure or impact sensing array covering at least edges of the upper surface of the home plate; the sensing array having a battery source for powering the system; the sensing array issuing an electrical signal when sensing pressure or impact; and the electrical signal connected to an audio or visual output device that indicates receiving of the electrical signal by a visual or audio emission.

An electronic home plate system 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 detected motion includes the ball passing over the home plate enclosure or the ball passing near and not over the home plate enclosure.

A form for constructing a foundation for batter’s and catcher’s boxes and supporting a home plate in a support structure of a synthetic turf field for playing baseball or softball includes a hollow frame comprising an open upper surface and an open lower surface, the hollow frame sized to extend under the batter’s and catcher’s boxes, and a home plate frame supportable by the hollow frame, the home plate frame having a cavity for receiving the home plate.

A portable base anchoring system includes an anchor and fasteners. The anchor includes a base plate and a block. The base plate defines holes and is configured for placement on a playing surface. The block extends upwardly from an upper surface of the base plate and is configured for insertion into a socket on a bottom surface of a base. Each of the fasteners is configured for insertion into one of the holes to secure the base plate to the playing surface.

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.

A device (10) includes a top portion (14); side portions (28, 28′) extending from the top portion, the side portions and the top portion forming a hollow area (46); and a bottom portion (48) comprising a bottom surface (34, 34′) of each of the side portions, each bottom surface being covered with an anti-slip member (44, 44′).

A portable pitching mound that offers the strength and durability of a traditional dirt mound that is compatible with turf fields and will not create an edge lip on a baseball field.

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 provides a portable pitching mat having a first side with a first end and a second end, wherein the first side is substantially flat and has a weight attached proximal to the first end; a second side, wherein the second side engages an artificial turf substrate with a plurality of anchors; and a pitching rubber on the first side proximal to the first end. Also provided is a portable mat having a first side with a first end and a second end, wherein the first side is substantially flat; a second side, wherein the second side has a plurality of recessed regions; and a plurality of substrates, wherein each of the plurality of substrates comprises a first face that reversibly engages one of the plurality of recessed regions on the second side; and a second face that engages an artificial turf surface with a plurality of anchors.

The present disclosure is directed to an anchor assembly for placement in the ground. The assembly may include a shell with a lower end configured to be at least partially underground. An insert is provided that accepts a base, such as a baseball base or similar, and allows for built-up dirt and debris to be quickly and easily removed from the assembly so that bases and the like will be properly positioned.