Donor builds new batting cages at Warner Robins ball field

WARNER ROBINS -- Standing between two fields, two covered batting cages with nets have been built at the Flint Energies Sports Complex.

The materials, labor and equipment were all donated by Sean Rollins, owner of RCI Collision.

The 12-feet high and 60-feet deep structure holding the batting cages that will be used for the fields nearest the parking lot.

Rollins said he uses money normally targeted for advertising to invest in nonprofit organizations in the community.

Since his children have used the facility, he asked board members at Warner Robins American Little League what they could use.

The original idea was to fix up the old batting cages near fields 4 and 5.

“They got in pretty rough shape,” said Rollins.

Due to the amount of time it would take to refurbish those, an idea was formed to build new batting cages.

With the concrete already poured for the wall ball, it made sense to Rollins to use that space.

The wall ball was built last year for children to throw balls against as a game to keep them occupied while at the fields.

“Donations are what we’re all about,” said Troy Brown, who manages the field maintenance for baseball.

The last piece of equipment went into the cages Thursday with the addition of L-screens used to protect coaches from getting hit by the ball during batting practice.

Brown said the cages will be helpful during tournaments and other events held at the fields.

“We did need them,” he said.

This story was originally published May 30, 2012 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Donor builds new batting cages at Warner Robins ball field."