Top 7 Lighting Mistakes in Batting Cages (And How to Avoid Them)
Hey there, batting enthusiasts! If you’ve ever spent time in a batting cage, you know how crucial good lighting is. Whether it’s early morning or late-night reps, the right lighting setup can dramatically affect visibility, safety, and overall performance. But far too often, builders and homeowners make common mistakes when installing their lighting systems. Let’s break down the most common Lighting Mistakes in Batting Cages—and how to avoid them.
Over my years of coaching, I’ve seen everything from dim corners to blinding glare that makes it impossible to pick up a pitch. I’ve learned that the difference between a frustrating experience and a productive one often comes down to the lighting. Whether you’re building a backyard cage or upgrading your facility, these insights will help you build smarter, safer, and brighter.
1. Mistake: Insufficient Lighting
What Goes Wrong: Not enough light creates dark zones, making it hard to see pitches and increasing the risk of injury.
Fix It: Use LED floodlights to achieve even, powerful illumination across the entire cage. Avoid shadows and dark spots by spacing fixtures properly.
2. Mistake: Poor Placement of Lights
What Goes Wrong: Bad positioning causes glare or leaves shadows right where hitters need to see the ball most.
Fix It: Place lights at angles and heights that provide cross-lighting. Avoid placing them directly above the batter’s line of sight.
3. Mistake: Using the Wrong Bulbs
What Goes Wrong: Cheap or inappropriate bulbs can burn out quickly or provide inconsistent brightness.
Fix It: Use high-lumen, weather-resistant LED bulbs rated for outdoor sports. These last longer and provide cleaner light than halogen or fluorescent options.
4. Mistake: Ignoring Color Temperature
What Goes Wrong: Using overly warm or cool light makes it harder to see the ball clearly.
Fix It: Stick with a daylight-balanced temperature between 5000K–6000K. This mimics natural daylight and offers optimal visibility.
5. Mistake: Overlooking Energy Efficiency
What Goes Wrong: High utility bills from energy-hungry lighting setups.
Fix It: Install energy-efficient LED lights with motion sensors or timers. They’ll only turn on when needed, saving energy and money.
6. Mistake: No Maintenance Plan
What Goes Wrong: Neglected lights become dim, dirty, or stop working—killing your visibility.
Fix It: Schedule regular checks to clean lenses, tighten mounts, and replace failing bulbs. Don’t set it and forget it!
7. Mistake: Skipping Professional Advice
What Goes Wrong: DIY lighting installs can lead to unsafe wiring or poor lighting coverage.
Fix It: If you’re unsure, consult an electrician or lighting expert. They’ll help ensure your setup is efficient and safe to use.
Final Thoughts
Lighting isn’t just about brightness—it’s about performance, safety, and maximizing your investment in a batting cage. Whether you’re training for fun or prepping for the big leagues, avoiding these lighting mistakes will give you a major advantage.
Want more tips like these? Check out our growing collection of batting cage guides or use our Batting Cage Cost Estimator to plan your next build with precision.
PS: Did you know you can list your backyard batting cage on CageList and earn money by renting it out? The better your cage’s quality and safety, the more you can charge per hour!
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