North Park batting cages hit nostalgic sweet spot
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In a world of modern and commercialized sports entertainment, the North Park batting cages in Wexford provide a stress-free and affordable experience that harkens back to our collective youth.
Why it matters: Pittsburgh's retro charms are mostly available because the region hates to change, but yinz should take advantage of them because eventually they will go away.
Zoom in: The clickity-clack of the pitching machine, the pinkish light of a setting sun bouncing off the fading sign, and the cool crisp of a $1 can of pop purchased at the old-school booth make North Park Batting Range a perfect summer evening activity.
- A golf driving range and miniature golf course sit steps away from the batting cages, too.
How it works: Purchase tokens for $2.50, good for 10 pitches.
- Metal bats and helmets are provided.
- Pick one of several pitching machines that vary in speeds from 35mph to 70mph. (The 80mph machine was out of order when I visited.)
Ryan's thought bubble: Four tokens each lasted my friend and me about 45 minutes including stops between rounds to chat.
- Try to wait on the pitch to arrive before starting your swing or you might keep hitting the ball off the end of the bat, which really hurts.
- That barrel ping followed by watching the ball fly into a grassy field is a thing of beauty.
If you go: Call 412-366-5960 to check hours because the outdoor cages will close for inclement weather.
- 840 East Ingomar Road in Wexford