Meet the Owner of Local Batting Cage Facility

Damon Whitlow opened the doors to his indoor batting cage facility last October. Located at 616 Atlanta Highway N.W. in Winder, The Cages offers athletes eight indoor batting cages, two indoor dirt pitching mounds and a team meeting area, as well as concessions, an inflatable jump for younger children, live video streaming of the action inside the facility and custom, in-house trophy production.

Patch: How did you get into owning The Cages?

Damon Whitlow: We had found the opportunity through another baseball instructor. He had mentioned that the old facility had shut down so we drove up here and three weeks later we had a newly-renovated batting cage. It was a great opportunity and it happened very, very quickly.

Patch: What is the best aspect of owning The Cages?

DW: Working with all of these kids and seeing how passionate they are about baseball and softball. I thought I was passionate growing up, but these kids blow that out of the water.

Patch: What is the most challenging aspect of owning The Cages?

DW: The worst part is that we own another business, so having two jobs again. It's been a long time since that has happened and it's a lot of work.

Patch: What are some of your hobbies outside of work?

DW: Skydiving, flying and lots of travel.

Patch: What is your personal business philosophy?

DW: You have to help the customer before you help yourself. As long as you're satisfying them you'll always be profitable.

Patch: How long did you play baseball growing up?

DW: I played from when I was five years old all the way through high school. I thought I was going to be a professional baseball player but that didn't pan out so I joined the Marines. You know, it's been 15 years or so and to get back in it is so cool. Baseball is a great game.

The Cages is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and from 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays.