Mokena Approves Baseball, Softball Training Facility

MOKENA, IL — Mokena's newest business was approved at the village board meeting on Aug. 26. The village approved a special use permit for D-Bat Academy, which will be located at 9950 W. 190th St.

The business would be a baseball and softball hitting facility, according to Alan Zordan, director of economic and community development for the village. The franchise, which will be owned by Gary and Sandra Levato, would provide training for children, teens and adults to improve baseball and softball skills. The facility will teach hitting, fielding and throwing, and an average class size would be between 12 to 30 students.

Zordan said classes will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. A typical floor plan for the franchise includes 12 batting cages, and the cages can also be relocated to provide fielding instruction.

The business also includes a pro shop, which would sell baseball gear and supplies like mitts, hats and balls.

The board initially reviewed the request in June, and it was then unanimously recommended by the planning commission in July. The business will open later this year.