Geraghty: Sluggers Academy Offers Local Teams 'Perfect Place' to Develop Skills

The softball team has turned in a solid season on the field, taking many Tri-Valley League teams by surprise.

However, with a rainy spring, some practices had to be cancelled or held indoors. These indoor areas can often be cramped and restrict the kinds of drills that can be practiced on the field.

Fortunately for the team, Sluggers Academy is a great location to have indoor practice. The facility has nine tunnels and an infield. The tunnels are separated by retractable nets that allow for even more space. It provides bats, balls, and pitching machines. Sluggers Academy is conveniently located off North Meadows Road (Route 27) on West Street, which allows teams to have easy access after school.

“I think it’s a perfect place to go when it rains because they have a great area in the back for infield drills, real game situations, and batting practice," said MHS senior Kristin Foster. "They also have pitching machines, which help me get in my practice swings without worrying about getting rained on.”

Medfield is not the only town that is taking advantage of Sluggers Academy. Softball teams from Medway and Dover-Sherborn, along with baseball teams from Millis and Medway have come in when the weather is unfavorable.

"To afford the local teams with an indoor facility of this magnitude is special,” said Sluggers Academy owner and general manager James Lagos. "The offering of space is only worth that of the administration’s, coaches’ and players’ willingness to put forth the effort. It comes at no surprise to me that the Medfield teams are off to such a great start. They were here all winter long. They made the commitment and now the work is paying off.”

After teams come in and experience Sluggers, it is common to see individual players schedule cage time on weekends. With a big-screen television and country music playing in the background, players enjoy hitting in a relaxed atmosphere.

“If I have a rough week hitting, Sluggers is a great place to go on the weekend to work on my swing,” said Medfield varsity baseball senior Mike Ray.

With baseball and softball season continuing throughout the summer, the staff at Sluggers is hopeful that players and teams will continue to utilize their facility.