A new hitting academy with indoor batting cages and multiple high-tech bays is now open in Ocala.
Earlier this summer, The Hitting Academy officially opened for business at 2401 SE 58th Avenue.
On Saturday, October 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Hitting Academy will host a grand opening celebration. The free event, which is open to the public, will include food, raffles, giveaways, prizes, and more.
Owned and operated by John and Laurel Prosoco, The Hitting Academy offers indoor batting cages for baseball and softball. Customers have the option to purchase a single round of hitting at a time, or they can opt for a membership that includes unlimited monthly rounds.
In addition, the business has multiple HitTrax Software areas where kids and adults alike can track the exit velocity power, play home run derbies, and participate in dozens of games and competitions. During private lessons, video analysis software can break down the swing or pitching pattern in slow motion, which allows adjustments to be made as necessary.
“The kids love to see their swing side by side their favorite MLB player and watch in slow motion their batting next to pros!” stated the owners.
The Prosocos have four children, and they told Ocala-News.com that baseball has always held a special place in their family’s heart. The owners stated that during a trip for a baseball tournament a few years ago, they took one of their sons to The Hitting Academy located in Brandon, Florida for extra batting practice.
The Prosocos stated that they were “blown away” by the concept of an indoor batting facility, and they spent the next two years trying to bring this opportunity to Ocala.
“Marion County houses multiple baseball and softball complexes and yet had nowhere for indoor practice in the event of rain or just to get in those extra rounds of batting practice that are so crucial for success beyond just team practice,” stated the Prosocos.
In October 2022, the Prosocos took the leap and made the investment to bring The Hitting Academy to Ocala.
“We have been so eager to bring this facility to Ocala not only for our children but for all the boys and girls of Marion County to have a place to build confidence on and off the field,” stated the Prosocos.
The Hitting Academy can be booked for birthday parties, team practices, and team parties. Additionally, the facility will host camps throughout the year.
The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, the business is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information about the business, including its services and pricing, visit The Hitting Academy Ocala’s website.
The Hitting Academy joins several other sports-related businesses that have recently opened in Ocala, including a new tennis shop, Racketxperts, that celebrated its grand opening in Chelsea Square last week.