Clemens Training Facility to open Tuesday for hitting and pitching practice

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal Parks and Recreation will officially open the Clemens Training Facility Nov. 1. The large space will mainly be used for hitting and pitching practice. The facility has two batting cages, pitching machines, soft-toss nets and tees and soft-toss machines.

The facility is in left field of Clemens Field, the previous clubhouse for the Cavemen and the Hoots of the Prospect League. The building has been outfitted with a restroom, new lighting and heating.

In a press release, Chad Collier, assistant director for Hannibal Parks and Recreation, said, “Hannibal has had a need for this type of facility for several years. I know of several people building nets and cages in their garages and sheds at home out of necessity. We hope this fills a need for those who don’t have that kind of space to dedicate to something like this.”

Teams can schedule practices on Sundays from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. or Mondays from 4-8 p.m. at an hourly rate of $25. Individuals can use the facility on Tuesdays from 5-8 p.m. at $6 per hour, in 10-minute increments. No team or official workouts are allowed on Tuesday evenings.

Collier said, “We want to give those kids who aren’t dedicated to a club or team the opportunity to come down and use all the same tools and machines that others get to use. It truly is a facility for all types of players and abilities. At $1 for every 10 minutes, an adult can bring a child here for half an hour and spend $3. That’s a cheap 30 minutes to be able to spend with a child.”

Collier said the building is still a work in progress, and equipment will still be added. The facility will be used for the newly formed Clemens Cornhole League, which begins Nov. 9 on Wednesdays and
Thursdays. Registration deadline for the cornhole league is 5 p.m. Nov. 2 at www.hannibalparks.recdesk.com/Community/Home/