In the heart of northern New York, a new indoor baseball and softball training center has recently welcomed its first visitors. The Line Drive Sports Club, formerly known as Lake City Sports, has unveiled its state-of-the-art facility just weeks before the dawn of 2025. Situated at 16 Graham Drive in Plattsburgh, this venue aims to provide much-needed resources for athletes who face limited options for year-round training due to harsh winter conditions. With six batting cages and plans for various coaching programs, the club is poised to become a hub for both novice and seasoned players looking to hone their skills indoors.
A Winter Oasis for Baseball Enthusiasts in Northern New York
As the cold winds of early winter swept through Plattsburgh, the opening of the Line Drive Sports Club marked a significant milestone for local sports enthusiasts. This newly established indoor training center, nestled on 16 Graham Drive, offers an innovative space where athletes can practice without the constraints imposed by the region's challenging weather. Andrew Kramer, a coach with extensive experience in NCAA Division III baseball and currently assisting at Plattsburgh State, spearheaded the project alongside his team. Their vision was clear: create a community-centric facility that would support the development of baseball and softball players throughout the year.
The facility boasts six batting cages, including four with adjustable netting that can transform into a small turf field suitable for youth practice. Athletes can reserve these cages for sessions ranging from thirty minutes to an hour daily. Beyond the batting cages, the club is planning to introduce one-on-one lessons and group camps led by experienced coaches like Kramer and Andrew Curry. They are also exploring partnerships with former professionals and local talent, particularly from the Empire Baseball League (EBL), a semi-pro summer league known for its competitive spirit and skilled players. Kramer, who has played for the Plattsburgh Thunderbirds, envisions leveraging his connections within the EBL to enrich the training programs offered at the club.
To cater to different needs, the Line Drive Sports Club offers flexible membership options. For $59 per month, members receive eight hours of cage rental time, while a premium plan at $99 provides up to 31 hours monthly. Both plans come with discounts on additional lessons, camps, and clinics. Looking ahead, Kramer has scheduled a pitching clinic for mid-January 2025, further solidifying the club’s commitment to fostering growth and excellence in the sport.
From a journalist's perspective, the establishment of the Line Drive Sports Club represents a promising step towards enhancing sports infrastructure in northern New York. By providing a dedicated space for year-round training, it not only addresses the challenges posed by the climate but also nurtures the next generation of athletes. This initiative underscores the importance of community-driven projects that prioritize the development of local talent and promote inclusivity in sports. As more facilities like this emerge, they have the potential to significantly impact the future of baseball and softball in the region, offering young players a path to pursue their passions regardless of external limitations.