Matt Weir / The Collegian

Started last spring, a new indoor batting cage is completed just in time for the season

In less than a year, Fresno State softball was able to add a vital need to the already impressive Bulldog Diamond-indoor batting cages.

The Bulldog Diamond has always been known for its beauty as a field and stadium. The women’s softball team takes pride in their field and tends to it year round to ensure its magnificent appearance. Now the new addition will add to the already complete Bulldog stadium.

Construction on the 3,600-square-foot facility began in spring 2009. The structure was completed with time to spare for the Bulldogs’ opening practice.

The building is located along Bulldog Diamond’s left field line, just beyond the already constructed outdoor batting cages.

The facility will allow Fresno State student-athletes to train whenever they want, fair weather or foul.

It also offers players a place to go and improve their skills on their own time or one-on-one with coaches. This is a place that the players can go and call their own.

The building houses three batting cages, each enclosed by nets, as well as two storage rooms and an Astroturf floor.

The building is not merely limited to pitchers and hitters, however. If need be, softball head coach Margie Wright said the facility can be also used to field ground balls.

Renovations for the new indoor batting cages are still in the works, as Fresno State plans to decorate the facility with pictures on the walls of former Bulldog All-Americans.

The first official pitch of the softball season will take place in two days, as the ‘Dogs host Santa Clara in a Feb. 12 home contest.