TONY KIRKLAND
Skyleigh Tyree takes a swing during a recent Fundamental Factory session . Photo by Connie Southwell
GREG TILLERY
Local high school baseball players showed up , seeking to refine their talents . Coaches brought their recreation and travel teams . Softball players sought the advice of the longtime coaches who were as patient as they were knowledgeable .
“ People kept coming for hitting lessons ,” Tillery said . “ It just sort of grew from there .”
By the time Tillery and Kirkland were forced to move in 2022 to larger quarters in a vacant tobacco warehouse at 21 Fifth St . N . E ., there were nine cages .
When , after several months of extensive renovations , the 50,000-square-foot Fundamental Factory re-opened , it had 12 batting cages , pitching and fielding machines , baseball and softball pitching areas . Speed and agility training was offered . Athletes of all ages could find the instruction they needed .
The move was difficult in several ways , but Tillery said they are especially appreciative of warehouse owner Mark Mobley enabling them to use the property .
“ There was literally nowhere else ,” Tillery said .
Judd Lasseter helped with supplying equipment for the move and Nathan Avery and Nick Powell were invaluable in making the transition as smooth as possible . A number of former Colquitt County baseball players provided muscle .
Tillery said nearby Eastside Baptist Church has allowed the Fundamental Factory to use its parking lot when necessary .
“ There was a time when we were making the transition that it was touch-and-go ,” Kirkland said .
But 15 months later , the longtime coaches are already contemplating adding two more cages .
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