Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method protects a pitcher from being struck by a returning ball and has a container that encloses a bag of balls, a screen and/or a base that is attached to a lid. The lid is removed from the container and placed in front of the container which may provide a seating surface for the pitcher. The base has sides that define a channel in the base which receives the screen. The base may hold the screen in an upright position. Clips may fold outwardly from the base to assist the base in holding the screen. A leg extending from the base stabilizes the base on the ground. The pitcher may conduct batting practice by sitting on the container and throwing a ball around the screen toward the batter.