Batting tee and method of use

Abstract

The invention is a batting tee and method of use. Embodiments of the batting tee may include a base plate, a center post, one or more extension pins and a hollow flexible tip that are configured to be stacked upon each other to support a ball at a selected height off of the ground. The extension pins are configured to stack upon the center post and upon other extension pins. The hollow flexible tip is configured to stack upon the highest of: the center post or the stacked extension pins. Various methods of using the batting tee are also disclosed for instruction in setting up and using the batting tee.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This nonprovisional patent application is related to contemporaneously filed U.S. design patent application, titled “BATTING TEE”, having Attorney Docket No. 4740.SHMS.DS, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to training devices for baseball and softball. More particularly, the invention relates to a batting tee and method of use.

2. Description of Related Art

In the game of baseball or softball, one of the most difficult skills to master is hitting. A hitter must simultaneously be able to coordinate the swing of a bat with the precise location of a ball so that good contact is made with the ball during swinging of the bat. Additionally, the hitter must learn to make good contact with the ball at the various positions at which it may cross home plate, from an inside pitch to an outside pitch, and from a high pitch to a low pitch, and various combinations of these variables.

In development of these skills, the trainer or coach typically uses a baseball tee to support a ball at a selected height above a representation of the baseball home plate. The player then hits the ball out into the field. Most commonly, a number of balls are hit into the field before they are retrieved and placed on the tee for another swing. In this manner, the player can practice swinging and improve his hand-eye coordination and gradually develop his wrist and arm muscles.

Various conventional practice batting tees have been developed for this purpose. These conventional practice tees have had various limitations which have discouraged their overall acceptance in the sport of baseball and softball. For example, many practice tees are mechanically complicated and not designed to last more than a season's use. Other conventional tees lack stability because of their lightweight designs.

Thus, it would be highly advantageous and useful to provide a practice batting tee that is mechanically simple, stackable, robust and modular in design that can be collapsed for storage and transportation. It would also be useful to have a method of using such a practice batting tee.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of a batting tee is disclosed. The batting tee may include a base plate including a centrally located hole formed therein and a plurality of posts extending perpendicularly from an upper surface of the base plate, the posts disposed about a fixed radius from the hole, the hole adapted to receive a bolt. The batting tee may further include a center post comprising a threaded opening disposed within a proximal end for threaded engagement with the bolt, the center post configured for being secured to, and extending perpendicularly from, the upper surface of the base plate, the center post further comprising a reduced diameter male connector at a distal end. The batting tee may further include extension pins, each pin comprising a cylindrical opening in its proximal end adapted for mating with a reduced diameter male connector or a post, each pin further comprising a reduced diameter male connector at its distal end. The batting tee may further include a hollow flexible tip configured for mating with a reduced diameter male connector or post.

An embodiment of a method of using a batting tee is disclosed. The method may include providing a batting tee. The batting tee may include a base plate, a center post, one or more extension pins and a hollow flexible tip. The method may further include placing the base plate on a horizontal surface. The method may further include stacking a first extension pin on top of the center post. The method may further include optionally stacking additional extension pins on top of the first extension pin. The method may further include stacking a hollow flexible tip on top of a highest extension pin. The method may further include balancing a ball on the hollow flexible tip.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments for carrying out the invention. Like reference numerals refer to like parts in different views or embodiments of the present invention in the drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are top and side views of an embodiment of a base plate of a batting tee according to the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are top and side views of an embodiment of a center post of a batting tee according to the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are top and side views of an embodiment of an extension pin of a batting tee according to the present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are axial and side views of an embodiment of a hollow flexible tip of a batting tee according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a batting tee shown in a first configuration with no extension pins being used, according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a batting tee shown in a second configuration with one extension pin stacked between a center post and the hollow flexible tip, according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a batting tee shown in a third configuration with two extension pins stacked upon a center post and disposed between the center post and the hollow flexible tip, according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a batting tee shown in a fourth configuration with three extensions pins stacked upon a center post and disposed between the center post and the hollow flexible tip, according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of using a batting tee according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of a batting tee and method of use according to the present invention are disclosed. The inventive batting tee is useful for training batters to hit a baseball or softball in order to improve batting skills through practice. The batting tee may be used by trainers or coaches who instruct players. The batting tee may also be used by anyone interested in improving their batting skills. Various methods of using the batting tee are also disclosed for instruction in setting up and using the batting tee.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are top and side views of an embodiment of a base plate 100 of a batting tee (not shown) according to the present invention. As best shown in FIG. 1A, base plate 100 includes a centrally located hole 102 for receiving a bolt 118. According to one embodiment, the bolt 118 may be configured for selective attachment to a center post (not shown but discussed below). However, according to the illustrated embodiment, bolt 118 may be fillet welded to the bottom surface 120 of base plate 100 and ground to a smooth finish. According to one embodiment, bolt 118 may be a 2″ black oxide alloy steel flat-head socket head bolt. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that any suitable threaded bolt may be used with embodiments the base plate 100 of the present invention.

Base plate 100 may also include a handle shown generally at arrow 108 used for hand carrying the base plate 100. The handle 108 may include a grip opening 110 adapted for one or more (up to four) fingers (not shown) to pass through in order to grip and carry the base plate 100. The handle 108 may further include a portion 112 of the base plate 100 that is bent up (or angled up) at a selected angle, φ, along a secant 114, or bend line, passing through two points along the perimeter of the base plate 100. According to the illustrated embodiment of a base plate 100, the secant 114 may pass through the grip opening 110. According to other embodiments not illustrated, the grip opening 110 may be entirely located within the portion 112 defined by the secant 114 without the secant 114 intersecting the grip opening 110.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the base plate 100 may include a slot 116 passing through the base plate 100. Slot 116 may be used to secure a hook and loop secured strap of an accessory bag (not shown) for carrying various components of a batting tee (not shown), but described below. The slot 116 may be located near the grip opening 110 as shown in FIG. 1A, to allow a strap (not shown) from an accessory bag (not shown) to pass through the slot 116 and the grip opening 110. Base plate 104 may be formed of any suitable structural material, for example and not by way of limitation, steel, aluminum, titanium, or any other suitable metal or metal alloy, or carbon composite materials. Additionally, base plate 104 may have any suitable thickness, for example and not by way of limitation a thickness ranging from about 0.1875″ to about 0.5″. Base plate 104 may be generally circular with as shown with any suitable diameter, according to various embodiments. According to one particular embodiment, base plate 104 may be formed from a 0.25″ thick, 16″ round pickled and oiled sheet of A-569/A-1011 C.Q. steel. This particular type of steel is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Finally, base plate 100 may be painted or surface finished to any suitable color or aesthetic design, e.g., a school logo, according to other embodiments.

Base plate 100 may also include a plurality of pins or posts 104 (three shown) extending perpendicularly from an upper surface 106 of the base plate 100. Posts 104 may be of any suitable length and diameter. According to one embodiment, posts 104 may have a length ranging from about 1″ to about 4″. According to a particular embodiment, posts 104 may be about 3.125″ in length. According to various embodiments, posts 104 may range in diameter from about 0.5″ to about 1.5″. According to one particular embodiment, posts 104 may be about 1″ in diameter. For ease of insertion into cylindrical openings in extension pins (see 300 and FIGS. 3A and 3B as described below) and either end of a hollow flexible tip (see 400 and FIGS. 4A and 4B as described below), the posts may be rounded at the top 122 as best shown in FIG. 1B. Posts 104 may be formed of any suitable structural material, for example and not by way of limitation, steel, aluminum, titanium, or any other suitable metal or metal alloy, or carbon composite materials. According to a particular embodiment, posts 104 may be formed of cold finished round AISI C1018 steel. This particular type of steel is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are top and side views of an embodiment of a center post 200 of a batting tee (not shown) according to the present invention. The center post 200 may include a threaded opening 202 located within a proximal end 204 for threaded engagement with the bolt 118. A main shaft 206 of center post 200 extends from proximal end 204 to a shoulder 208 that separates the main shaft 206 from a reduced diameter male connector 210 located at a distal end 212. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the male connector 210 may include one or more circumferential channels 214 (two shown) for receiving an O-ring seal (not shown). The O-ring seals are used to form a tight seal against a cylindrical opening (not shown) in an extension pin (see 300 and FIGS. 3A and 3B as discussed below). The O-ring seal may be a rubber O-ring, size 117, according to one embodiment of the present invention. O-rings and their compositions and sizes are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and thus will not be further elaborated on herein. According to another embodiment, center post 200 may include a through-hole 216 passing through the male connector 210 which is useful for hanging the center post 300 during finishing, such as during powder coating.

Center post 200 may have any suitable length. For example and not by way of limitation, center post 200 may have a length ranging from about 12″ to about 20″, according to various embodiments. According to a particular embodiment, center post 200 may have a length of about 16″. Center post 200 may have any suitable main shaft and male connector diameters. According to a specific embodiment, center post 200 may have a main shaft 206 diameter of about 1.25″ and a male connector 210 diameter of about 0.997″. The degree of variation in the male connector 210 diameter may be ±0.001″, according to one embodiment. According to a particular embodiment, the length of the reduced diameter male connector 210 as measured from the shoulder 208 to the distal end 212 may be about 3″. According to still a further embodiment, the distal end 212 of male connector 210 may be suitably rounded and/or tapered conically to facilitate insertion into cylindrical openings (not shown, but see 300 and FIG. 3B and related discussion below).

FIGS. 3A and 3B are top and side views of an embodiment of an extension pin 300 of a batting tee (not shown) according to the present invention. The extension pin 300 may included a cylindrical opening 302 located within a proximal end 304 configured for mating with a reduced diameter male connector 210 or a post 104. The cylindrical opening 302 may have any suitable dimensions as long as it is configured to tightly mate with a male connector 210. According to a specific embodiment, cylindrical opening 302 may have a diameter of about 1.004″, ±0.001″. A main shaft 306 of extension pin 300 extends from the proximal end 304 to a shoulder 308 that separates the main shaft 306 from a reduced diameter male connector 210 located at a distal end 212. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the male connector 210 (which has the same characteristics for the center post 200) may include one or more circumferential channels 214 (two shown) for receiving an O-ring seal (not shown). Again, the O-ring seals are used to form a tight seal against a cylindrical opening (not shown) in an extension pin (not shown, but discussed below). The O-ring seal may be a rubber O-ring, size 117, according to one embodiment of the present invention. According to another embodiment, extension pin 300 may include a through-hole 216 passing through the male connector 210 which is useful for hanging the extension pin 300 during finishing, such as during powder coating. According to the illustrated embodiment, extension pin 300 may further include a bleeder hole 318 passing from an outside surface 320 of the main shaft 306 into the cylindrical opening 302. The bleeder hole 318 is used to release air during mating with a reduced diameter mail connector 210 or post 104.

Extension pin 300 may have any suitable length. For example and not by way of limitation, extension pin 300 may have a length ranging from about 7″ to about 13″, according to various embodiments. According to a particular embodiment, extension pin 300 may have a length of about 10″. Extension pin 300 may have any suitable main shaft and male connector diameters. According to a specific embodiment, extension pin 300 may have a main shaft 306 diameter of about 1.5″ and a male connector 210 diameter of about 0.997″. Again, the degree of variation in the male connector 210 diameter may be ±0.001″, according to one embodiment. According to a particular embodiment, the length of the reduced diameter male connector 210 as measured from the shoulder 308 to the distal end 312 may be about 3″. According to still a further embodiment, the distal end 312 of male connector 210 may be suitably rounded and/or tapered conically to facilitate insertion into cylindrical openings 302.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are axial and side views of an embodiment of a hollow flexible tip 400 of a batting tee (not shown) according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4A, tip 400 has a hollow interior 402 that is configured for mating with a reduced diameter male connector 210 or post 104. The purpose of tip 400 is to provide a flexible but resilient support for a ball (not shown) that may be held stationary long enough for a batter to swing a bat and strike the ball into a field for batting practice. According to one embodiment, tip 400 may be formed of a hose (e.g., a radiator hose) of suitable inside dimensions such that it will fit snugly over a male connector 210. According to a presently preferred embodiment, hollow flexible tip 400 may be formed of a silicone radiator hose. Tip 400 may have any suitable length, such that a misguided bat is unlikely to hit a center post 200 or extension pin 300 upon which the tip 400 is mounted. For example and not by way of limitation, tip 400 may have a length ranging from about 7″ to about 13″, according to various embodiments. According to a particular embodiment, tip 400 may have a length of about 10″. It will be understood that either the proximal end 404 or the distal end 412 may be mated with male connector 210, thereby essentially doubling the usable life of the tip 400, as the ends 404 and 412 are identical.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a batting tee 500 shown in a first configuration with no extension pins 300 being used, according to the present invention. Batting tee 500 may include a base plate 100, supporting a center post 200, which in turn supports a hollow flexible tip 400, which in turn supports a ball 502 (shown in dotted line). The ball 502 is held above the surface of the ground in a first position where a batter (not shown) can swing a bat (not shown) and hit that ball 502 out into field or net (neither shown). In this first configuration, up to three extension pins 300 may be supported on posts 104 (not visible in FIG. 5) and ready for use in adjusting the height of the ball 502 if desired.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a batting tee 600 shown in a second configuration with one extension pin 300 stacked between a center post 200 and the hollow flexible tip 400, according to the present invention. In this second configuration of batting tee 600, the two unused extension pins 300 may remain installed on posts 104 (one visible in FIG. 6) and ready to be used to further elevate the ball 502 if desired. As shown in FIG. 6, the base plate 100 supports the center post 200, which in turn supports an extension pin 300, which in turn supports the hollow flexible tip 400, which supports ball 502. In this second configuration the ball 502 is held above the surface of the ground upon which the base plate 100 rests in a second position, higher than the first position, where a batter (not shown) can swing a bat (not shown) and hit that ball 502 out into a field or net (neither shown).

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a batting tee 700 shown in a third configuration with two extension pins 300 stacked upon a center post 200 and disposed between the center post 200 and the hollow flexible tip 400, according to the present invention. In this third configuration, one unused extension pin 300 remains mounted on a post 104 on the base plate, ready for yet another extension of the column supporting the ball 502. In this third configuration of batting tee 700, the base plate 100 supports a center post 200 which in turn supports two extension pins 300, which in turn supports a hollow flexible tip 400 which directly supports ball 502. In this third configuration the ball 502 is held above the surface of the ground upon which the base plate 100 rests in a third position, higher than the second position, where a batter (not shown) can swing a bat (not shown) and hit that ball 502 out into a field or net (neither shown).

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a batting tee 800 shown in a fourth configuration with three extension pins 300 stacked upon a center post 200 and disposed between the center post 200 and the hollow flexible tip 400, according to the present invention. In this fourth configuration, there are no unused extension pins 300 remaining on the posts 104. In this fourth configuration of batting tee 800, the base plate 100 supports a center post 200 which in turn supports all three extension pins 300, which in turn support a hollow flexible tip 400 which directly supports ball 502. In this fourth configuration the ball 502 is held above the surface of the ground upon which the base plate 100 rests in a fourth position, higher than the third position, where a batter (not shown) can swing a bat (not shown) and hit that ball 502 out into a field or net (neither shown).

FIGS. 5-8 all show the handle 108, slot 116, bent-up portion 112 and grip opening 110 formed in the base plate 100, which are useful features for picking the batting tees 500, 600, 700 and 800 up off of a ground surface. However such features are not required elements of the inventive batting tees 500, 600, 700 and 800 and are not required with all embodiments of the invention. A particularly distinctive feature of all embodiments of batting tees 500, 600, 700 and 800 shown and described herein is the ability to stack the extension pins 300 and tip 400 on the center post 200 to achieve one of four selected heights. It will be understood that by selecting various lengths of center posts 200, extension pins 300 and tips 400, any desired height for supporting a ball 502 may be achieved. Additionally, while three extension pins 300 are shown in the illustrated embodiments of batting tees 500, 600, 700 and 800, any suitable number of extension pins may be used with other embodiments and configurations.

It should also be noted that most conventional batting tees have telescoping or other vertically sliding adjustment mechanisms for adjusting the height of a ball 502. Such conventional tees tend to be unstable at various levels of height adjustment because of their construction. In contrast, the various embodiments of batting tees 500, 600, 700 and 800 of the present invention are all stable at all four height positions. The stackable column of components and the particular structure used to achieve stable stacking is believed to be unique to the various batting tees 500, 600, 700 and 800 disclosed herein. The following are additional specific embodiments of batting tees according to the present invention.

Another embodiment of a batting tee is disclosed. The embodiment of a batting tee may include a base plate 100 including a centrally located hole 102 formed therein and a plurality of posts 104 extending perpendicularly from an upper surface 106 of the base plate 100. The posts 104 may be disposed about a fixed radius from the hole 102. The hole 102 may be adapted to receive a bolt 118. The embodiment of a batting tee may further include a center post 200 comprising a threaded opening 202 disposed within a proximal end 204 for threaded engagement with the bolt 118. The center post 200 may be configured for being secured to, and extending perpendicularly from, the upper surface 106 of the base plate 100. According to one embodiment, the center post 200 is simply bolted to the base plate 100 using bolt 118. According to another embodiment, the bolt 118 is further fillet welded with a smooth grind finish, thus permanently securing the center post 200 to the base plate 100. The center post 200 may further include a reduced diameter male connector 210 disposed at a distal end 212 of the center post 200. The embodiment of a batting tee may further include extension pins 300, each pin 300 comprising a cylindrical opening 302 in its proximal end 304 adapted for mating with a reduced diameter male connector 210 or a post 104. Each pin 300 may further include a reduced diameter male connector 210 at its distal end 312. The embodiment of a batting tee may further include a hollow flexible tip 400 configured for mating with a reduced diameter male connector 210 or post 104. Thus, the tip 400 may be stored on a post 104 when not in use.

According to another embodiment of a batting tee, the base plate 100 may further include a handle 108. The handle 108 may be configured as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. However, any suitable handle for carrying the base plate 100 is contemplated to be within the scope of other embodiments of the present invention. According to one embodiment, the handle 108 may include a grip opening 110 adapted for one or more fingers to pass through. According to yet another embodiment, the handle 108 may further include a portion 112 of the base plate 100 bent up at a selected angle, φ, along a secant 114 through two points on a perimeter of the base plate 100, the secant 114 also passing through the grip opening 110. According to still another embodiment, the base plate 100 may further include a slot 116 passing through the base plate 100 and disposed near the grip opening 110.

According to another embodiment of a batting tee, the center post 200 may be cylindrical with major diameter of about 1.25″. According to various other embodiments of the batting tee, the center post 200 may have a length in a range from about 12″ to about 20″. According to a particular embodiment, the center post 200 may have a length of about 16″. According to another embodiment of a batting tee, the reduced diameter male connector 210 extends about 3 inches from a shoulder 208 of the center post 200. According to yet another embodiment of a batting tee, each of the extension pins 300 may have a length in a range from about 7″ to about 13″. According to a particular embodiment, each of the extension pins 300 may have a length of about 10″.

According to another embodiment of a batting tee, the hollow flexible tip 400 may be a silicone radiator hose. According to various embodiments, the hollow flexible tip 400 may have a length in a range from about 7″ to about 13″. According to a particular embodiment, the hollow flexible tip 400 may about 10″ long.

According to another embodiment of a batting tee, the reduced diameter male connector 210 may include at least one circumferential channel 214 for receiving an O-ring seal. According to a particular embodiment, the reduced diameter male connector 210 may include two circumferential channels 214 each seating an O-ring seal. According to another embodiment of a batting tee, each of the extension pins 300 further include a bleeder hole 318 passing from an outside surface 320 into the cylindrical opening 302 to release air during mating with a reduced diameter male connector 210 or post 104. According to another embodiment of a batting tee, the base plate 100, the center post 200 and the extension pins 300 are formed from any one or a combination of the following materials: steel, aluminum, titanium, metal alloy and carbon fiber composite materials. According to another embodiment of a batting tee, one or more extension pins 300 are stacked upon the center post 200 and the hollow flexible tip 400 is stacked upon the one or more extension pins 300 to support a ball 502.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 900 of using a batting tee according to the present invention. Method 900 may include providing 902 a batting tee. Providing the batting tee may include providing any of the batting tees 500, 600, 700 and 800 and their variations as described herein. Method 900 may further include placing 904 the base plate on a horizontal surface. The horizontal surface may be, e.g., ground. Method 900 may further include stacking 906 a first extension pin 300 on top of the center post 200. Method 900 may further include optionally stacking 908 additional extension pins 300 on top of the first extension pin 300. Method 900 may further include stacking 910 the hollow flexible tip 400 on top of a highest extension pin 300. Method 900 may further include balancing 912 a ball on the hollow flexible tip 400.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the terms “configured for” and “adapted for” as used herein to describe a component, section or part of a device includes hardware or structural elements that are constructed and/or positioned to carry out the desired function. In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While the foregoing advantages of the present invention are manifested in the detailed description and illustrated embodiments of the invention, a variety of changes can be made to the configuration, design and construction of the invention to achieve those advantages. Hence, reference herein to specific details of the structure and function of the present invention is by way of example only and not by way of limitation.

Claims

1. A batting tee, comprising:

a base plate including a centrally located hole formed therein and a plurality of posts extending perpendicularly from an upper surface of the base plate, the posts disposed about a fixed radius from the hole, the hole adapted to receive a bolt;

a center post comprising a threaded opening disposed within a proximal end for threaded engagement with the bolt, the center post configured for being secured to, and extending perpendicularly from, the upper surface of the base plate, the center post further comprising a reduced diameter male connector at a distal end;

extension pins, each pin comprising a cylindrical opening in its proximal end adapted for mating with a reduced diameter male connector or a post, each pin further comprising a reduced diameter male connector at its distal end; and

a hollow flexible tip configured for mating with a reduced diameter male connector or post.

2. The batting tee according to claim 1, wherein the base plate further comprises a handle.

3. The batting tee according to claim 2, wherein the handle comprises a grip opening adapted for one or more fingers to pass through.

4. The batting tee according to claim 3, wherein the handle further comprises a portion of the base plate bent up at a selected angle along a secant through two points on a perimeter of the base plate, the secant passing through the grip opening.

5. The batting tee according to claim 2, wherein the base plate further comprises a slot passing through the base plate and disposed near the grip opening.

6. The batting tee according to claim 1, wherein the center post is cylindrical with major diameter of about 1.25″.

7. The batting tee according to claim 1, wherein the center post has a length in a range from about 12″ to about 20″.

8. The batting tee according to claim 1, wherein the center post has a length of about 16″.

9. The batting tee according to claim 1, wherein the reduced diameter male connector extends about 3 inches from a shoulder of the center post.

10. The batting tee according to claim 1, wherein each of the extension pins has a length in a range from about 7″ to about 13″.

11. The batting tee according to claim 1, wherein each of the extension pins has a length of about 10″.

12. The batting tee according to claim 1, wherein the hollow flexible tip comprises a silicone radiator hose.

13. The batting tee according to claim 1, wherein the hollow flexible tip comprises a length in a range from about 7″ to about 13″.

14. The batting tee according to claim 1, wherein the hollow flexible tip comprises a length of about 10″.

15. The batting tee according to claim 1, wherein the reduced diameter male connector comprises at least one circumferential channel for receiving an O-ring seal.

16. The batting tee according to claim 15, wherein the reduced diameter male connector comprises two circumferential channels each seating an O-ring seal.

17. The batting tee according to claim 1, wherein each of the extension pins further comprise a bleeder hole passing from an outside surface into the cylindrical opening to release air during mating with a reduced diameter male connector or post.

18. The batting tee according to claim 1, wherein the base plate, the center post and the extension pins are formed from a material selected from the group comprising: steel, aluminum, titanium, metal alloy and carbon fiber composite materials.

19. The batting tee according to claim 1, wherein one or more extension pins are stacked upon the center post and the hollow flexible tip is stacked upon the one or more extension pins to support a ball.

20. A method of using a batting tee, the method comprising:

providing a batting tee, the batting tee comprising: a base plate including a centrally located hole formed therein and a plurality of posts extending perpendicularly from an upper surface of the base plate, the posts disposed about a fixed radius from the hole, the hole adapted to receive a screw; a center post comprising a threaded opening at a proximal end for receiving the screw, the center post configured for being secured to, and extending perpendicularly from, the upper surface of the base plate, the center post further comprising a reduced diameter male connector at a distal end; extension pins, each pin comprising a cylindrical opening in its proximal end adapted for mating with a reduced diameter male connector or a post, each pin further comprising a reduced diameter male connector at its distal end; and a hollow flexible tip configured for mating with a reduced diameter male connector or post;

placing the base plate on a horizontal surface;

stacking a first extension pin on top of the center post;

optionally stacking additional extension pins on top of the first extension pin;

stacking the hollow flexible tip on top of a highest extension pin; and

balancing a ball on the hollow flexible tip.