Batter's Eye Screens
Custom batter's eye backdrops for baseball and softball — sized to your outfield, built to last decades. Mesh panels for high school budgets, perforated steel for NCAA and pro facilities. We design, fabricate, and install.
What Is a Batter's Eye?
A batter's eye is a dark-colored backdrop positioned in dead center field, directly in the batter's line of sight to the pitcher. Its purpose is simple but critical: give hitters a clean, uncluttered background so they can see the ball the moment it leaves the pitcher's hand.
Without a batter's eye, hitters face a visual mess—fans moving in the stands, cars in parking lots, trees swaying, or bright sky. That split-second of visual confusion makes it harder to pick up spin, location, and speed. At competitive levels, that's the difference between a hit and a strikeout.
Batter's eyes are standard equipment at every MLB stadium and most college facilities. If your program competes at a high level, a proper batter's eye isn't optional—it's expected.
Why Your Batter's Eye Matters
Player Safety
When hitters can't see the ball clearly, they can't react in time. A 90 mph fastball travels from the mound to home plate in about 400 milliseconds. If your batter's eye has gaps, faded colors, or poor contrast, you're putting hitters at risk.
Competitive Advantage
Your hitters practice against your batter's eye every day. A quality backdrop helps them develop better pitch recognition and timing. When they face opponents with inferior facilities, that edge shows up in the box score.
Facility Impression
Recruits and their families notice field quality. A sharp, professional batter's eye signals that your program invests in its players. A faded, patched-together backdrop sends the opposite message.
Batter's Eye Sizing Guide
Every field is different, so we custom-build each batter's eye to fit your outfield. Here's how we determine the right size:
Width
The screen must be wide enough to cover the batter's sight line from both batter's boxes. Most batter's eyes range from 30 to 60 feet wide. Wider screens provide more coverage but require more structural support.
Height
The batter's eye should extend above your center field fence to block distractions behind it. Typical heights range from 16 to 32 feet. The right height depends on your fence height, what's behind it (stands, parking, trees), and your budget.
Placement
Dead center field, aligned with the pitcher's mound and home plate. The exact position depends on your outfield configuration—we'll review your field layout to determine optimal placement.
Not sure what size you need? Send us your field dimensions and a few photos. We'll recommend the right configuration for your facility.
Materials & Construction
We build batter's eyes using two primary material systems, depending on your facility needs and budget:
Mesh Panel Systems
Heavy-duty, UV-resistant mesh fabric stretched over aluminum frames. Mesh systems are lighter, more economical, and work well for most high school and college facilities. The fabric blocks visual distractions while allowing some airflow, reducing wind load on the structure.
Perforated Steel Panels
16-gauge perforated steel panels (typically 1/8" holes on 1/4" staggered centers) mounted on steel angle framing. Perforated metal offers superior durability, wind resistance, and a more permanent installation. This is the choice for NCAA Division I programs and professional facilities that need a batter's eye built to last decades.
Finish Options
All our batter's eyes receive a two-coat AAMA baked-on finish for long-term color retention and weather resistance. Standard colors include dark green and black, with custom colors available to match your facility branding.
Batter's Eye Cost
Batter's eye screen projects typically range from $15,000 to $100,000+ depending on:
Batter's Eye Cost by Project Type
High School Fields
$15,000 – $30,000
Mesh panel systems, 30–40 ft wide, basic aluminum frame. Ideal for programs upgrading from no batter's eye or replacing worn fabric panels.
College Facilities
$30,000 – $60,000
Larger mesh or perforated steel panels, 40–50 ft wide, heavier structural support. Includes professional installation and AAMA finish.
NCAA Division I / Professional
$60,000 – $100,000+
Full perforated steel construction, 50–60+ ft wide, permanent installation with concrete footings. Stadium-grade quality built to last decades.
- Size — Larger screens require more materials and structural support
- Materials — Mesh systems cost less than perforated steel
- Installation — We offer full-service fabrication and installation, or panels only
- Site conditions — Existing structures, access, and ground conditions affect install complexity
Every project is custom, so we quote based on your specific requirements. Contact us with your field dimensions and we'll provide a detailed estimate within a few days.
Need backstop netting for your outfield? See our Defender Series Backstops for 20-foot ball containment systems.
Features & Benefits
Custom Sizes
Built to fit your outfield dimensions. We work with you to determine the optimal size for your facility.
Aluminum Frame
Rust-free aluminum construction ensures durability and minimal maintenance for years of use.
Color Options
Standard green for optimal visibility, or custom colors to match your facility branding.
Professional Materials
Weather-resistant materials designed to maintain color and integrity through sun, rain, and wind.
Visibility Optimized
Designed with the proper color and height to give batters the contrast they need to track the ball.
Made in USA
Crafted in our North Carolina facility with American materials and workmanship.
Custom Built for Your Field
Batter's eye screens are custom-built to your specifications. Every field is different, so we work with you to design the right solution for your facility. Contact us with your dimensions and requirements for a detailed quote.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a batter's eye?
A batter's eye is a solid, dark-colored backdrop positioned in dead center field that helps batters see the baseball as it leaves the pitcher's hand. By providing a uniform, uncluttered background (typically black or dark green), the batter's eye creates visual contrast that makes it easier to track the pitch.
How much does a batter's eye cost?
Batter's eye screen projects typically range from $15,000 to $100,000+ depending on size, materials, and whether installation is included. Contact us with your field dimensions for an accurate quote.
What size batter's eye do I need?
Most batter's eyes are 30 to 60 feet wide and 16 to 32 feet tall. The ideal size depends on your outfield dimensions, fence height, and what's behind center field. We'll help you determine the right configuration for your facility.
What color should a batter's eye be?
Dark green and black are the most common choices because they provide the best contrast against a white baseball. Custom colors are available to match your facility branding.
Do you handle installation?
Yes. We offer full-service design, fabrication, and installation. We'll field-verify measurements, manufacture the panels in our North Carolina facility, and install on-site. We also offer panels-only if you have your own installation crew.
Ready to Upgrade Your Field?
Let's discuss your batter's eye project. We'll help you determine the right size, color, and configuration for your facility.
Get Your QuoteOr call us directly: 866-482-0221