Alright, let’s talk about them used baseball backstops, the thingamajigs that keep balls from whacking folks in the face. You know, the big nets or fences behind home plate? Yeah, those.
Now, if you’re lookin’ to buy one, you gotta know what you’re gettin’ into. First off, why d’ya need one? Got a bunch of kids who play ball? Or maybe you’re settin’ up a little practice field in your backyard? Whatever the reason, a backstop is a good thing to have if you don’t want windows broken or folks gettin’ beaned. It’s like a big ol’ catcher, but it don’t move.
Where to Find ‘Em
You can find these used backstops in all sorts of places. Sometimes schools or parks get rid of old ones, you know, when they upgrade or somethin’. That’s when you gotta be quick! Then there’s always them online places.
- eBay: Folks sell everything on there, even backstops. You gotta watch out for the shipping costs though, them things can be heavy. But you can find all kinds – big ones, small ones, even ones with holes that need fixin’.
- Craigslist: This is where your local folks sell stuff. You can find better deals sometimes, ’cause you don’t gotta pay for shippin’. But you gotta go pick it up yourself, and that can be a pain in the butt. I saw one listed the other day, said the “frame is fine”. That’s good, right? Means it ain’t all rusted out.
- Letgo and OfferUp: These are like Craigslist, but with more pictures. You can see what you’re gettin’ before you drive all over creation. Always check them pictures good, now. Don’t want no surprises.
- Amazon: Sometimes they have used stuff, sometimes not. Worth a look, I guess. But mostly they sell new ones, and those cost a pretty penny.
What to Look For
Now, when you’re lookin’ at a used backstop, you gotta be smart. Don’t just jump at the first one you see. Here’s what I’d be lookin’ at:
The Frame: Is it all rusted out? Is it bent all outta shape? If it is, you might be better off lookin’ elsewhere. A rusty frame ain’t gonna last long. And a bent frame? Well, that just ain’t safe. You want somethin’ sturdy, somethin’ that’ll stand up to a good hard ball. If the frame is good, that’s half the battle won right there.
The Netting: This is important, real important. Is it ripped? Got big holes? Little holes ain’t so bad, you can patch them up sometimes. But big holes? That means balls are gonna go right through, and what’s the point of a backstop then? You gotta make sure that netting is strong too. Some of that cheap stuff tears easy. Look for thick netting, the kind that can take a beatin’. And make sure it’s attached good to the frame, no saggin’ or nothin’. If the netting’s shot, you might be able to replace it, but that’s more work and more money.
Size: How big do you need it? Got a little yard? Then a small one will do. Got a whole field? Then you’re gonna need somethin’ bigger. Measure your space before you start lookin’, so you don’t end up buyin’ somethin’ that don’t fit. And think about how high it needs to be too. You don’t want balls flyin’ over the top and hittin’ the neighbor’s house. That wouldn’t be neighborly now, would it?
Price: Don’t pay too much! These things are used, remember? Shop around, compare prices. See what other folks are sellin’ ’em for. And don’t be afraid to haggle a little. Tell ’em it’s got a little rust, or a little tear. They might come down on the price. But don’t be stingy neither. A fair price is a fair price. And remember, you gotta factor in the cost of fixin’ it up, if it needs fixin’.
Other Stuff to Think About
Think about how you’re gonna get it home. You got a truck? Good. You got a little car? Well, you might need to borrow a truck. And you’re gonna need some help puttin’ it up too. These things ain’t light. Get some strong fellas to help ya. And make sure you got the right tools. You’ll need wrenches and maybe some rope. And for goodness sake, be careful! Don’t want nobody gettin’ hurt puttin’ up a backstop.
Sometimes you see these “bounce backs” for sale too. Them ain’t the same as a backstop, but they can be good for practice. Kids can throw balls at it and it bounces back to ‘em. If you see one cheap, might be worth grabbin’.
And you know, you ain’t just stuck with buyin’ a used backstop. You can sometimes find just the netting for sale, or the frame. If you’re handy, you can build your own. But that’s a whole ‘nother story. For now, just focus on findin’ a good used one that’ll do the job.
So there you have it. That’s about all I know about buyin’ a used baseball backstop. Just use your common sense, don’t rush into nothin’, and you’ll find somethin’ that works for ya. Good luck, and don’t get hit by a flyin’ ball!
Tags: Used Baseball Backstop, Baseball Backstop for Sale, Used Sports Equipment, Baseball Netting, Backyard Baseball, Baseball Practice, Cheap Baseball Backstop, DIY Baseball Field