Having both grown up on the western edge of Nebraska, we both understand how much baseball and softball are loved in our community.

Martin started playing baseball in his youth in the Morrill Legion League and Jennifer played softball through GGSA, and played on the inaugural Scottsbluff High School softball team.  We spent a few years playing in the co-ed softball league at Lacy Park before life got too busy to keep up.  

In 2016, we began coaching our oldest Daughter’s t-ball team, and we quickly realized just how hard it was to organize efficient batting practices with the lack of facilities in our area, that offered access to pitching machines and equipment.  We were constantly searching for a park to meet and worse, always trying to beat the spring Western Nebraska weather, that changes in an instant  

A few years into coaching, we started talking about what we could do to serve the need of batting cages that could be used by everyone, not just those of a certain clubs or a certain skill level, but everyone who loves the game; and what about being open year round?

With the help of our Realtor, we began seeking out buildings that could be renovated into a facility that would support batting cages. Enter the crazy real estate market that started in 2020,  and we kept falling short on our offers and ended up empty handed. We also welcomed our 2nd child in mid-2021, and life got even crazier!

In the late summer of 2023, we finally secured a space we could make work, and in October 2023 we closed on the future home of “The Dugout”.

Renovations were extensive and expensive, but we went into the project knowing we wanted to make it work for us and not take any shortcuts, because if we did it right, the 114 year old building may still be here 100 years from now.

“The Dugout” is a family business, which we plan to operate with the help of our girl’s when they are old enough. We considered how they would use our facility and be safe in it, when we were making design plans. The support of our family and friends has been extensive, and we are incredibly blessed to have such a great community rallying behind us.

Welcome to The Dugout, we hope you love what we have put together and would love your support of our vision of offering a family friendly recreation option that welcomes baseball and softball enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. 

Martin & Jennifer Urdiales