The Tampa Bay Rays have taken a note out of the page of the numerous NFL teams that have begun using virtual reality in training with an announcement that they have started using EON Sports’ iCube.
The baseball-specific iCube is essentially the baseball equivalent to EON Sports’ SIDEKIQ software. It is used to give players some extra batting practice, and while the CEO of EON Sports VR believes it will never replace real batting practice, there are three major advantages for players using the iCube.
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First, virtual reality means that there is less strain on the body. So, players coming back from injury might be able to get some mental reps in before hitting the plate. Players could also get some post-practice swings in without too much stress on their muscles.
Secondly, the software will allow players to hit whenever they want. No need to load up a batting cage or have someone pitch for them.
What players might like the most about this though, is the system’s ability to mimic the pitches of some of the best pitchers in MLB. This would allow them to experience a devastating Clayton Kershaw curveball before they face him on the mound.
The iCube works with virtual reality headsets and a projector wall in front of the user. The user might only need one wall to use the system, but up to six walls can be set up for a completely immersive experience. It is a digitalized system, so it differs from virtual reality systems like STRIVR, which uses real, 360-degree video footage.
For the Tampa Bay Rays, this can only be a positive. They can get batters in the box against some of the toughest pitchers in the league, without leaving their training facility or adding more stress to their pitchers.