Inspiring Conversations with Mike Gonzalez of Simi Valley Batting Cage & Pro Shop

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Gonzalez.

Hi Mike, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
We are a long-standing family owned and operated business Simi Valley Batting Cage & Pro Shop. Our father originally started the batting cage and pro shop business back in 1989 as he saw the area was in much need of a baseball and softball facility for practicing as well as for leisure entertainment. All of his sons at the time were playing in a local baseball league when he quickly noticed the demand and popularity of the sport is when he initially envisioned the building out of a batting cage facility. The entire business has been built out on our father’s vison.
He has now retired and my brother and I are now co-owner partners carrying on our father’s legacy. Our wives are also now involved in the business as apparel managers running our custom apparel, uniform, and printing/embroidery department for leagues, schools, business’s etc. on our pro shop side.
We have gradually grown from our humble beginnings in 1989 from our original outdoor big top self-automated batting cage and pro shop facility to 2 additional parcels next door to our original property which include private pro baseball and softball cages which are fully enclosed, to private baseball and softball instructors, as well as a full dirt infield and bullpen area.
Our father built the business from the ground up and prided himself on hard working values and unbeatable customer service which we still continue with pride to this day.
He originally built the facility for the kids to have a safe and clean place to come practice and recreate. And those same kids continue to be our customers to this very day they are just now bringing in their kids and even grandkids.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not always been a smooth road. From our beginning there have been challenges faced. From going through the city for the original approval to the permitting and planning process there were numerous obstacles that were faced and overcome.
And over the years we have also faced many economic challenges to our business from recessions to the Covid pandemic we have continually had to adapt and make necessary changes as needed along the way.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are a one stop shop for all your baseball and softball needs as well as apparel and equipment for other sports. We have fully automated batting cage stalls ranging from 35mph to 75mph, private baseball and softball instruction, private pro cages for rental, full dirt infield and bullpen as well as a full-service pro shop for all sports. Our pro shop has baseball and softball equipment in stock on site, and we also do custom apparel, uniforms, and printing/embroidery for all sports, leagues, schools, corporate business, etc.
We are known for our hands on approach to all aspects of our business giving our customers the best service and value around. We are one of the original batting cage and pro shop facilities in the LA and Ventura counties.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Being involved and accessible with our customers on a daily basis.

Pricing:

• Token Pricing $3.00 for 20 pitches Cash
• Token Pricing $3.25 for 20 pitches Debit/Credit
• Pro Cage Rentals $30-30 Mins/$60-60 Mins
• Automated Cage Rental $30-30 Mins/$50-60 Mins
• Dirt Infield/Bullpen/Pro Cage Rental $120-90 Mins

Contact Info:

• Website: https://WWW.SIMIVALLEYBATTINGCAGE.COM
• Instagram: https://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/SVCAGES
• Facebook: https://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SVCAGES