The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of D-BAT Flemington, a new state-of-the-art baseball and softball training facility located at 1 Barbiche Drive in Raritan Township.

The ribbon cutting brought together D-BAT Flemington ownership and staff, members of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce, community leaders, local businesses, families and baseball and softball enthusiasts to welcome the new business to the Hunterdon County community.

D-BAT Flemington provides an indoor, climate-controlled environment where baseball and softball players can train, practice and develop their skills year-round. The facility features batting cages utilizing real baseballs and softballs, pitching machines, professional instruction, cage rentals, camps and clinics, memberships, birthday party rentals and a fully stocked pro shop featuring equipment and merchandise from leading brands including Rawlings, Easton and Lizard Skins.

"I built D-BAT Flemington with athletes and their families in mind. As a parent of athletes myself, I know how important it is to have a place where kids can come in, work hard, have fun, and feel comfortable regardless of their age or skill level. I've always believed consistency creates confidence, and I want to give every athlete a place where they can keep working, keep improving, and most importantly, grow their love for the game." Sean Brand

“The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome D-BAT Flemington to our business community,” said Christopher J. Phelan, President & CEO of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce. “Businesses like D-BAT demonstrate the tremendous opportunities that exist in Hunterdon County for entrepreneurs who see a need in the community and have the vision to create something that fills that need.”

Phelan noted that D-BAT represents more than simply another recreational business opening its doors. “D-BAT is bringing a unique resource to our community that combines entrepreneurship, youth development, recreation and family engagement,” Phelan said. “It provides local athletes with an opportunity to develop their skills in a professional environment while giving families and teams another place to gather, practice and build relationships. That has a positive impact on our community and contributes to the quality of life that makes Hunterdon County such a special place to live, work and raise a family.”

"It's been a long journey getting to this point, so finally opening the doors and seeing kids and families enjoying the facility has been pretty special for me. I am incredibly thankful for how welcoming and supportive the community has been. For me, this is more than just baseball and softball. I want to get to know our athletes and their families, build real relationships, and create a place where people genuinely enjoy visiting. I am excited to see what D-BAT Flemington becomes and to grow alongside the families in this community." Sean Brand

D-BAT was founded in 1998 by Cade and Kyle Griffis after Cade began traveling to different communities providing private baseball instruction. The brothers recognized an opportunity to create a high-quality indoor training environment that could serve players at all levels. Their vision became reality with the opening of the first D-BAT facility in Addison, Texas.

The concept continued to grow, and D-BAT began expanding through franchising in 2008-2009. What began with a small number of locations has grown into a national network of more than 145 training facilities. According to the company, D-BAT has become one of the country's largest networks of baseball and softball training facilities, serving players ranging from young athletes beginning their baseball journey to elite players and professional prospects.

The philosophy behind D-BAT is centered on individualized player development. The organization recognizes that every athlete is different and seeks to help players maximize their individual abilities through quality instruction, practice and repetition.

At D-BAT Flemington, athletes can utilize the facility's indoor environment regardless of weather conditions, providing an important resource for local players and teams during the winter months and throughout the year. The facility also offers professional instruction designed to put the individual player at the center of the learning experience while involving parents in their athlete's development.

D-BAT's presence also complements Hunterdon County's strong tradition of youth baseball and softball. Local organizations such as Flemington-Raritan Baseball and the Flemington-Raritan Girls Softball League provide opportunities for hundreds of area young people to participate in recreational and competitive sports. D-BAT adds another resource for those athletes looking to practice, develop skills and take their game to the next level.

“The Chamber's mission is fundamentally about building a stronger business community and a stronger Hunterdon County,” Phelan added. “When a new business invests in our community, creates opportunities, serves local families and becomes part of the fabric of the community, that is exactly the kind of economic development and community vitality we want to support. We congratulate the D-BAT Flemington team and look forward to seeing them grow and become an important part of Hunterdon County's business and sports community.”

D-BAT Flemington is located at 1 Barbiche Drive, Flemington, NJ 08822. The facility is currently open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

For more information about D-BAT Flemington, its memberships, lessons, camps, clinics, batting cages and pro shop, visit D-BAT Flemington.

The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce congratulates D-BAT Flemington on its grand opening and welcomes the business as a new member of the Hunterdon County business community.

About the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1916, the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce represents more than 500 member organizations and thousands of employees throughout the region. The Chamber works to promote a vibrant business climate, advocate for the interests of the business community, provide educational and networking opportunities, and foster economic growth and community prosperity throughout Hunterdon County.