Whack-A-Ball

Baseball season is underway, and, unless they are Tampa Bay Devil Rays, major league hitters can once again enjoy the sharp pleasure of cleanly striking a pitched ball.

Based on the behavior of our chimpanzee ancestors, anthropologists theorize that a stick was among mankind's first tools. Perhaps hitting a baseball or golf ball is so satisfying because it fulfills some primeval urge.

Don't let the major leaguers have all the fun.

Miffed about the measly selection at the U Village Crate & Barrel? Just cross 45th Street to the University of Washington Golf Driving Range and take your frustrations out on a few dozen golf balls. A large bucket of balls costs only $5.25, and they'll loan you a club for free. Parking is free, as well.

Closer to downtown is the Interbay Golf Center, on 15th Avenue West. They charge $9.00 for a large bucket.

If you prefer to strike a moving target, Strike Zone Ballyards, south of Safeco Field, has eight batting cages with state-of-the-art pitching machines that can throw baseballs or softballs. Between 12 and 2 pm weekdays, it's only $15 for a 1/2 hour cage rental.