Any Artificial Turf Experts around?

[Shortbow]

Here is what I am looking at. I am overseeing a girls softball batting cage being built by donations that we already have. My budget is approx. $5K.
We are looking to do a 12x12x55 batting cage. I would like to make the cage as nice as possible within our budget. Until this week have planned on pouring a 14x60ft slab for the cage, using volunteers to do the work rather than hire out. We figured it would cost around $2500 if done this way.
Upon talking to a guy selling reclaimed artificial turf, he suggested we not do the slab and put down road base with granite dust on top (packed down) and lay the turf on top. I investigated this process to find that it is a legit method and it looks like it would cost about $1200 to make a base foundation.
If I go this route then is allows us to put the cover on now and possibly even lighting/ electricity, along with a pitching matt and batting matt for the cage.

Does anyone have any experience with these two ways of doing artificial turf, any pros or cons for the rock/granite method? Thanks.

[Free2Hunt]

Not by any means a turf expert, but I took thousands of hours of bp in cages with base and turf on top. Also extends the life of balls if you are using real vs rubber. Just get it as level as possible and think about water drainage around the cage to keep it level as long as possible. When you pack it, wet it and roll it repeatedly to avoid unevenness. Good luck

[Reedimus]

I've done a few artificial turf installs, I think the base method is better and cheaper. The base allows for better drainage appose to water sitting on top of a slab. You want a good six inches of base and compaction is very important. It might be a good idea to do a cement footer around the perimeter of turf area to contain the base. Or a metal landscape edger will work well to just don't use the cheap home depot version.