I use the Backstop of my local high school baseball field. It is the practice field and is straight up. I figure the cross bars are 5' apart, giving the top bar 20'. From there up I just guess the height. Every once in a while I set up the standards. All 37' of steel! It takes 4 people and is a pain in the ace! Once they are up it is rock solid. Hope this helps.

To make your sheaf, use a couple layers of burlap (from most fabric stores) filled with bailing twine (from most feed supply stores). Pick up a couple of the biggest carpet needles you can. Basically make a box shape out of the burlap with one end left open unroll and stuff the twine. Keep in mind it takes about 20000' to equal a 20# sheaf. Expect to invest about $50 or so.

I got my forks from a local True Value Hardware. And yes, I finally got a 3 tine hay fork. I still don't like it, but I am forcing myself to use it. The other is a 5 tine manure fork cut to 2 tines and a shortened handle.

Disclaimer: I am not a plumber nore am I a PVC expert, so bear with me! As I describe a practice standard.

An easy temp practice standard is quick and cheap to make. Buy 3 10' lengths of schedule 40 pvc or heavier, one 3" and the other two 2". You will also need a 2" T fitting, and a 3" to 2" reducer bushing.
1. Cut one 2" pipe in half
2. Attach the Bushing to the 3" pipe using pvc cement
3. Slide the 2" pipe into the bushing so that it slides in and out. DO NOT CEMENT THIS JOINT!! This allows the whole thing to be collapsed to just over 10'.
4. Attach the T joint to the 2" pipe that is fit into the 3" pipe
5. Measure the overall length and make note.
6. Drill holes at whatever increment you like throuh the 3" pipe. (Slide the 2" up to give you a longer overall length. Would only drill one hole in the bottom of the 2". This will allow it to move up and down.
7. Use a bolt and wing nut to secure the telescoping parts together to make the rig taller.
8. Attach the two 2" pieces into the T joint

The trick is keeping it upright. I recommend a Fencing T post driven into the ground with bungee cords attaching the up right.

I will try and post some pics when I get a chance. Once you see the parts and start to assemble It will all make sense! After 18' I am sure it might become pretty unstable. From there, jump to the backstop.
Train Hard!!
James