playing it safe - netdna

SAFETY GEAR
PLAYING
E
IT SAF
raining
BT
The 2013 J
uide
& Safety G
ell
By kevin new
Don’t step on the field
without proper
protection or the right
training aids
O
bviously it’s important to protect yourself when
you’re on the diamond. No hitter should ever
step up to the plate without wearing a batting
helmet. It would also be a wise investment to
purchase a heart-guard to cover your chest from an errant
pitched or hit ball.
If you wanted to take it a step further, an elbow guard
would surely help prevent any arm injuries from a wild
pitch. Don’t forget your feet. A properly fitted pair of
cleats preferably ones that cover your ankles (mid or high
models) are a must.
As for catchers, you will need an entire set of gear to
shield you behind the dish. The new hockey style helmets
will safeguard your entire head and provide great vision.
Today’s chest protectors and shin guards are form fitting,
ergonomic, and lightweight.
While safety is of the utmost importance, being in
shape and training your body for baseball is also key.
Whether it’s lacing on a pair of baseball-specific
training shoes for running, fielding and batting or
using a machine to improve your hitting and hand/
eye coordination on grounders and fly balls, developing
and improving your skills will not only make you a better
player, it will ensure your safety on the field by getting you
in peak condition.
Following is a list of some of the best safety and
training equipment on the market.
26 • January/February 2013 • www.juniorbaseball.com
1. Company: markwort Sporting goodS
Company
produCt: Heart-gard Body SHirt
priCe: $35
ageS: all
SizeS: youtH XXS to Xl; adult S to
XXl
1
wHat makeS tHiS produCt Safe?
High performance compression shirt
with Heart-Gard sewn in. Tough, highdensity polyethylene dome absorbs
energy and forces it away from the
heart. The cool and comfortable
fabric wicks away moisture. Builds
player confidence and helps reduce the
possibility of injury.
wHere to Buy? www.BatterSCHoiCe.Com
2. Company: mCdavid
produCt: youtH HeX™ ConfidenCe SHirt
priCe: $40
ageS: all
SizeS: youtH: S-Xl
2
wHat makeS tHiS produCt Safe? The
9mm Hex™ Technology perfectly positioned
to protect against sudden impact to the
sternum and gut area, in addition to the
rib and shoulder area for impact and
abrasion protection. Features mesh fabric
across shoulders, back and sides for fullon ventilation. McDavid’s hDc™ Moisture
Management Technology is all about cool
and dry. Available in white w/gray; gray w/red;
and charcoal w/Tek Print (Tek Print not available
with mesh).
wHere to Buy? www.mCdaviduSa.Com
3. Company:
myperfeCtglove
3
produCt: tHe weBgem
glove Care SyStem
priCe: $80
ageS: all
wHat makeS tHiS
produCt Safe? If you’re
truly serious about your game, you know how
important the care of your glove is. Whether
it’s brand new, or game used, Perfect Glove’s
WebGem Glove Care System is the only complete
system that will allow you to break in, shape,
maintain, and protect your only defensive tool.
See why over 30 professional players are already
using the WebGem Glove Care System.
wHere to Buy? www.myperfeCtglove.Com
4. Company: DiamonD SportS
proDuCt: Elbow GuarD
4
priCE: rEGular, $20; pro, $30
aGES: all
SizES: youth anD aDult (onE SizE
fitS moSt, EithEr arm)
what makES thiS proDuCt SafE?
The professional model has a contoured
plastic cap wrapped with high-density
foam covered by poly-stretch fabric. The
regular model features a hard shell plastic
cap with high-density foam padded inside for added
comfort and protection. Both offer a separate elbow
and triceps pieces and easy on/off adjustable straps.
whErE to buy? www.DiamonD-SportS.Com
8. Company: rawlinGS
proDuCt: Coolflo XV1™ alpha mattE
battErS hElmEt
priCE: $55
aGES: all
SizES: alpha SizinG, S-Xl
what makES thiS proDuCt SafE?
Exclusive COOLFLO XV1™ venting technology
to allow for cooler air. Heat Exchange™ vents
rapidly circulate cooler ambient air thus
enhancing an overall cooling effect of the innovative
design. New pad configuration with PVC leather
wrapped headband for better fit. Rubberized matte
paint finish. Available in six colors.
whErE to buy? www.rawlinGSGEar.Com
5 Company: EaSton
proDuCt: natural Grip two-tonE
5
battinG hElmEt
priCE: $40
aGES: all
SizES: Junior (hat SizE 6-3/8 – 7-1/8);
SEnior (hat SizE 6-7/8 – 7-5/8)
what makES thiS proDuCt SafE? High grade
ABS shell for strength and durability with rubberized
matte finish. Dual density foam padding provides
protection, comfort, and snug fit. Has a Bio-Dri®
moisture management padding liner. Meets NOCSAE®
standards. Available in several color combinations.
whErE to buy? www.EaStonbaSEball.Com
9. Company: SaDlEr SportS & rECrEation
inSuranCE
proDuCt: baSEball inSuranCE
priCE: Go to wEbSitE for priCE quotE
aGES: all
what makES thiS proDuCt SafE? Sadler &
Co. has specialized in insuring sports and recreation
organizations since 1957. Operating in all 50 states,
it presently insures over 5,000 local organizations
through various special programs. Its history and
experience are important because, as the company
states, sports and recreation insurance is not
something that can be mastered overnight.
whErE to buy? www.SaDlErSportS.Com
6. Company: ESportSinSuranCE.Com
proDuCt: baSEball inSuranCE
priCE: Go to wEbSitE for priCE quotE
aGES: all
what makES thiS proDuCt SafE? For almost
20 years, eSportsInsuance.com has been insuring
6
amateur youth and adult sports
teams and organizations, such as
parks and recreation departments,
amateur youth sports associations,
leagues, Boys and Girls Clubs, sports and church
camps, sports teams and more. It covers everything
from Little League baseball, to flag football, to martial
arts, to swimming.
whErE to buy? www.ESportSinSuranCE.Com
10. Company: unDEr armour
proDuCt: ua SpinE hiGhliGht ClEat
priCE: $130
SizES: 8-14, 15, 16
aGES: youth/aDult
what makES thiS proDuCt SafE? Form-fitting
CompFit ankle construction delivers incredible, snug
feel for an extra boost of speed and the ultimate in
protection. Full length Micro G cushioning delivers
light, ultra-responsive, low-to-the-ground performance
for better natural stability and comfort. UA Spine
technology does what other cleats can’t: provides
a responsive, lightweight-cushioning system that
supports your every move. Available in black/black,
black/red, and black/royal.
whErE to buy? www.ua.Com
7. Company: GaGliarDi inSuranCE
proDuCt: baSEball inSuranCE
7
priCE: Go to wEbSitE for priCE quotE
aGES: all
what makES thiS proDuCt SafE? For
over two decades Gagliardi Insurance Services,
Inc. has been providing youth baseball teams
and leagues superior customer service and
quality insurance products. Its coverage also meets the
requirements of all major youth baseball and softball
organizations. Gagliardi Insurance is also the official
insurance provider for PONY Baseball/Softball and
has a plan with discounted rates available for PONY
registered teams.
whErE to buy? www.GiSinS.Com
8
9
10
11. Company: wilSon
11
proDuCt: promotion CatChEr’S GEar
priCE: $130, ChESt protECtor; $160, lEG
GuarDS
SizES: ChESt protECtor: intErmEDiatE (16”)
anD lEG GuarDS: intErmEDiatE (15”)
aGES: 12+
what makES thiS proDuCt SafE? Introducing
Wilson’s most advanced catcher’s gear for baseball
players! A 3D ProMOTION Chest Protector pattern
ensures the most tailored fit possible with enhanced
isoBLOX impact protection. ProMOTION Leg Guards
offer protection and performance. They’re 25% lighter
than the competition and help catchers get up out of
their stance and into the action.
whErE to buy? www.wilSon.Com
January/February 2013 • www.juniorbaseball.com • 27
training aid & safety guide
training aid & safety guide
TRAINING AIDS
5. Company: pinnaCle SportS
equipment
produCt: one hand Short trainer or
Soft toSS trainer BamBooBat
priCe: $25 / $40
ageS: 10+
what makeS thiS the perfeCt
training aid? The 18” Short Trainer
can be used for top or bottom hand
training off of a tee. It also doubles as a glove
pounder to break in new gloves. The soft toss
trainer comes in three sizes. 29”, 32” and
34”. This unique bat allows a player to soft
toss with “real” baseballs. The narrow barrel
is designed to improve any player’s handeye coordination. Weighted very close to an
official bat to ease in transition from trainer to
game bat.
where to Buy? www.BamBooBat.Com
2. Company: Choke grip llC
produCt: Chokegrip®
priCe: $25
2
ageS: all
what makeS thiS the perfeCt
training aid? A lightweight, durable,
adjustable choke up device for baseball
bats that provides players with an
unmatched level of grip, control, and
confidence. Designed with the complexity
of aerospace engineering using the
strongest materials available, CHOKEGrip®
was built to last yet is simple enough for
everyone to use - everyday.
where to Buy? www.Chokegrip.Com
3. Company: hit zone SportS
produCt: hit zone® air-SuSpenSion
tee®
priCe: from $200
ageS: all
SizeS: Standard and ‘deluXe pluS’
what makeS thiS the perfeCt
training aid? A new, fun way to improve
your swing. Developed by a former Minnesota
Twins AAA slugger, Hit Zone® features
a powerful blower that suspends
balls on a column of air above an
indestructible fabric nozzle. Balls float
and spin simulating a range of real
pitches. Made deliberately better in
the USA.
where to Buy? www.
hitzoneSportS.Com
7
4
4. Company: markwort Sporting
goodS Company
produCt: kenko proa 9.0 Safety
Ball
priCe: $65 per dozen
ageS: all
SizeS: 9”, 5 oz.
what makeS thiS produCt Safe? Has
the same performance characteristics as a
regulation hard ball. Durable rubber cover. Air
cushioned center for safety. Raised seams.
Aerodynamic grip surface. For youth leagues
and pitching machines. Indoor and outdoor
use. For use in all weather conditions. Will not
scuff gymnasium floor.
where to Buy? www.markwort.Com
1. Company: 3X pitChing
produCt: 3X eXtreme pitChing
VeloCity program
priCe: $380
ageS: 14+
1
what makeS thiS produCt
the perfeCt training aid? a
total SCientifiC approaCh to
pitChing that is guaranteed to
make your son the best on his team
and get him to the next level. This
program has everything you will ever
need to add 5-10mph or more to your
son’s pitching velocity. Results in less than
16 weeks.
where to Buy? www.topVeloCity.net
3
28 • January/February 2013 • www.juniorbaseball.com
6. Company: pitChuSa
produCt: faStarm
priCe: $45
6
age(S): 2 modelS; from 7 to 18
what makeS thiS the
perfeCt training aid? The
FastArm and FastArm Jr. are
the perfect warmup tool and
arm strengthening device that
automatically aligns your arm into
an eeficient throwing motion. Try it
risk-free for 30 days. Winner of the
2011 ABCA Convention ‘Best of Show’.
where to Buy? www.faStarm.Com
7. company: sports sensors
product: sWing speed radar
price: $100
ages: all
What makes this the perfect
training aid? Measure/improve your
bat swing speed to hit the ball harder.
Maximize your swing speed for best
ball distance, bat control and contact
consistency. Select the optimum bat for
your swing with immediate quantitative
feedback. Now with Radar Data Link…
new!
Where to buy? WWW.
sportssensors.com
8. company: sports sensors
product: glove radar
price: $70
ages: all
What makes this the perfect
training aid? A small, accurate
Doppler radar that attaches to the back
of a glove, “sees” through it, and measures
the speed of the ball, just before it is
caught. Now with Radar Data Link…new!
Where to buy? WWW.
sportssensors.com
8
5
9
10
9. company: zooka
product: 2 pitching machine
models
price: $580 / $750
age(s): youth to senior youth
What makes this the perfect
training aid? Go cordless with one
of 2 Zooka models! Battery powered
machines that pack a punch, with enough
power to throw more than 500 pitches per
charge at speeds from 40 to 70 mph. Also
great for pop-fly and grounder drills. Built
to last.
Where to buy: WWW.zooka.com
10. company: atec
product: poWer streak training
machine
price: $400
sizes: one
ages: 7-18
What makes this the perfect training
aid? The improved Power Streak, featuring an
all-new Mini-Ball attachment, brings pro-level
training right into your backyard. The Mini-Ball
attachment gives the Power Streak the ability to
throw 5” mini-balls, used to strengthen hitters
hand-eye coordination; the same training MLB teams
have used for years. The Power Streak will still throw SFT
baseballs and softballs, making any space, indoors or
out, the perfect practice space for hitting or defensive
drills. It also gives you the ability to set the machine up
at practice and work on pop-ups to infielders and then
seamlessly turn around and work on bunting curveballs.
Lightweight and durable, parents can take the machine
from the backyard, out to the field, with ease.
Where to buy? WWW.atecsports.com
11
11. company: easton
product: pop-up catch net
price: $140
ages: all
sizes: 7’ height x 7’ Width
What makes this the perfect training aid?
Durable steel flat wire construction with weatherresistant netting. Folds down easily to fit in a 37”
circular bag.
Where to buy? WWW.eastonbaseball.com
11. company: mizuno
product: speed trainer g3 sWitch team
shoes
price: $90
sizes: 6.5-14, 15, and 16. size 17 available
in black only.
What makes this the perfect training aid?
Lightweight, comfortable training shoe ideal for batting
practice, fielding drills, and play on hard turf. Parallel
Wave® Technology provides cushioning and stability
simultaneously. Full Length AP+ foot bed provides
incredible shock absorption and an overall well
cushioned feel. Color cards to customize to your team
colors. Available in five combination colors.
Where to buy? WWW.mizunousa.com
13. company: revfire corp.
product: revfire baseball package
price: $360
ages: high school+
What makes this the perfect training aid?
With the RevFire, pitchers can more quickly learn
techniques that produce the best breaking
ball. The RevFire monitor displays speed
in MPH and spin in revolutions per second
(RPS). Rather than trying to overpower the
ball to impress a radar gun pointed at them,
the pitchers focus on the proper release
mechanics required to achieve strong
rotation. They gain an awareness of spin and
a motivation to improve their stats relative to
their peers. Effective breaking ball pitchers
can provide hard RevFire metrics to college
and professional recruiters. Coaches can evaluate
pitching ability and technique with hard numbers, gain
new insight into training methods, identify pitchers
whose spin fades as they tire.
Where to buy? WWW.revfire.com
12
13
January/February 2013
2013 •• www.juniorbaseball.com
www.juniorbaseball.com •• 29
29
January/February