The longest running independent bat reviews since 2015. Insights, analysis, and data-driven content from the baseball and fastpitch world.
The 2019 LLWS saw a dramatic drop in home runs, continuing a trend from recent years. With only fifteen total and most teams hitting none, it highlights the need for a balanced solution—either adjusting bat standards again or bringing fences slightly closer—to restore the excitement of well-earned, crowd-pleasing hits.
Learn the three essential elements of a powerful and consistent baseball swing: getting behind, inside, and through the ball. This guide breaks down techniques used by MLB stars like Aaron Judge and Mike Trout to help you hit harder and more effectively.
NCAA's flat-seam experiment flopped. Less drag should mean more offense, but stats stayed flat. Turns out changing the ball doesn't fix boring baseball.
The Combat Maxum lives on through JustBats' Combat B2 and Easton's Maxum, both inspired by the original single-piece composite design. While the colorways and branding have changed, these bats continue the tradition of lightweight swing weights and big barrels, keeping the Combat legacy alive.
The NOCSAE catcher's gear certification for catcher’s chest protectors ensures better safety against Commotio Cordis for high school and college players. While the requirements don’t apply to youth leagues, affordable solutions like Evoshield undershirts help extend the life of older gear.
Little League uses a September 1st cutoff date to determine player eligibility for divisions, affecting children’s placements based on their birth year and month. This standardized rule simplifies age brackets but may differ from local league practices.
The 2019 CWS showcased teams predominantly using aluminum-barreled BBCOR bats, with many players favoring older, stiffer models over newer composite designs. While most bat brands remained consistent within teams due to sponsorship deals, a few surprise appearances of older bats and upcoming 2020 prototypes kept the tournament’s equipment landscape intriguing.
As exit speeds soar, youth pitchers face unprecedented risks on the mound. Protective headgear, like the SST Headguard or Unequal Dome, offers a crucial safety solution. While not yet mandatory, these innovative products provide peace of mind for players and parents alike, promoting safety without compromising performance. The next step for baseball could—and should—be requiring head protection for pitchers.
The 2018 College World Series offered a fascinating look at BBCOR bat performance, with over 980 plate appearances analyzed. This deep dive explores bat usage trends, performance data, and insights into what works best at the highest level of college baseball.
Little League and PONY baseball now use an August 31st age cutoff, aligning with international standards and impacting team compositions. Other leagues like USSSA, Babe Ruth, and Cal Ripken retain their May 1st cutoff, creating challenges for players navigating multiple organizations.