The process of making baseballs has evolved over time from using rubber cores from old, melted shoes to the modern techniques employed by manufacturers today. An official Major League Baseball (MLB) starts with a core made of cork mixed with a small amount of rubber, which is then covered by layers of black and red … Read more
Pepper is a traditional baseball warm-up exercise often played before games to help players improve their hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and fielding abilities. It has been a popular practice for many years and is often seen on baseball fields during team practices and training sessions. In essence, it is a simple drill that involves one player … Read more
Many of the traditions and customs associated with the game of baseball date back to the sport’s early days. One such custom is the bereavement list, which permits participants to take a break from the game to handle private concerns in the wake of a loved one’s passing. The bereavement list is a designation on … Read more
Travel ball is a popular way for young baseball players to hone their skills and gain exposure to professional scouts. Many aspiring athletes participate in travel ball leagues to compete at a higher level and get noticed by college recruiters and Major League Baseball organizations. This form of youth baseball has had a significant impact … Read more
Setting up a baseball practice plan for your baseball or softball team is the first step to having a successful year. A little planning and prep on the front end will pay HUGE dividends as your year progresses. Remember, kids thrive with routine and I have seen it first hand how much more efficient our … Read more
As one takes to the field with their bat of choice, several factors contribute to the ongoing discussion, including performance, durability, and personal preference. Which bat to choose? Wood Bat vs Metal Bat Wood bats offer better balance and, by using them, can help improve a player’s hitting technique, as they require a more precise … Read more
FWAR, or Wins Above Replacement, is a widely recognized baseball statistic that quantifies a player’s overall value to their team. By considering various aspects of a player’s performance such as batting, baserunning, and fielding, fWAR offers a comprehensive evaluation of a player’s contributions on the field. This advanced metric, calculated by the well-known baseball analytics … Read more
The Major League Baseball Wild Card system has evolved over time, offering non-division-winning teams a chance to compete in the playoffs. This system ensures that, aside from division champions, deserving teams have the opportunity to fight for the coveted World Series title, adding excitement and unpredictability to the postseason. In the current MLB Wild Card … Read more
A slurve in baseball is a unique type of pitch that combines the characteristics of both a slider and a curveball, hence the name “slurve” which is a portmanteau of the two pitch names. This pitch is thrown with the grip of a curveball but has a velocity similar to a slider, making it a … Read more
A pitchout is a strategic play in baseball or softball, where the pitcher intentionally throws the ball high and outside the strike zone. The primary purpose of this technique is to prevent a stolen base by allowing the catcher to get into a better position to throw out a base runner attempting to steal a … Read more