In the world of baseball, a shutout is a significant accomplishment for a pitcher, showcasing their dominance and control over the opposing team’s offense. As I’m sure every starter pitcher does, my goal when starting a game on the mound is to throw a shutout. A shutout occurs when one team, led by a single … Read more
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 MLB wild card is how a team reaches the postseason without winning its division. Each league sends six teams to October: three division winners and three wild cards. That is 12 teams in all, and the format has been the same every year since 2022. The part that confuses people is that not every … 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