2012 DeMarini CF5 Fastpitch Softball Bat

Introducing DeMarini's 2012 CF5 Fastpitch Softball bats, available now from The Sportstation.

Diamond Demo: Wall Crashing

MLB Network's Eric Byrnes sacrifices his body to demonstrate his wall-crashing technique.

2011 CWS Champions University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina defeated the University of Florida 5-2 to repeat as college baseball champion.

The Gamecocks won the best-of-three College World Series final against their Southeastern Conference rival by two games to none for their record-extending 16th straight victory in the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament.

In a season where small ball out shadowed home runs, the new Rawlings BBCA bat helped South Carolina repeat as CWS champion. Aerospace grade 5150 alloy formulation provides unparelleled durability, even in the most extreme playing conditions. Rawlings new pOp Technology isolates the added weight to a smaller region on the barrel than seen on other BBCOR bats, which translates into a lower swing weight.

Schutt Sports: Helmets - ION 4D

The Schutt ION 4D™ is unlike any helmet that’s ever been designed before. The sleek, aggressive styling of the shell includes the Schutt Energy Wedge Faceguard attachment system. The faceguard is integrated right into the shell and is stronger and more durable than classic faceguards! The ION 4D also features TPU cushioning it eliminates any break-in period and makes it the most comfortable helmet you’ll ever wear – right out of the box!


Better Impact Absorption
In game-like conditions, when the temperature inside your helmet can rise in excess of 115°, the performance of TPU Cushioning remains consistent. Traditional foam padding, on the other hand, performs worse. And adaptive, air-filled pockets? Not even in the same ball park.

Better Heat Management
Keeping cool and fresh on the field is at the top of every player’s list. The open-air sides of TPU Cushioning, along with the channels weaving in and out throughout the cushion, do a great job of circulating air throughout the interior of the helmet. Traditional foam padding, however, is like wrapping a blanket of insulation around your head. Restrictive black bonnets don’t do very much for keeping you cool either.

Better Hygienics
TPU Cushioning is virtually impervious to mold, mildew, fungus and bacteria. Traditional foam padding, on the other hand, can be a breeding ground for all kinds of nasty stuff. No matter how well you maintain helmets with foam padding, they can become infested and need to be replaced. With the TPU Cushioning in your helmet, that’s no longer a concern.

Better Resiliency
Unlike traditional foam padding, TPU Cushioning is ready to wear (comfortably) right out of the box. There’s no breaking-in period, like you have with foam. TPU Cushioning doesn’t take a compression set like traditional foam padding. Nor does TPU break down like foam – even after thousands of impacts.

AiR Maxx (TPU) Jaw Pad 
The same great protection in the rest of your helmet is now available in an all-new jaw pad! The AiR Maxx Jaw Pad, available  exclusively from Schutt, is a TPU jaw pad that combines the comfort and fit of a soft, vinyl-covered pad with the better protection of TPU Cushioning.

Moisture Management Pad
Wrapping around the front section of the SUREFIT™ air liner, the moisture management pad wicks sweat away from your forehead, keeping your vision clear. Easy to maintain, just wash it and let air dry.

SUREFIT Air Liner
The two-piece air liner is the secret behind the fit and comfort of our helmets. With two inflation ports, the SUREFIT™ Air Liner gives you a precise custom fit and is made from a soft, but durable anti-microbial material.

Valve Attachment System
This new hook and loop attachment system locks the inflation valves into place. There’s no more struggling to keep the valve aligned to the helmet shell.

Quarter Turn Release
The all-new attachment system for faceguards! The faceguard is locked into place but – if needed – a simple quarter turn releases the faceguard! Swift and easy access in an injury situation.

Energy Wedge Faceguard
Truly unique to the game of football, the Energy Wedge Faceguard acts as a shock absorber for the ION 4D™, absorbing up to 15% more impact from direct  frontal impacts than traditional faceguards. The Energy Wedge faceguard is stronger than traditional faceguards and gives you a wide, unobstructed view of the entire field.

Chin Strap Attachment
Because the Energy Wedge faceguard is stronger than traditional faceguards, the chin strap can be attached “through the faceguard.” Other attachment methods, such as the 4-Point High, can still be used as the ION 4D™ is pre-scored for the installation of chin strap snaps.

Titanium Guards
The Ultimate Helmet deserves the Ultimate Faceguard! Titanium faceguards are nearly 50% lighter than normal faceguards and stronger than stainless steel! Now, thanks to the all-new Ti-JXT Technology from Schutt, titanium faceguards for the ION 4D™ are more affordable than ever.

Nose Bumper 
We’ve changed the nose bumper/faceguard retainer on the ION 4D™ so that it now more closely resembles and performs like traditional nose bumpers.

Unobstructed View
The Schutt ION 4D features a wide panoramic view that provides dramatically better vision

Large Ventilation Holes
Six crown vent holes provide maximum air flow.

Evoshield Wrist Guard System

Product Overview

Evoshield Wrist Guard System…Exceptional Protection. Exceptional Comfort! Evoshield Wrist Guard Systems feature: Unique protective guard covers your wrist and lower forearm Offers exceptional protection while batting and sliding Durable compressive neoprene band construction Lightweight material is 1/4″ thin Polymer backing and breathable mesh casing for added comfort Moisture absorbing soft inner lining Slide on styling Comfortable to wear while providing excellent protection Shield insert permanently hardens to custom form to you Easy to use – air activated insert molds in 20 minutes Dispersion Technology (DSP) allows impact energy to disperse across all 5 layers Helps to reduce the extent of injury Colors: Black Navy Red Royal White Sizes: Small (up to 6″) Medium (up to 7″) Large (up to 7.5″) X-Large (up to 8″) Evoshield Wrist Guard System…Worn By Collegiate & MLB Players!

Why home runs are way down at CWS

Reposted from espn.go.com


Home runs are down at the 2011 College World Series -- way down. Headed into the start of the finals on Monday in Omaha, Neb., only seven home runs have been hit in 12 games, compared to 32 in 14 games in 2010.

This dramatic power outage coincides with the cross-town move from Rosenblatt Stadium to TD Ameritrade Park. The dimensions of the two parks are virtually the same, and the change of venue has nothing to do with the drop in home runs. Nor is it due to an isolated cluster of unusually strong pitching performances.

The difference is in the (BBCOR) bats.

On Jan. 1, the NCAA implemented a long-anticipated new standard for regulating the performance of bats. The NCAA originally sent a memorandum to bat manufacturers on Sept. 16, 2008, explaining the intention to achieve “wood-like performance in non-wood bats.” The details of how the NCAA bat standards changed are rather involved, but the net effect is quite simple: The bats are less “bouncy,” and balls come off the bats slower.

According to Dr. Alan Nathan, a baseball physicist who also serves as a member of the NCAA Baseball Research Panel, the NCAA changed the way it measures bats in order to provide a more consistent performance limit (for a detailed explanation of the old and new measurement methods, read Dr. Nathan's article). The limit for non-wood bats was set at a level that is just barely “bouncier” than the bounciest wood bats available.

Nathan’s research has indicated that restricting bats via the new standard lowers the batted ball speed by about 6 mph for a typical fly ball of 380-400 feet.

Visit espn.go.com for the rest of the story.

Virginia vs. South Carolina Rematch

Last night the Virginia Cavaliers unleashed their bats against California during the elimination game.  Virginia jumped on California in the top of the 3rd scoring two runs and then put up an additional 4 runs in the top of the 6th and 2 run in the 8th.  California could not match Virginia’s hitting nor pitching.  Tyler Wilson, Virginia’s starting pitcher, pitched one of his best games of the season limiting the team to 5 hits and no runs.  You could tell that Virginia was pumped up and ready to play beating California 8-1.  Their win pushed them one step closer to making to the Championship Series.  There is one team that stands in their way which is Rawlings team South Carolina.  So yes, you are reading this correctly.  WE WILL HAVE A RAWLINGS TEAM IN THE MEN’S COLLEGE WORLD SERIES!!

TONIGHT: University of Virginia vs. University of South Carolina – 6 p.m. (Central) ESPN

TOMORROW: (If Virginia wins tonight) -  6 p.m. (Central) ESPN2

MONDAY: Rawlings Team vs. Vandy/Florida 7 p.m. (Central) ESPN

TUESDAY: Rawlings Team vs. Vandy/Florida 7 p.m. (central) ESPN

How the Rawlings Pro Advisory Staff break in their gloves

Get more Rawlings information at The Sportstation.

SHOCK DOCTOR RE-INVENTING SPORTS MEDICINE WITH INTRODUCTION OF PERFORMANCE SPORTS THERAPY

MINNEAPOLIS – (June 22, 2011) – Sports injuries have increased as people have been encouraged to exercise for fitness. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, sports injuries are on the rise with baby boomers suffering more than 1 million sports injuries annually. Youth athletes, age 14 and under, experience 3.5 million sports injuries each year, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Orthopaedics. About 40 percent of all injuries sustained by middle and high school students are classified as overuse injuries, and data supports the theory that youth sports injuries are on the rise in the US.

Minneapolis-based Shock Doctor is helping athletes of all abilities get back in the game by transforming sports medicine with the introduction of the Shock Doctor Performance Sports Therapy line of products which provide substantial innovative improvements. Shock Doctor – the authentic market leader and creators of innovative, unique performance-driven sports protection and the undisputed worldwide leader in mouthguard technology – is changing sports medicine with unique technology, design and fit to create an unparalleled line of Performance Sports Therapy products.

“We were able to successfully transform the mouthguard category with research and technological innovation,” said Jay Turkbas, Senior Vice President of Product Development and Marketing for Shock Doctor. “Our leadership in sports protection along with our commitment to providing best-in-class sports protection for recreational and professional athletes is enabling us to revolutionize the sports medicine category by developing the new Performance Sports Therapy products which are the first and only products of their kind. Our goal is to help athletes and non-athletes stay active.”

The new Performance Sports Therapy products address the traditional sports medicine category issues such as sizing inconsistencies and packaging and product all looking the same which makes it difficult to determine the right product to fit the injury. By using premium materials and enhanced design in products and packaging, better product classification to make it easier to select and identify products for specific injuries, and greatly improved sizing and fit, Shock Doctor is using innovative improvements to bring performance enhancing support to athletes of all abilities. The Performance Sports Therapy line features fresh, aesthetically appealing designs with anatomical/biomedical features. The products are lightweight and made with unique and exclusive materials such as the N-Tex™ vented airflow neoprene which promotes moisture wicking. All of the Performance Sports Therapy products have microbial treatment to help eliminate bacteria and related odors.

The unique packaging system guides consumers to find the correct Performance Therapy Solution for their specific injury. The product labeling is easy to recognize and use with a product identity and coded number system. For example, performance levels are identified as Level 1 for light support, Level 2 for customizable compression sleeves and wraps with support and adjustments, and Level 3 with more stabilizing and significant support. Color coded product categories include red for knees, green for elbows, yellow for shoulder and back, blue for legs and purple for wrist injuries. Shock Doctor is the first in the category with this system.

DeMarini 2012 CF5 BBCOR In Stock

The new DeMarini 2012 CF5 BBCOR DXCFC baseball bats are now in stock and shipping from The Sportstation. The BBCOR certified bats will be required for high school and collegiate play in 2012.

Coca Cola to sponsor U-13 football league and Schoolchildren`s Cup in Azerbaijan

Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) and Coca-Cola Bottlers Ltd. have signed an agreement under which Coca Cola will sponsor the Under-13 league and Schoolchildren`s Cup in the country. The 5-year contract will see Coca Cola invest $1,075,000 in AFFA`s projects. “It is encouraging that influential companies have been paying attention to football development recently,” AFFA`s Secretary General Elkhan Mammadov said. “I believe that the deal signed will yield fruits."

Introducing the Rawlings 5150 BBCOR Baseball Bat

Members of the Rawlings Collegiate Advisory Staff review the new BBCOR bat from Rawlings.

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA AND UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA – OMAHA BOUND

Every year college teams take the field with one goal in mind — to make the trip to Omaha. Two of our sponsored teams, the University of Virginia and the University of South Carolina will play in Omaha at the College World Series this Sunday. This has been an exceptional year for Rawlings sponsored teams and it is about to get even better with the National Coverage we are slated to get on ESPN.

The University of Virginia went 2-1 in Super Regionals against UC Irvine to maintain the #1 seed at the College World Series. The games were incredible, and made for one of the best stories in baseball. Virginia was down one run in the bottom of the ninth with two outs and one pitch away from the end of their season when David Coleman hit a line drive single to center. Then, Jared King hit a line drive back up the middle off UC Irvine’s ace, Matt Summers’ leg. Rattled by the play, Summers threw four straight balls to walk pinch hitter Reed Gragnani, which loaded the bases. That’s when the magic happened. Chris Taylor hit a line drive up the middle and two runners scored, allowing Virginia to make their second appearance in Omaha in 3 years.

The University of South Carolina (defending National Champions) went 2-0 in Super Regionals closing out Connecticut’s season. In the first game, Connecticut was out early with a 1-0 lead in the first, but then was shut out the rest of the way. With the hitting abilities of South Carolina and the power of the Rawlings 5150 in their hands, South Carolina put up five unmatched runs to win the first game 5-1. The second game was similar with Connecticut taking an early lead 2-0 in the second only to get trumped by 8 unmatched runs. In the end, South Carolina will have the chance to defend their National title and show everyone why they choose Rawlings.

The College World Series games start on Saturday @ 1 p.m. (Central) for some teams, but kicks off Sunday for Virginia and South Carolina.

MUST WATCH TV - So cut your grass early, walk your dog, or do whatever else you have to do before the games start on Sunday. You’ll want to re-arrange your schedule to make sure you have a front row seat to see your brand all over the TV screen.

Rawlings-sponsored school Virginia takes on California @ 1 p.m. (Central) Sunday. At 6 p.m. Rawlings-sponsored school South Carolina hits the field against Texas A&M @ 6 p.m. (central) Sunday

Rawlings Teams Up with the Cardinals and Royals to Help Joplin

Autographed commemorative on-field baseballs and equipment trade-in to drive donations

ST. LOUIS, Mo., June 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc., in partnership with the St. Louis Cardinals and the team's non-profit foundation, Cardinals Care, will launch two initiatives beginning this weekend to support the continued relief efforts to help Joplin, Missouri recover from the devastating tornado that tore through the city in May.)

When the Cardinals host the Kansas City Royals for the 3-game series this weekend, both teams will be wearing commemorative "Teams Unite for Joplin" jersey patches on their uniforms.  Rawlings also produced authentic baseballs for the games featuring the commemorative logo.

St. Louis-based Rawlings, a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation, donated a number of player-autographed commemorative baseballs to both the Cardinals and Royals for the teams to include in their online auctions, with proceeds going towards the Joplin relief effort.

"Rawlings has called Missouri home for almost 125 years, with the Joplin area serving as a vital component to our business operations," said Mike Thompson, senior vice president of marketing for Rawlings.  "We are proud to work with our partners at the Cardinals and Royals to create new avenues to help the Joplin community rebuild itself in the coming weeks and months."

In addition to the online auction donation, Rawlings and the Cardinals Care will donate all gently-used equipment collected during the next Rawlings Replay trade-in event prior to the Thursday, June 23rd game versus the Philadelphia Phillies.  Rawlings will also match the public's donation with new equipment across all product lines.

"Considering what Joplin has gone through, we hope that providing baseball equipment and restoring even a small aspect of their routines will help bring some level of normalcy for these families' and children's lives," said Kurt Hunzeker, Rawlings' senior director of brand marketing.  "Whether it's a simple game of catch or a neighborhood sandlot game, we want to provide an escape for Joplin's residents to enjoy amid the rebuilding effort."

The Cardinals will set up Rawlings Replay bins at every gate entrance for next Thursday's game.  All fans who donate an item to Rawlings Replay will receive a 10-percent discount on select Rawlings products at its official online store, ShopRawlings.com.  Cardinals Crew Kids Club presented by Rawlings members will receive a 20-percent discount if they participate in Rawlings Replay.

About Rawlings

Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of sporting goods in the United States.  Since the company's inception in 1887, Rawlings' mission has always centered on enabling participation by developing and producing innovative, high-performance equipment and protective apparel for the professional, amateur and entry-level player.  With an assortment of baseball, basketball, football and softball game-related product lines, Rawlings is present everywhere team sports are played.   Leagues and conferences of all skill levels integrate Rawlings' unparalleled product portfolio into their sports: as the Official Baseball Supplier and Official Helmet of Major League Baseball®, the official baseball for the NCAA®, the official football for the NAIA®, the official basketball for the NAIA, NJCAA® and AAU®, and the approved baseball, basketball, football and softball of the National High School Federation®.

Schutt Acquires Adams USA Football Helmet and Faceguard Product Lines

Litchfield, Ill. (June 16, 2011) – Schutt Sports, a leading domestic manufacturer of protective sports equipment and aftermarket reconditioning services, announced today that it acquired certain football helmet and faceguard assets from Adams USA. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Schutt Sports will assume responsibility for manufacturing the acquired product lines and will continue marketing helmets and faceguards under the Adams brand name.
“Adams is a respected, traditional football brand that has served its customers very well over the years,” said Robert Erb, Schutt Sports CEO. “We are excited because this acquisition will expand our relationship with the team dealer market and will enhance our lineup, allowing us to offer quality football products to a wider variety of customers.”
Adams has been manufacturing and marketing sporting goods for more than 50 years. Its football helmets and faceguards are popular in the youth football market where Adams’ reputation for quality combines with a strong value proposition.

Adams also manufactures other sports-related equipment, and the company will continue to market those products independently.

“We sold our football headgear product lines in order to focus on improving and expanding our offerings in other areas of the sporting goods market,” said Adams USA CEO David Wright. “Adams has a proud football heritage and we have great confidence in Schutt Sports’ ability to build on that tradition and move forward with these products.”

Platinum Equity acquired Schutt Sports in December 2010. Jacob Kotzubei, the partner at Platinum whose team led the acquisition of Schutt Sports, said the Adams add-on investment is a strong complementary fit.

“This is a strategic acquisition that will expand the Schutt Sports’ product line and take advantage of the company’s world class manufacturing and marketing capabilities,” said Mr. Kotzubei. “We view Schutt Sports as a compelling growth platform and we will continue looking for opportunities to expand the business organically and through additional investments.”

Domingo Ayala Catching with Hank Conger

Has to be the best Domingo Ayala video yet!!!

Diamond Demo: Francisco Liriano

MLB Tonight's Dan Plesac and Mitch Williams break down Francisco Liriano's no-hitter compared to his most recent performance.

Diamond Demo: Peeking in

Tonight's Ron Gant and Billy Ripken breakdown Anthony Rizzo taking a peek at the catchers signs.

EvoShield Announces endorsement deal with Colorado Rockies Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki

Athens, GA- June 9, 2011 EvoShield is proud to announce today a partnership with Major League Baseball All-Star Troy Tulowitzki. Tulowitzki will now be a part of the EvoShield team of athletes who all currently wear the innovative custom-molding protective gear. Other members of the EvoShield team of athletes include Gordon Beckham of the Chicago White Sox, Shane Doan of the Phoenix Coyotes, and Ned Crotty of the Chicago Machine of the NLL and formerly of the Duke University Blue Devils, and Blake Geoffrion of the Nashville Predators.

Tulowitzki, one of Major League Baseball’s bright young stars is coming off an extraordinary 2010 season  which saw him hit .315 with 27 homeruns and 95 RBI’s and earn both a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove Award. Tulowitzki notes the impact EvoShield has had on his game saying “EvoShield provides me with more flexibility and freedom of movement than other equipment I’ve tried while also providing a high level of protection. EvoShield allows me to be able to go out and play at the top of my game because I feel confident that the equipment I’m wearing will protect me from many of the injury threatening situations I encounter.”

EvoShield’s baseball collection provides athletes superior protection through its custom-molding, form fitting technology. Whether faced with a 90 mile per hour fastball or screaming line drive, EvoShield’s diverse line of products from thumb guards to chest protectors provide baseball players with a lightweight and durable defense against some of the game’s most dangerous situations.

For more information, visit The Sportstation.

About EvoShield.

EvoShield was founded by former collegiate and professional athletes looking for a more effective means of protection without having to sacrifice performance. Understanding that athletes are always looking for a competitive edge, EvoShield operates with the mindset that the right protective gear can actually improve your performance on the field.  EvoShield’s lightweight, custom-molding gear forms to the body of the individual athlete to provide comfortable, customized protection. EvoShield products are thinner, lighter, and stronger than traditional protective gear, giving athletes the freedom to be faster and the confidence to be unstoppable.

Shock Doctor Kicks Off Summer with ShockSkin Apparel and Nano 3D

MINNEAPOLIS – (June 1, 2011) – Thousands of youth football players are getting ready to attend football camps and clinics as well as participate in summer football leagues around the country, and Minneapolis-based Shock Doctor® is ready to protect them with new, technologically advanced sports protection products and to continue living up to its mission of providing athletes with “Hardcore Protection. Fearless Performance.” Shock Doctor is the authentic market leader and creators of innovative, unique performance-driven sports protection and the undisputed leader in mouthguard technology. The company, with its extensive track record of providing best-in-class sports protection to youth and professional athletes, is expanding its unique and innovative ShockSkin™ Football base layer protective apparel distribution and launching its Nano 3D Mouthguard – the ultimate self-fit mouthguard.

Shock Doctor’s leadership in sports protection has enabled the company to revolutionize the category once again, this time with the technological innovation of Shockskin Football – the first and only product of its kind. ShockSkin Football moves like a second skin and the technology is sport specific to football. Its built-in protective apparel is uniquely designed to cover the gaps in football players’ gear, enabling them to focus on the game and enhance their performance. ShockSkin Football consists of integrated fabric and vented foam pads, secured by high frequency seams, that move and contour with the body for ultimate comfort and protection. With minimal weight and bulk, ShockSkin Football integrates with football players’ gear for full-on, full-time protection. The breakthrough technology reduces wear and tear on players while delivering hardcore protection and fearless performance.

As an expert in mouthguard science, performance and safety, Shock Doctor represents 90 percent dollar share of the mouthguard category at sports retailers (Source: SportsScanINFO - Sports Retailers 52 Weeks Ending 5.22.2011.) The company designs and produces the most comfortable, ultra protective mouthguards available, keeping the focus on playing a sport, not wearing a mouthguard. The innovative Shock Doctor Nano 3D Mouthguard is the ultimate self-fit mouthguard and features a lower profile, closer fit and less bulk, providing athletes improved airflow making it easier for them to breathe, communicate and focus. The Nano 3D uses Shock Doctor’s MORA (Mandibular Orthopedic Repositioning Appliance) performance enhancement technology to position the lower jaw down and forward to create optimal muscular function of the head and neck muscles. Preliminary research shows that Shock Doctor mouthguards with MORA may provide increased strength and improved athletic performance.

The Nano 3D Mouthguard’s new thin-wall design and lightweight structure absorbs and disperses impacts away from the point of contact. The exclusive Nano inner wall consists of a semi-flexible polymer that helps to enhance fit while minimizing interference against the tongue. Shock Doctor’s Tri-Bite technology aligns and stabilizes the upper and lower jaw through front incisor and rear molar, gel-filled bite windows which enhances fit and protection, and the Gel-Fit™ Liner custom molds to teeth for a tight, comfortable fit.

NFL football players such as San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews and other professional athletes across the country currently use Shock Doctor’s sports protection because they have discovered that Shock Doctor’s revolutionary products are proving to be vital for better training and improved performance. NCAA football players, NHL hockey players, MLB players, hockey and lacrosse teams, and athletes worldwide who want superior sports protection combined with performance enhancement are using Shock Doctor products ranging from mouthguards to compression apparel.

“Because of our leadership position in performance sports and protection, athletes know they can count on Shock Doctor for innovative products that enable them to optimize their performance while providing best-in-class protection,” said Jay Turkbas, Senior Vice President of Product Development and Marketing for Shock Doctor. “The new ShockSkin Football protective apparel and Nano 3D Mouthguard is the next generation of performance sports protection.”

Diamond Demo: Pick-off Moves

MLB Tonight's Al Leiter and Harold Reynolds demonstrate how to pick off a baserunner.