Friday, July 29, 2011

HydroMax Football Hydration System

When you think of the hazards involved in playing football, things like being slammed to the ground and buried under a stack of bulky opponents probably come to mind. One of the big dangers, however, is dehydration – this is particularly true for children, or athletes in southern states. While water is usually available at the sidelines, players may risk developing heat stroke before they have a chance to get to it. The Hydromax system is designed to keep that from happening, by supplying each player with their own wearable, armor-protected water supply.

At first glance, the Hydromax simply looks like a CamelBak, and there are definitely similarities. Both systems incorporate a plastic water bladder, with a flexible silicone feeder tube that ends in a bite valve.

The Hydromax's armored exterior pouch, however, attaches with velcro to the back of the player's shoulder pads. Inside the pouch is the wide, flat bladder. That shape helps it to disperse impacts, and to fit relatively unobtrusively under the player's jersey. When it does get piled into, the bladder can expand up to eight times its normal size without bursting.

The feeder tube is guided over the player's shoulder, and attaches in a downwards-facing position on their chest – this is to keep it from unexpectedly flying up into their face. A supplied bottle can reportedly refill the bladder in under seven seconds, via a refill tube that protrudes from the top of the pouch.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Diamond Demo: Pitchers covering

Dan Plesac looks at a recent play in which Xavier Paul beat out the pitcher covering, explaining what went wrong for the Cardinals and Albert Pujols' through to first.


Wednesday, July 27, 2011

EvoShield - Troy Tulowitzki Wrist Guard Video

Troy Tulowitzki enjoys the protection the Evoshield Wrist Guards provide. 2010 after a wrist injury, Colorado trainers equipped Troy with an Evoshield wrist guard to help protect his injury. He soon went on a tear hitting home runs and now continues to wear the EvoShield Protection to help prevent another injury. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure as they say. Its easy to see the "Shield on the Field" now when he bats.

DeMarini CF5 – Review of the 2012 DeMarini CF5 Baseball Bat

The 2012 DeMarini CF5 baseball bat is the newest bat from DeMarini and is probably one of their best bats so far. As always the standard of quality is high and I find the design is far superior compared to its competitors like Easton, Rawlings and Louisville Slugger.

The CF5 is regard as the best two piece bat available and like its predecessor the DeMarini CF4 ST it is made with both a composite handle and barrel. This design makes the bat flex and then recoil back through the impact. When I used the DeMarini CF5 it felt more like launching a ball, not hitting it.

This “trampoline effect” is something that all baseball players are looking for in a bat. And this is where the DeMarini CF5 really outshines its competitors; I have found no other bat on the market that delivers this better than the 2012 CF5.

It’s BBCOR-approved, which is the standard for both intercollegiate play and high school associations throughout the country. So you can use the DeMarini CF5 in any kind of game you like without having to worry about breaking any rules or regulations.

I must say that DeMarini has really outdone itself with the CF5. They have taken all their best technology and science and put it into one bat. It is well balanced, it is light and its sweet spot is huge. I honestly never imagined a bat could have this big a sweet spot, you will know what I mean when you try it out!

As with all DeMarini Bats the price is a bit high, but I really think that in this circumstance you actually get more than you pay for. And it is not only me; I hear both players and coaches complimenting this bat. I have honestly never heard a single bad thing about DeMarini CF5, except maybe the price tag but you get what you pay for.

Read more at greatbaseballbats.com.


JUGS Lite-Flite Softballs

JUGS Lite-Flite Softballs Feature
  • Includes 1 dozen Lite-Flite Softballs
  • Designed for use with the JUGS Lite-Flite Pitching Machine
  • Same size as regulation softballs
  • Foam baseballs keep their original shape coming out of your pitching machine, regardless of speed
  • Provides a realistic throw or pitch without the sting of leather softballs

JUGS Lite-Flite Softballs Overview

Remove the fear of painful softballs when using your pitching machine with the JUGS Lite-Flite Softballs. Designed for use with the JUGS Lite-Flite Pitching Machine, the soft and squishy Lite-Flite balls are the same size as regulation softballs minus the painful sting. The Lite-Flite balls keep their original shape coming out of your pitching machine every time, regardless of the speed. They are perfect for offensive or defensive drills and can be used both indoors and out. The Lite-Flite Softballs are available in your choice of 11in or 12in sizes.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

EvoShield A200 Recoil Shirt

A200 EvoShield Rifle Recoil Shirt

A200 EvoShield Recoil Shirt
evoSHIELD introduces DSP technology to make the world’s first and only CUSTOM-FORMING recoil shirt. This moisture wicking compression shirt has a hidden shoulder pocket. The RECOIL evoSHIELD is ripped out of the foil pack, placed into the shoulder pocket of the shirt. Work your natural gun set into the shield for 5-10 minutes. After 20 minutes, the RECOIL evoSHIELD is permanently formed to your shoulder and natural gun set. This dual-process evoSHIRTshirt keeps the body temperature regulated in all weather conditions, improves accuracy with your permanent gun set, and comfortably protects by reducing felt recoil. Whether you live for the shooting range, or enjoy hunting winged game in the fields, the RECOIL evoSHIRT will give you the comfortable accuracy you have been searching for.

Sizes: S,M,L,XL,XXL (Other sizes available upon request) Available in LEFT and RIGHT

Schutt Sponsors Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Games

Schutt Sports is sponsoring the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) 2011 All-Star Games this week, as the "Official Football Helmet" and platinum partner of the program.

"Texas is home to some of the most storied high school football groups in the country, and we are proud to support them each and every year," Marketing Communications Manager Glenn Beckmann said. "THSCA isn't just any program. It's the largest organization of its kind in the world, and growing all the time - who wouldn't want to be part of that? We value our partnership and appreciate the access we have to all the incredible coaches and players."

The THSCA was formed in 1930, and has maintained its mission to develop and educate Texas high school coaches so that they may better help serve student athletes. It has grown from 28 members to over 20,000.

Schutt Sports is the largest maker of football helmets in America, with more than 55 percent market share across the youth, collegiate and NFL markets combined.

"Both Schutt and THSCA have grown significantly over time, and we will continue to move forward together in years to come," Beckmann said.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Myron Rolle - Enlightened Warrior

Myron Rolle, Rhodes Scholar and Tennessee Titan on achieving greatness, reaching the Xenith, giving advice and being an Enlightened Warrior.


Friday, July 22, 2011

Diamond Demo: Pine tar game

MLB Tonight analysts Harold Reynolds and Larry Bowa discuss the infamous pine tar game and how players use pine tar today.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Diamond Demo: Jemile Weeks

A's second baseman Jemile Weeks teams up with Billy Ripken to demonstrate turning double plays.

NFL sued by ex-players over concussions

The NFL knew about the ill-effects of concussions for decades but withheld the information from players until last year, 75 former players allege in a lawsuit.

In their suit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court Tuesday, the former professional players didn't know about the long-term effects of concussions and relied on the league to protect them, CNN reported.

The lawsuit also names football equipment maker Riddell Inc. as a defendant.

Read more: http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2011/07/20/NFL-sued-by-ex-players-over-concussions/UPI-30591311194678/#ixzz1Sk3cZT00

Diamond Demo: Pujols on fielding & Hitting

MLB Network's Harold Reynolds talks to Albert Pujols about his fielding and how he approaches each hitter differently.



MLB Network's Harold Reynolds talks with Albert Pujols about his approach at the plate.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Wilson Evolution Game Ball Basketball


Evolution Game Ball features: Wilson leads the basketball industry in technological advances so it is no wonder why the Wilson Evolution is the best selling high school game ball in the country. Patented laid-in channels replace traditional slick rub
  • Official high-school game basketball made of microfiber composite leather
  • Cushion Core Technology features low-density sponge and butyl rubber
  • High-definition pebble surface improves grip, feel, and performance
  • 3-ply nylon thread winding; Air Tite butyl rubber valve and housing
  • Thermal-molded rubber bladder; approved for use by NFHS

List Price: $69.99
Price: $39.95

Monday, July 18, 2011

Study Shows McDavid's Ankle Braces Prevent Injuries

A pair of researchers at the University of Wisconsin Sports Medicine – Tim McGuine, PhD, ATC, and Dr. Alison Brooks conducted a study that showed that lace-up ankle braces, specifically the McDavid 195 Ultralight Ankle Brace, helps prevent ankle injuries in amateur basketball players.
  
The controlled study involved 1,460 male and female (ages 13-18) basketball players from 46 high school schools across the country.  During the 2009-2010 season, one group wore McDavid 195 Ultralight Ankle Braces exclusively and the other group did not wear any braces. Results of the study show that the athletes who didn't wear the McDavid lace-up ankle brace showed a rate of injury nearly 3 times higher than those who wore the brace.

"They started by soliciting ankle braces from all manufacturers who were willing to participate," said Rey Corpuz, director of marketing for McDavid, in a company statement. "A sample group of players were given seven brands of ankle braces to try on, and were then asked: ‘If you were to purchase one of these braces, which would you choose?’ According to McGuine, the choice was determined on fit, comfort, effectiveness and whether or not the athletes would actually buy the brace on their own. It came down to two brands, including ours, and in the end, the decision was made to proceed with McDavid exclusively."
 
"Ankle injuries are one of the most common types of injuries, especially among high school basketball players," Brooks said in the statement. "Once an athlete has sustained an injury, rehab and a brace can reduce the risk of re-injury."
 
This is the first study of its kind to prove that lace-up ankle braces, specifically the McDavid 195 Ultralight, can reduce the incidence of acute ankle injuries in male and female amateur basketball players.

Schutt AIR-XP Football Helmet Fitting Instructions

Watch this video for proper fitting of the Schutt Air-XP football helmet.


ION 4D football helmet faceguard removal-4PT high chin strap

See how easy it is to remove the Schutt ION 4D faceguard in an emergency situation.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Louisville Slugger Dominates All-Star And Futures Games Again

Louisville Slugger® once again dominated baseball’s Midsummer Classic, just as it has for every Major League Baseball® All-Star Game ever played.  And the company that makes The Official Bat of Major League Baseball also outdistanced its closest competitor in the Futures Game.

The vast majority of players, 19 in all, went to the plate with a Louisville Slugger bat in the All-Star Game.  That’s more than three times the number of players swinging bats made by any competitor.  And twelve players swung Louisville Slugger bats in the Futures Game, four times the closest competitor.

"The All-Star Game and Futures Game are showcase events for baseball," said Louisville Slugger Manager of Professional Baseball Chuck Schupp. "Equipment manufacturers battle for on-field product exposure.  Once again Louisville Slugger dominated at the plate in both games."

Professional baseball players, the guys at the top of the game, know they can count on Louisville Slugger for the best timber, customer service and on-time delivery of bats when they need them.

Louisville Slugger has been in the game for nearly as long as there’s been a game: 127 years.  Eighty percent of the hitters in Baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown were under contract with Louisville Slugger.

"We’ve been making bats for the best players in professional baseball since 1884," Schupp said.  "There’s a common thread, a respect for the history of the game for players who swing Louisville Slugger bats.  They are linked to the greatest of all time: Ruth, DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson, Musial, Mantle, Clemente and Aaron to name just a few.  And while some of today’s players swing models similar to ones used by those Hall of Famers, many are swinging brand new models we created just for them."
Louisville Slugger was the first bat company to craft models to the exact specifications of professional players, a 127-year-old tradition that continues today.  And the company was the first to brand player’s names and signatures on their bats.

"No two MLB players are exactly alike when it comes to their bats," said Schupp, a 30-year veteran of working on the field with MLB players.  "We provide them exactly what they want and need to be able to do their jobs, and we have more access to top-grade timber than all other bat companies combined.  Players know they are getting great wood from Louisville Slugger."

Friday, July 15, 2011

Sean "Wiffleboy" Steffy Shows Off 97 MPH Wiffleball

Amazing 97 MPH Wiffleball pitcher.

ArmourBite Mouthguard

Brought to you by the brand that makes you better, the ArmourBite® Mouthguard is your new game-time essential. When you compete, your natural response is to clench your jaw and grit your teeth. But all that gnashing triggers the release of cortisol—a performance-sapping hormone that causes excess fatigue, stress, and loss of concentration. Not the best formula for success. But you can get your head (and jaw) back in the game with the ArmourBite® Mouthguard. It not only protects you from earth-shaking hits, it also reduces those nasty clenching side effects by pivoting your jaw to the optimal positioning with its patented ArmourBite® Power Wedges™. The result is a marked increase in strength, endurance, and reaction time. So unlock your power and unleash a better athlete with this game-changing mouthguard from Under Armour®.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Evoshield Thigh Guards (pair)

Evoshield thigh guard is ultra light , breathable , and forms to your thighs in 20 Minutes. The thigh inserts disperse more energy than traditional foam pads and offer the thinnest protection. Easy to use.  Designed to be placed in football pants or girdle.

Louisville Slugger Has Gone To The Plate With Derek Jeter For All 3,000 Hits

While Derek Jeter is the first member of the New York Yankees to reach 3,000 hits while wearing only a Yankee uniform,  he may also be the first player to reach that milestone while using just one bat model: a P72 Louisville Slugger®.

“Derek Jeter is the most consistent customer we’ve ever had at Louisville Slugger,” according to the storied company’s Manager of Professional Baseball, Chuck Schupp.

That’s saying a lot.  Louisville Slugger has made professional baseball bats for 127 years for virtually every Major League® and Minor League player to pick up a bat.

“Unlike other players, Derek has never changed.  Every at-bat he’s taken since the Minor Leagues has been with our P72 model bat, northern white ash.  Very few guys stick with just one model when they’ve played for as long as Derek.  I think that may be one of the reasons he’s had so much success.  Consistency gives him confidence.”

Louisville Slugger’s P72 model is built for contact.  It has a medium-sized barrel, thin handle and balanced weight distribution, all making for a quick bat to get through the zone.   Louisville Slugger first made the P72 for Les Pinkham, a Minor League player from Elizabethtown, Ky., who never made it to the big leagues.

“Pinkham may not have made it to Major League Baseball®, but his bat sure did,” Schupp said.  “Cal Ripken Jr. and many other players have used the P72 as well.”

Jeter has used a P72 Louisville Slugger since he first came up in the Yankees’ Minor League organization in 1992.  He used a 33-1/2 inch, 31 or 32 ounce version until 1997, his 2 full season in MLB, when he switched to a 34 inch, 32 ounce model.  Since then every single at-bat Jeter has taken has been with a 34/32 P72 Louisville Slugger.

“Louisville Slugger is honored to have been part of Derek’s amazing career,” Schupp said.  “3,000 hits, every one of them with a Louisville Slugger bat.  A sure-fire lock on the first ballot for the Hall of Fame.  Mr. November.  Captain Clutch.  The Captain.  Whatever you call him, Derek ranks among the greatest players of all time.  To top it off, he’s one of the classiest guys to ever put on a big league uniform.”

Jeter signed a contract with Louisville Slugger in 1999 to have his signature on his bats, permit the company to use him in promotion and sell souvenir bats with his name on them.  Fans can purchase a replica of Derek Jeter’s Louisville Slugger P72 signature model bat, just like the one he’s used for all 3,000 of his career hits, available at www.sluggergifts.com.

“Signing Derek Jeter was one of the best decisions our company ever made,” Schupp said.

Derek Jeter's GAMEP72DJ Bat

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Enter to Win the Total Athlete Challenge

Under Armour is always working to make you better. That’s why they teamed up with the most cutting-edge sports camp around to bring you the IMG Total Athlete Challenge. Enter to win a week at one of the prestigious IMG Sports Training Camps, including the Madden Football Academy and the Bolletieri Tennis Academy. Learn from some of the world’s top coaches, play at a state-of-the-art facility, meet fellow athletes from around the world, and train how the pros train to reach your full potential.
For more information please visit the UA Total Athlete Challenge website.

Diamond Demo: Interference

MLB Network's Joe Magrane, Dave Valle and Mitch Williams demonstrate the ins and outs of catcher's interference.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Friday, July 1, 2011

Diamond Demo: Rox' new DP combo

MLB Network takes a look at the new double play combination of Mark Ellis and Troy Tulowitzki in Colorado.

Rawlings NRG Quantum Football Helmets

Rawlings – the leader in baseball protective headwear with its revolutionary S100 batting helmet line and a legacy in protecting football players’ bodies – is expanding its product expertise and constant commitment to provide football protective equipment that exceeds protective and performance standards.  Designers of the original set of football shoulder pads, Rawlings has developed a leadership position in the protective equipment space through innovations such as its Zoombang™ and PORON® XRD™-enhanced protective apparel, worn by approximately 200 NFL players this season.


The new Rawlings NRG Quantum employs proven technologies that when assembled uniquely creates an impact absorption system that compares favorably to the top helmets currently in the market.

Rawlings AIA™ – Active Impact Absorption™: A proven impact management system with a scientifically-designed spacer material allows for instant and long-lasting protection, unlike conventional foams.

Rawlings C3™ – Custom Comfort Cushion™: The inflatable C3 liner allows players to customize their helmets’ fit based on their specific needs, and Rawlings’ proprietary rate-dependent impact absorption cushioning provides maximum protection without sacrificing comfort.

Rawlings Heat Exchange™: Strategically placed to create optimum air flow, the Heat Exchange system is designed to allow maximum temperature control, protecting players from overheating.

Level: youth, high school, collegiate and professional
Sizes:  small through extra large
Molded colors:  black, cardinal, dark green, gray, light gold, maroon, navy blue, orange, purple, royal blue, scarlet and white

Rawlings football helmets are not available for sale on any website. To get your Rawlings helmet, please visit our store at 7050 W. 171st Street in Tinley Park, IL or you can use our contact form to request additional information.