Little League Intentional Walk

Ok.. It's an all-star game, there are 2 on.  Look at the size of that batter!.. He's as big as the Ump!

I hate intentional walks in Little League.  Just count 4 pitches against the pitcher and put the kid on.

So much drama. The pageantry of throwing the ball outside.  The offensive coach complaining that the catcher isn't starting behind the plate. The kid swinging to up the pitch count.  How is any of that good for the game?

What lessons are we teaching the kids?  No good ones that's for sure...

Quick sites that I read.

Sometimes it's a good idea to post some of baseball links that I follow. Gamer Baseball Todd Coburn posts almost daily with quick words of wisdom. He also runs a Best of the West catcher's camp and works with America's Baseball camps in Nevada, Arizona and California. Not to mention the best catcher and coaching handbook in print. Foreword by Ron Polk!

 http://coachesbest.blogspot.com/ Heavily advertised site but they have guest posts on coaching, instruction and drills. Subscribe to the RSS Feed.

Jack Perconte. Former Major League player written a couple books. Many, many tips.

And of course CheckSwing. If you haven't signed up for Check Swing yet. You should. Lots and lots of opinions and tips and products and just general baseball conversations there.

2012 Approved Little League Composite bats.

Approved BPF-ABI Composite (2-1/4in) Baseball Bats - Visual Guide

Product Name	Model Number	Photo
Mattingly Balistk	BTKYB
Combat 2011 B3 Gear	GEARYB2 (2011 Retrofit)
Combat B4	B4YB1
DeMarini CF4	CFL10
DeMarini CF4	CFL11
DeMarini CF5	CFL12
Easton Omen XL	LNC1XL
Easton Omen XL	LNC2XL
Easton S1	YB11S1
Easton Stealth Speed -12	LSS6XL
Easton Stealth Speed -11	LSS1
Easton Stealth Speed -9	LSS2
Easton Stealth Speed -13	LSS3
Easton Stealth IMX - 11	LCN9
Easton Stealth IMX -13	LCN11
Easton Stealth -11	LCN4
Easton Stealth -11	LCN6
Easton Synergy IMX -12	LZN1
Easton XL1	YB11X1
Louisville Slugger Catalyst -12	YB12C
Louisville Slugger TPX Dynasty -12	YBDH
Louisville Slugger TPX Maverick	AYB11M
Louisville Slugger Triton -12	YB12T
Nike Aero Cx2	BT0573
Nike Aero Cx2	BT0598
Nike Aero Cx2	BT0636

How fast did Ankiel throw?!!!

Last year I tried to get my son to do his science experiment on the bat speed required to hit a LL homerun.  The math was too hard for a 4th grader...  Who knew?

Anyway,  here is a great article about Rick Ankiel gunning out two Rockies at 3rd base.

Here's the video.. Man does he have an arm.

Winners and Losers

This is from Paul Riddick of 90MPH club.  I have yet to pull the trigger on a pitching program for my son but I do watch the videos and read the emails.  This email caught my attention.

Losers look to blame
Winners take responsibility

Losers look at the scoreboard
Winners look at how hard they played

Losers get knocked down
Winners get up

Losers want to get credit for the win
Winners just want to win no matter who gets credit

Losers want to strike everyone out
Winners just want to get hitters out

Losers look for cheap ways to learn
Winners invest in their education

Losers want awards
Winners want championships

Losers think stats
Winners think team record

Losers are afraid
Winners have courage

Losers are skeptical
Winners go for it

Losers like to talk about what they are going to do
Winners are too busy doing it

Which are you?

These guys are winners
http://www.90mphclubwalloffame.com/
...pure winners...all heart, all guts, all hard work,
all dedication, all respect. I'm very proud of
these guys. WINNERS!!!

Ready to join us?

Best,
Paul Reddick
"The Master Of MPH"

Composite Bat Approvals Listed

The listing is as of May 25th 2011.

Awesome.. Love this video

Go To Games!

Take this Spring Break opportunity to get out and see some professional baseball.

I'm taking the family to see Stl vs LAD on Thursday and CLE vs LAA on Wednesday afternoon.

Leave the Dalles and Disney to the non-baseball players!!

Updated Comp Bats Approvals

The Approved Composite bat list is listed above.

This is for Little League Majors and Minor divisions.

Sugar.. New Baseball movie

Thanks to PM Custom Gloves for posting to Facebook. Looks cool. I'll have to research the story.

Simple speed drill

Little League online has a great coaches video series.

In this simple drill a student (player) can repetitively learn the proper angle to maximize speed and quick steps.

http://littleleaguecoach.org/home.aspx?article=799

I'm going to have my son do this daily and track his progress.

Updated Bat List. Nike added.

Approved BPF-ABI Composite (2-1/4in) Baseball Bats - Visual Guide

Product Name	Model Number	Photo
Mattingly Balistk	BTKYB
DeMarini CF4	CFL10
DeMarini CF4	CFL11
Easton Omen XL	LNC1XL
Easton Omen XL	LNC2XL
Easton Stealth Speed -12	LSS6XL
Easton Stealth Speed -11	LSS1
Easton Stealth Speed -9	LSS2
Easton Stealth Speed -13	LSS3
Easton Stealth IMX - 11	LCN9
Easton Stealth IMX -13	LCN11
Easton Synergy IMX -12	LZN1
Louisville Slugger TPX Maverick	AYB11M
Nike Aero Cx2	BT0573
Nike Aero Cx2	BT0598

11 Bats approved for Little League

Approved bat list updated

There are now 11 approved composite bats.  Notables are the CF4 and the Easton Stealth!

Dream Job

For any aspiring sports writer this looks amazing.

DREAM JOB

Interestingly, MLB places you in a residence in NYC. Your commitment is to watch every baseball game of the year from that residence.

I'm sorry but LA would be a much better location. Wouldn't have to stay up until 2:00AM watching the Mariners go extra innings against Cleveland.

LLWS Ticket Lottery

Little League just posted this to facebook.

http://www.littleleague.org/media/2011WSTickets.htm

The annual Little League Baseball World Series Ticket Lottery provides Little League fans with a chance to receive tickets to the 2011 World Championship Game. The 2011 LLWS begins on Thursday, August 18 and concludes on Sunday, August 28, with the World Series Championship Game.

Please complete the information below to be included in the 2011 Little League Baseball World Series Championship Game Ticket Lottery. All 2011 LLWS Ticket Lottery submissions must be received by Thursday, March 31, 2011. Submissions received via phone, fax and mail will not be accepted.

Please note that this ticket lottery will ONLY provide tickets for the World Championship game, if yours is among the entries chosen. There is no ticket distribution to the public for any other games of the Series. Seating at other games is first-come, first-served for most seats, and tickets are handed out upon entry to the stadiums for some games. Seating on the terraced hill is open, and does not require a ticket for any game, including the World Championship game.

Cool hands inside the ball drill

What a simple yet effective drill!

Four bats approved now.

http://www.littleleague.org/learn/equipment/approvedcompbatssmall.htm


There are now 4, yes 4, composite bats approved for Little League Majors division.

DEEEPPP!!!

Watch the following video..

Canseco is all over the place but his swing is compact compared to Jeff Hall.  Resulting increase in bat speed is why he hit further.  But the balance and consistency is why Hall hits more HRs.




I'm not affiliated with JustBats.com, but they do have amazing deals. Especially on their bat packs.

HA HA.. 1 bat is legal..

I guess congrats to Mattingly sports for having the 1 and only legal composite bat in the Little League Major division.

COMPOSITE-BARRELED BATS (2 1/4 INCH BARRELS) THAT MEET THE BAT PERFORMANCE FACTOR (BPF) STANDARD, AND THE ACCELERATED BREAK IN (ABI) PROCEDURE, ARE LISTED BELOW. THIS LIST MAY HAVE MORE MODELS ADDED TO IT AS MORE BATS ARE TESTED. THESE BATS ARE THE ONLY COMPOSITE-BARRELED BASEBALL BATS THAT ARE PERMITTED TO BE USED IN THE LITTLE LEAGUE (MAJORS) DIVISION AND BELOW, AS OF JANUARY 20, 2011, WHEN THIS LIST WAS LAST UPDATED.  

FOR A LIST OF COMPOSITE-BARRELED BATS WITH 2 5/8 INCH BARRELS THAT HAVE RECEIVED A WAIVER TO BE USED IN THE JUNIOR LEAGUE, SENIOR LEAGUE AND BIG LEAGUE BASEBALL DIVISIONS, CLICK HERE: http://www.littleleague.org/learn/equipment/approvedcompbats.htm 

FOR A LIST OF NON-WOOD/NON-COMPOSITE BATS THAT ARE LICENSED BY LITTLE LEAGUE, CLICK HERE: http://www.littleleague.org/Assets/forms_pubs/2011ApprovedNonWoodBatList.pdf

More on the "non-wood" approved bats.

The more I read about the composite bat ban, the more frustrated I am.  By the way, it is a "non-wood" approved list, http://www.littleleague.org/Assets/forms_pubs/2011ApprovedNonWoodBatList.pdf   This list has always existed.  Look for the "little league" writing on the barrel.

However,  approved composite bats is a pitiful list.  The -3 are big barreled for Babe Ruth/High School and not approved for the Majors and lower divisions.  There is currently only 1 approved for little league composite barreled bat.  And it is $199.

Features of the COMbat B1 Composite: B1YB1 -10 Youth

---

-10 Length to Weight Ratio

2 1/4 Inch Diameter Barrel

Approved by All Youth Leagues that Allow 2 1/4 Inch Barrel Diameter

Barrel Length: 29"- 10.5"barrel, 30"- 11.5"barrel, 31"- 12"barrel, 32"- 12"barrel

BPF 1.15

Extreme Performance

Free Shipping

Full End Load

Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturers Warranty from COMbat

Model No: B1YB1 -10 Youth

Composite bats banned!

Looks like I"m late to the table on this one.. Most everyone knows that Little League applied the composite ban to the 12 and under divisions as well.

Here is their complete article on the Little League site.
-----------------------------------------------------------

On Dec. 30, 2010, Little League International announced it had expanded its moratorium on the use of composite bats to all of its baseball divisions, including the Little League (Majors) division, effective immediately.

Because of the moratorium, several common questions have arisen. We have addressed the most common questions below with Patrick Wilson, Little League International’s Vice President of Operations.

The announcement regarding the moratorium is here:http://www.littleleague.org/media/newsarchive/2010/Sep-Dec/CompositeBatMoratium.htm

If you have further questions, we encourage you to sign on to Little League’s Facebook page. At that page, over the past few days, Little League International staff has answered hundreds of questions regarding the moratorium. The Little League Facebook page is here:http://www.facebook.com/LittleLeagueBaseballAndSoftball

By definition, a moratorium is: An authorized delay or stopping of some specified activity. As applied by Little League International, the moratorium disallows the use of all baseball bats constructed with composite material in its barrel.

Information on the composite baseball bats that have received waivers for the Junior, Senior, and Big League Baseball Divisions of Little League can be found here:

http://www.littleleague.org/learn/equipment/approvedcompbats.htm

A listing of licensed baseball bats approved for use in the Little League (Majors) Division and below can be found here: 2011 Approved Non-Wood Bat List (PDF)  (This list was updated on Jan. 11, 2011.)

Wooden and aluminum metal/alloy bats are not subject to the moratorium. Bats that have only a metal or alloy barrel (and no other material, unless it is in the end cap of the bat), and if it meets the other standards (length, diameter, etc. for the respective division in which it is used) are not subject to the moratorium, regardless of the composition of the handle or the transition to the barrel.

“The moratorium is not the result of Little League changing its bat standards, or influenced by any relationships with bat manufacturers,” Patrick W. Wilson, Vice President of Operations at Little League International, said. “Rather, it became evident through scientific research, that some composite-barreled bats exceeded the current standard after a breaking-in process. Until that research was in hand there was no data to support an earlier decision. With that said, there are no other moratoriums contemplated at this moment.

“The decision to place the moratorium on composite bats in Little League’s baseball divisions is based on the fact that scientific research showed that composite-barreled bats may exceed the performance standard after being broken in.”

At present, no composite bats for the Little League (Majors) Division and below have received a waiver. If and when any models do receive a waiver, Little League International will inform its leagues of that decision. Check here for the current list of approved bats: 2011 Approved Non-Wood Bat List (PDF)

On Sept. 1, Little League International placed a moratorium on composite bats in the Junior, Senior, and Big League Baseball Divisions of Little League. Subsequent to that moratorium, some composite bat models have received a waiver and may be used in those divisions.

“Once there was scientific research showing conclusively that the composite bats in teenage play - after a break-in process - exceeded the standards, the moratorium was imposed,” Mr. Wilson said. “That research only applied to the larger bats, like the ones used in high school.

“While to some it might seem that a similar idea would apply to a smaller barrel bat, that's not the way the science works,” Mr. Wilson said. “We needed to wait until there was conclusive scientific research on the smaller barrel bats. Within hours of receiving enough of that data to make a decision, Little League made it, and we let our constituents know about it.”

The moratorium on composite bats, which now applies to all baseball divisions of Little League, does not apply to any softball divisions of Little League.

Local Little Leagues were first informed of the ongoing research in September 2010.

“From the beginning, and throughout this process, we wanted to keep everyone informed,” Mr. Wilson said. “Our intent was to provide local league constituents clear direction regarding composite bats. There is a process through which manufacturers can submit individual models for a possible waiver if they wish to seek it. Going forward, we will let our leagues know which ones meet the standards for the Little League Baseball (Majors) 12-and-under divisions, if any.”

Frequently Asked Questions – Composite Bat Moratorium

Q-1: How can you identify composite, alloy and half-half bats?

A: Most bats indicate whether it is composite or metal/alloy. Look closely at the barrel for its designation and composition. For any others, you would need to check the manufacturer website or call them to see if the specific model has a composite barrel. Bats that have been manufactured to date may have the Little League name on them, as well as the BPF. However, going forward Little League will not approve new composite bats that have not been tested to meet the performance standard through the life of the bat, and any bat with a composite barrel cannot be used in the Little League (Majors) Division and below. The position also applies to the teenage baseball divisions for bats that have not received a waiver.

Q-2: How does someone identify an older composite bat that is not labeled as composite?

A: Older composite bats, or any non-wood bats, would not be allowed to be used in Little League play without the BFP 1.15 printed on the barrel. Additionally, composite bats that have the BPF listed, and may even have the Little League name and logo on them, are now subject to the moratorium.

Q-3: What if my bat has a composite handle, and a metal/alloy barrel?

A: If the bat is labeled as having a composite handle and a metal/alloy barrel (and not a composite barrel), provided it meets all the other standards for the division, it is acceptable. The transition from the handle to the barrel can be composite.

Q-4: Why did you make this decision right after Christmas?

A: We worked diligently to get the research in place. We didn't have the research information one, three or six months ago. Instead, when the information came to us, we made the decision within hours of receiving it. With that kind of scientific research in hand, not making a decision, or delaying it, was not an option. In this case, the scientific research showed that composite youth baseball bats that had a BPF rating of 1.15 when new, actually could exceed the 1.15 rating after being used, broken in. That's why we announced the moratorium ... and why we let parents know about the research last September.

Q-5: Why are softball bats not covered?

A: To date, there is currently no similar scientific research available on the performance of bats used in Little League’s softball program.

Q-6: Did Little League do this just to get more royalties from all the new bats that need to be bought?

A: This decision by Little League International was made completely independent of any manufacturer of bats, and was based on performance of the composite bats, as opposed to metal/alloy or wood bats. The bats used in the research that Little League International commissioned at the University of Massachusetts - Lowell, were bought anonymously by Little League International. Little League International's royalties from bat sales represents a very small percentage of Little League Baseball, Incorporated’s operating budget. For various reasons, our decision to impose this moratorium will result in lower royalties. Despite the fact that we face lower royalties doing the right thing was first and foremost on our minds. In fact, our District Administrators and League Presidents were informed of the results of the decision before our bat licensees were informed and before any of the bat manufacturers were informed. The decision making all bats that can be used in any game perform - throughout the life of the bat - within a certain acceptable standard, is the clear and common-sense best answer.

Q-7: Is my bat (insert model here) OK?

A: It should be clear that Little League International has not changed the standard. The BPF remains at 1.15, which is, essentially a measure of the performance of the best wooden bat. But the BPF needs to remain at or below the 1.15 level throughout the life of the bat. That is why we now have a moratorium on some bats. Until just recently, there was no scientific research available on youth model bats that would show whether or not they maintained the BPF throughout the life of the bat. A list of bats licensed and approved for use in Little League Baseball (Majors) 12-and-under divisions is available here: 2011 Approved Non-Wood Bat List (PDF)

Q-8: Are the bat manufacturers going to offer a rebate on the bats that are deemed unusable in Little League?

A: Each bat manufacturer will decide on its return/exchange policy and possible rebates toward the purchase of Little League compliant bats. Check with your local equipment retailer for guidance on possible rebates or returns.

Q-9: Does Little League realize even more people are going to go to other organized youth baseball organizations because of this?

A: Ultimately, if other programs, and parents, choose in favor of programs that may not have the same philosophy as Little League, we cannot help that. We can only make rules and regulations for Little Leaguers, based on the best interests of the children involved, using data from scientific research. Whether or not any of the smaller non-Little League programs follow our lead is up to them.

Q-10: Is the list of licensed baseball bats (linked above) a complete list of all the bats that are “legal” for use in the Little League (Majors) Division and below?

A:   No, such a list would be impossible to create, since it would include all bats in the world that meet the criteria for the division of play. A baseball bat only needs to meet the criteria for the division, which includes all pertinent specifics in Rule 1.10, and must meet the criteria of the moratorium on composite-barreled baseball bats.

Q-11: Will Little League be releasing any details of the research, or a list of bats that may or may not have completed the research?

A:     No. The details of the research are proprietary and will not be released by Little League.