2013 Louisville Slugger oneX Softball Bat Recalled Voluntarily by Louisville

In a move I have never seen before, Louisville Slugger recalled the 2013 oneX fastpitch softball bat in the minus 10, 9, and 8 ounce versions due to a small amount of bats that have the potential to break into two different pieces. Louisville Slugger is taking VERY GOOD CARE of their customers, and will be giving customers several different options for a softball bat replacement. See below for details.

Louisville Slugger has enjoyed an incredible resurgence in Fastpitch these past few years, driven by the strong innovation in the
bat lineup and the “Beautifully Powerful” campaign. Players like Jessica Mendoza, Ashley Charters and Andrea Duran have
helped put the latest bat innovations on the map and some of the top college programs in the country are enjoying success on
the field with the 2013 line as well.
With any truly innovative products come occasional obstacles and we’re writing this to share some important developments
isolated to the 2013 oneX. We have become aware of a manufacturing issue that has compromised the durability of the oneX
bat (pictured below) which potentially shows up in the form of cracking between barrel and handle. In extreme cases, the
manufacturing defect has resulted in a complete fracture between the handle and barrel. While we know this will only affect a
sub-set of oneX bats in the market, to protect the players and to live up to our responsibility to give you the best product
possible, we are recalling the entire current line of the oneX bat (all lengths and weights) from the market. Model numbers
affected by this recall are FP136, FP1369 and FP1368.
As Fastpitch softball players have learned over the years, Louisville Slugger prides itself on doing the right thing for its loyal
customers. We are committed to resolving this quickly and efficiently so we can get the best product available back in your
hands as quickly as possible. We will be providing a 2013 Xeno bat as a replacement and we will discuss options with each
customer to satisfy the price difference between oneX and the Xeno replacement bat the customer will receive.
Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-282-2287 to discuss this further and address any questions you
may have.
For those of you impacted by this situation, we apologize for the inconvenience and we appreciate your patience. We are
working diligently to correct the issue and we look forward to launching our new bat models this summer with the same
industry-leading performance you have grown accustomed to from Louisville Slugger. We pledge to work tirelessly to maintain
your trust, continue to bring you confidence at the plate, deliver you the best in class product you have come to expect from
Louisville Slugger and continue to bring you the best products the sport has to offer.
Please see www.slugger.com/fastpitch/ for continual updates, including answers to anticipated questions from our customers.
Best Regards,
Bill Clark
Hillerich & Bradsby, Co.
President – Louisville Slugger Division

Bownet Big Mouth Review – Baseball and Softball Hitting Net

Over the past few years, while driving past almost any baseball or softball field in America, you may have seen an orange net being used. The Training Aid you saw is most likely the Bownet Big Mouth.

Bownet Big Mouth Baseball and Softball Hitting Net

We recently were given a Big Mouth to use for one of the travel teams we work with.

In the past, we have used Jugs nets, but they always tip over. We wanted to try and review something new, and since everyone seems to have one of these orange Bownets these days, we figured we would jump on board and give you one of the best Bownet Big Mouth reviews online.

ASSEMBLY

The Bownets are EXTREMELY easy to build. Okay, so the first time we built it we put the two base poles facing the wrong way, but that was a one time thing. Now that we know which direction the bottom poles are supposed to face, we can easily build the Big Mouth in the 90 second claimed set up time. Once the poles are in place, the net is placed on the unit almost effortlessly.

PERFORMANCE

Once we had figured out how to build our Bownet Big Mouth, the first thing we used the net for was hitting some baseballs into it. As expected the net worked flawlessly and was sturdy as can be. Next, we attached our Bownet Strike Zone teaching add on, and had our pitchers throw at the net, instead of a catcher. This, above all the other potential uses for a girls fastpitch team or a baseball team, impressed me the most. With a $20 accessory, this hitting net had turned into a pitching net in a matter of about 30 seconds.

SIZE

The Bownet Big Mouth comes in a black carrying bag (48 inches by 12 inches) similar to what you might have to carry a tent, you should not have a problem fitting the Bownet into your trunk or across the back seat/floorboard of a car. The Big Mouth weighs about 18 pounds and is relatively light weight for what will turn out to be such a large baseball/softball net. When assembled, the 7 foot by 7 foot Big Mouth was larger than expected, and plenty big for hitting into, pitching into, and general protection anywhere on the baseball/softball field. Despite being so big, the 18 pound Big Mouth is easily carried with two people. One person could carry it, but it is big and awkwardly shaped, making it a little more difficult.

BREAK DOWN

Taking down the Bownet was even easier than building it. The loops that hold the net on simply pop off the top, then the poles are removed and separated, then placed into the carrying case.

SUMMARY

What we liked:

Lightweight. Easily carried
Quick, easy assembly
Can be used for pretty much anything you can think of on the diamond
Easy to pack up and take home

Overall, we highly suggest the Big Mouth Bownet if you are looking for a hitting screen or pitching screen. You will not be disappointed with the build quality and the endless uses of the Bownet.

2013 DeMarini BBCOR Bats 25% Off At Cheapbats.com

A tipster emailed us of this deal on the new 2013 Demarini BBCOR bats.

If you call CheapBats.com you can buy any of the new, 2013 DeMarini BBCOR Bats at 25% off retail pricing, and get free shipping.

Use coupon code: 1357 for 25% off the listed price.

As of today, the 25% off is working on the following 2013 Demarini BBCOR Bats

Link to bats on sale

2013 DeMarini CF5 BBCOR, 2013 DeMarini Voodoo BBCOR, 2013 Voodoo Limited BBCOR, 2013 DeMarini Vexxum BBCOR, 2013 DeMarini M2M, 2013 DeMarini Versus, 2013 DeMarini Vengeance

2013 Demarini BBCOR Bats — 2013 DeMarinin BBCOR Bats on sale

What Is The Best BBCOR Baseball Bat For 2013?

We want to know what you think. What BBCOR Bat is best for 2013? Vote for up to three 2013 BBCOR bats.

[poll id=”6″]

Marucci Elite BBCOR Bat – The New King of BBCOR Baseball Bats

The newest Marucci BBCOR bats is about to hit the baseball diamonds of America. A mass launch scheduled for January, 2013. The Marucci Elite BBCOR baseball bat is the latest BBCOR bat to come out of Marucci’s Baton Rouge, LA headquarters. The Elite BBCOR uses and “aerospace grade composite material” in the handle and a combination of this same composite material and Marucci’s exclusive AZ3000 alloy in the bat barrel.

So, what we have here is a composite bat with mix of aluminum alloy and composite in the barrel of the baseball bat. That is essentially what the TPX Exogrid is from Louisville Slugger, except the Exogrid is almost entirely aluminum with a very small amount of composite inserts, where the Marucci Elite BBCOR is almost all composite with a little bit of aluminum.

Our initial hits on the Marucci Elite produced very good results. We very much liked the balance of the Elite, along with the pop, and the sound. While we did not get as much time with the Elite BBCOR as we wanted, we are sure this will be one of the best BBCOR bats for 2013.

Marucci Elite BBCOR Bat — Marucci Elite BBCOR Baseball Bat

2013 Demarini Voodoo vs 2012 DeMarini Voodoo

What is the difference between the 2012 DeMarini Voodoo and the 2013 DeMarini Voodoo?

Not much. The 2012 and 2013 DeMarini Voodoo BBCOR bats are visually different, but the only actual difference is a slight change to the alloy in the barrel that is supposed to give the bat a little more durability.

The 2013 looks more Ed Hardy than the 2012. Both Voodoo BBCOR bats use the exact same TR3 FLO Composite in the handle of the bat. The barrel of the 2012 uses the SC4 Alloy, while the 2012 uses the new DX10 alloy. Both bats have the exact same balance and the exact same barrel size as one another.

We recommend saving $160 and buying the 2012 DeMarini Voodoo BBCOR, then put that extra cash you saved into getting a new Wilson A2000 baseball glove!

The 2013 Easton S1 BBCOR Bat Is The Best Selling BBCOR Bat

Well, the Christmas numbers are in… The new Easton S1 BBCOR baseball bat is far away the best selling BBCOR bat of 2012 and soon to be 2013.

The awesome balance, and the pop that come with the 100% composite, two piece BBCOR baseball bat are hard to match. Easton added the top of the line “Black Carbon” composite to the handle of the 2013 S1 BBCOR, something that the 2012 did not have. Black Carbon composite is the best composite Easton has ever developed. The new S1 Easton BBCOR is lighter and stronger than the 2012, and the feedback is that the 2013 is much better than the 2012 S1.

Marucci Issues Initial Response To NCAA Banning Certain Marucci BBCOR Bats

Marucci issued the response below:

NCAA RULING

June 6, 2012

Today we were notified that the 34-inch Cat 5² (MBC2) and 33 and 34-inch Black (MCB11) were decertified by the NCAA. We do not agree with this decision and believe the testing systems currently in place are flawed.

Our customers, both professional and amateur players, demand the very best and have come to expect a level of service from Marucci that is second to none.

In response to the NCAA’s ruling, we will provide all owners of the bats in question a comprehensive return program as proof of our commitment to you. Details on this program will be announced soon.

We thank you for your patience and support as we respond to the NCAA’s latest ruling and testing systems.

Brett Stohlton, CEO, Marucci Sports
Kurt Ainsworth, Co-Founder, Marucci Sports

http://maruccisports.com/ncaa-ruling/

Marucci Black BBCOR Baseball Bat Banned By NCAA – Marucci Files Lawsuit Against NCAA

BBCOR Marucci Black Baseball Bat Banned By NCAA

VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL
MEMORANDUM
June 6, 2012
TO: Head Baseball Coaches, Conference Commissioners, Compliance Officers
and Coordinators of Umpires.
FROM: Jeff Hurd, chair
Baseball Rules Committee
SUBJECT: Decertification of Marucci CAT-52 and Black bats.
This memo serves as the NCAA’s official notice of the decertification of the
Marucci CAT-52 34-inch and Black 33-inch and 34-inch models. Effective
immediately, these bats will not be allowed for use in any NCAA baseball
competition.
For ease of reference, photos of the bats are below:
The NCAA originally notified Marucci of this decertification in April, at which time Marucci filed suit against the NCAA. A temporary restraining order preventing the decertification of the bats was issued immediately and the district court ordered the proceedings to be kept under seal. On June 5, the district court
unsealed the case and dissolved the temporary restraining order against the
NCAA, thus permitting the NCAA to proceed with the decertifying of the bats.
This was the second time Marucci was notified of one of their bats being
decertified. In February, the Marucci Cat-52
33-inch model was found to be out of compliance and was decertified at that time. Team representatives are asked to check your team’s stock of bats and withhold
these bats if your team is in possession of any. Conference administrators are
asked to share this information with your umpires as well. If any of these bats are
attempted to be used during competition, it should be considered an illegal bat and
subject to NCAA Baseball Rule 1-12-b, (see the penalty section for procedures).
In 2011, the NCAA implemented a baseball bat testing standard called the
Baseball Bat Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) measurement. The decision to
implement the standard was rooted in preserving the integrity of the game and
ensuring the safety of student-athletes – as some non-wood bats hit the ball
significantly faster and farther than wood bats, they can create a significant
competitive advantage and also put players at greater risk of injury. The NCAA
certfies only those non-wood bats that perform like their wood counterparts to be
eligible for competition for this reason. All bats are tested prior to and throughout
the baseball season to ensure they are within the BBCOR standards. If a group of
a specific model of bats (three or more bats tested) are found to fail the
compliance test, they are decertified and removed from use in NCAA
competition.
For any questions on this decision, please contact Ty Halpin (Playing Rules,
thalpin@ncaa.org) or Cameron Schuh (Public and Media Relations,
cschuh@ncaa.org) at the NCAA. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
JH:clm
cc: Mr. Gene McArtor
Baseball Rules Committee
Selected NCAA Staff Members

What Is The Best DeMarini Baseball Bat?

So you all know that DeMarini has made a huge impact in the baseball bat world over the past ten years. DeMarini first came out with the Vexxum for high school and college play, and it took Easton and TPX by surprise. The Voodoo was right behind the Vexxum and offered the same barrel, but a more high performance composite handle than the Vexxum. Lastly, the full composite DeMarini baseball bats were released, like the CF4 and the CF5. The CF5 is an extremely balanced baseball bat and is among the most popular bat models in baseball.

So the question is: What is the best DeMarini baseball bat?

[poll id=”5″]

2013 Easton Softball Bats Shine In Home Run Derby

Team Easton’s Brett “ the hitman” Helmer was the top Long Haul Bomber with 12 points using his 2013 Easton Brett Helmer Signature Softball Bat.

Helmer set the pace early, sending homers sailing into the right field bleachers. “ I felt good, balls were flying and I love Petco Park. This morning I hit a hole in one at a charity golf event for the Wounded Warriors and won a trip to Europe, but I donated the trip right back to the charity, so tonight was the capper to an awesome day” .

Helmer’s Easton team mate Brain Wegman finished with 9 points, putting Easton out front early in the battle for the manufactures cup.

Denny Crine of Team Miken threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Padre’s-Marlin’s game. Crine had a solid day at the plate ending up with 8 points and sent multiple “show bombs “ into the upper deck.

Also taking cuts Saturday night, Team Louisville Slugger’s Tim Cocco and Lee Powers. Cocco is a veteran on the tour and was part of the team that won the Manufactures cup last season. Cocco’s new teammate Lee Powers had an impressive rookie debut with 8 points.

Here are the final standings for round one of the stadium power tour at Petco Park Saturday, May 5, 2012.

Brett Helmer, Team Easton: 12 points

Brian Wegman, Team Easton: 9 points

Denny Crine,Team Miken: 8 points

Lee Powers,Team Louisville Slugger: 8 points

Ed Vega,Team Miken: 5 points

Tim Cocco,Team Louisville Slugger: 1 point

Next up for the Bombers, a trip to Seattle’s Safeco Field for a Friday night slug fest on May 25. www.seattle.mariners.mlb.com It’s the first opportunity to see Team Combat in action. Combat features a mix of youth and seasoned experience, led by veteran Johnny McCraw, who claimed a championship on the Stadium Power Tour and the youthful swagger of Brandon Perry. Team DeMarini is back in the hunt, with stadium power tour champ Chris “ the crusher “ Larsen and wily vet Kevin Filby. Expect softballs to be flying.

The Bombers are excited to announce: “ The Road to Miami “. The Marlins new park will be the host site for the 2012 the stadium power tour finals on Sunday, September 16. Details on a ticket promotion are coming soon. www.miami.marlins.mlb.com

Softball 365

Baden Axe Baseball Bat – First Major League Baseball Home Run

The Baden Axe bat is a concept thought up by baseball legend, Ted Williams. The theory was, that swinging a baseball bat is a lot like swinging an ax.

Recently, the first MLB BADEN AXE home run was hit by Jimmy Rollins. When he came back after that game, he told us he loved how when he just swung away, the bat just naturally got his hands in the right position.