Better Youth Baseball Gloves

A good ball glove can have a big effect on youth's enjoyment of playing baseball and even about whether baseball is a worthwhile sport for them to participate in. Kids could be playing many other sports, and in fact, participation in basketball and soccer is growing fast in the US. There's no better summer sport or pastime than baseball though. It has a rich American tradition that other sports don't possess and that's an important part of your own child's sports experience.

Baseball is a game that is dependent on equipment though, and if the equipment is poor quality or in doesn't suit the kids using them, it can dampen their enthusiasm for little league baseball. It's important to buy youth baseball gloves for your child, not small adult baseball gloves which will discourage your youngster.

They had poor equipment back in the old days, including rotted out or horribly stiff leather gloves. Some would actually throw the glove down and try to catch with their bare hands. It may not be that bad today, but in visiting your local sporting goods store, you've probably wondered about the quality of the gloves on the store shelves. Some are weird shapes and feel uncomfortable and the selection is many times limited.

The Good Old Days

Have you ever wondered whether baseball glove manufacturers are producing better ball gloves now than in decades past? Well, if you happen to have an old baseball glove still around and compare it to modern youth baseball gloves, you'll notice a big difference. Those old gloves didn't make catching and fielding easy for infielders, outfielders and especially catchers. You actually had to have some outstanding athletic skills and knowledge of catching to make a catch. In those days, you used both hands to catch a ball because you had to.

That's not to say these new gloves are suited to the ball player that's using them. These kids range in physical size greatly, and play different positions. The child that has a new, well-fitted glove is going to catch the ball better and play with a lot more confidence.

Young ball players with their metal bats are hitting the ball hard, so infielders and outfielders need good gloves just to catch them, let alone throw the runner out at first. We shouldn't just assume that any glove would do for our child. Each youngster has their own level of coordination and confidence, along with their own style and preferences, and fortunately, there are so many types and styles of gloves available now, that you should be able to find one they like. You don't see kids get hurt often but it does happen and it will happen more often with the child that feels uncomfortable with the baseball equipment they're using.

Bad Bounces

Last week, while watching a youth baseball game (11 year olds) a batter hit a ball hard up the middle, fortunately missing the pitcher. The ball hit the side of the mound and bounced up to hit the base umpire in the shoulder. She was hurt and lay on the ground several minutes before getting up. That highlighted well, the speed the balls are reaching and that the young infielder playing with awkward baseball glove is going to playing with fear. Yes, some fear is good, as it keeps them sharp and makes the game exciting, but too much fear and they're going to get discouraged.

Many of the kids on these teams have gloves that are too small, and overwhelmingly, you see their reluctance to catch well-hit grounders. They generally wave at it going by them and sigh in relief that it wasn't hit right at them. One youngster in the outfield ran to make a diving catch only to have the ball pop out of his glove. They used to see that if your glove touched a ball, you should have caught it and it is an error for you. When a ball is in your glove, it should stay in there. In this kid's case, the ball was clearly in his glove and yet it popped out. The reason for that is that the glove didn't fit his hand and the web wouldn't close tightly.

He walked dejectedly back to centerfield, his position, and cursed at himself for dropping it. It was like a scene out of a Charlie Brown episode. If he'd hung onto that ball, he would have been walking on clouds and be the pride of the team. I don't have to tell you how important peer pressure is with kids these days and when kids never catch the ball, it can deflate the team and even the crowd of parents watching the game. Sometimes, it's downright torture to watch a ball game if the kids can't catch or throw properly.

Young pitchers too, can have trouble throwing strikes, and after walking batter after batter, you can sense disappointment. The glove on the pitcher's hand acts as a counterbalance when throwing and if it doesn't feel comfortable for him, you may be in for a long inning.

A fair number of kids come from homes that can't afford a new glove every year and they may not be able to afford baseball shoes. If there's one piece of equipment you need to focus on for youth baseball players, it has to be the glove. Your child is out there standing for half of the game, with this glove on their hand. If it's uncomfortable, and doesn't fit, that has to take some of the enjoyment out of it.

There's a mind-boggling array of youth baseball brands out there to choose from Rawling, Mizuno, Wilson, Spalding, Rawlings, Nokona, Akadema, Kelly, Nike, Louisville, SSK and more. The problem with many of these big brand names is not only the inflated prices associated with these brands, it's the weight and stiffness of the gloves. The materials and the stitching are sewn well enough. They aren't designed with kids in mind who after all, don't have time to break the glove in. Within one year, they will have likely outgrown the glove, so what's the point of buying a glove like that? The glove ends up unused in a closet or on the garage floor becoming a nuisance object.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/

Premium Baseball Gloves for Premium Ball Players

The smell of freshly cut grass and the sweet sounding crack of a ball bat are closing on us. With spring around the corner and the start of baseball season here, it's important that the serious baseball player get equipment squared away, especially the all important baseball glove.

Manufacturers have made great strides in the development of ball gloves over the years. 2009 is no different with many new features, models, and old classics on the equipment market. Rawlings gloves again lead the pack with a wide selection of new items for infielders, outfielders, pitchers, and catchers. Rawlings Primo is still the absolute best baseball glove around with fine imported leather, hand sewn welting, and other prime features.

Nokona has numerous high quality gloves available in 2009 as well. With your choice of leathers including kangaroo, buffalo, and three premium cowhides, Nokona again leads the league in high quality, good value ball gloves. Try their Buckaroo or Bloodline series to experience the highest in Nokona quality.

While a premium glove is a must for any good ball player, don't forget to check out prices, knowledge, and premium customer service from retailers prior to purchase.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/

Wrigley Field: Reconstruction of a Beloved Ballpark

Wrigley Field is a legendary ballpark located in Chicago and the infamous home to the Chicago Cubs. Built in 1914, Wrigley Field is one of the most beloved parks in the nation and the second oldest standing- Fenway Park in Boston is older. While infamously known for being home to the Cubs, Wrigley Field was also home to the Chicago bears for close to 50 years (1921-1970 and originally the home of the Chicago Whales, the original baseball team that was part of the Chicago Federal League).

Wrigley Field being one of the most well known baseball landmarks in the country has had a storied history that any baseball enthusiast would be proud of. Built in 1914 as Weeghman Park and then renamed Cubs Park for 6 years, since 1926 it has been called Wrigley Field- named after the owner and chewing gum titan William Wrigley, Jr.

Wrigley Field has had quite a few infamous firsts as well as lasts. For instance, it was the first ballpark to have a permanent concession stand. It would seem inconceivable today, to have a ballpark without a hotdog stand on park grounds. In addition, Wrigley Field was the first park to allow foul balls that landed in the seats to be kept by the fans. The normal etiquette of the day was to throw the foul ball back onto the field. As far as lasts go, Wrigley Field was the last ball park to have stadium lighting. While originally slated for having lights in 1941, after Pearl Harbor, Phillip K. Wrigley instead donated the materials for the lights to the war effort. Night games would not take place until 1988- the last of all the ballparks.

The Renovation of Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field, while known throughout the world as one of the most famous ballparks was recently at the point of disrepair. Continually believed to be one of the worst fields to play on due to damage from ball games, stadium events and concerts, Wrigley Field was in desperate need of a full restoration. This restoration took place from 2007-2008 by one of the best in the business- the Sod Father Roger Bossard. An incredible under taking not only in the scope and magnitude of what needed repair, but the technology installed to ensure the field lasts for the many years to come, the restoration of this great field was quite an important achievement and is now an important part of this park's history.

To learn more about the restoration of Wrigley Field, the Smithsonian Magazine has an excellent article on the subject. Please visit our main website.

Author : Roger
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Wrigley-Field-Reconstruction-of-a-Beloved-Ballpark/1044861

Demarini Baseball Bat Review

Demarini Baseball Bat Review


Is Demarini the best Baseball Bat on the market? The 2009 line up of baseball bats may well be the best bats Demarini has ever made! Established in 1989 Demarini Bats, a sub-division of Wilson, is making a strong case to take over the baseball bat market. All of the Demarini bats have flexed tuned carbon composite handles which are lighter than alloys and will flex 2 to 4 times more providing more power at contact. Demarini makes 3 collegiate and high school approved bats, each having a different patented end cap. New for 2009 Demarini is touting their new “Pitch Black" composite technology claiming it is stronger than competing technologies.

Here is the line-up for 2009

CF3 Black (or special edition white) is a 100 % composite, two piece bat with double walls and “Pitch Black" technology. This technology touts 22% more carbon fibers than any other bat on the market with no fillers added which should give it a distinct advantage when it comes to power. This enables Demarini to double re-enforce a vertical and horizontal weave. This process provides the strongest and tightest composite weave resulting in more over-all power. The 2009 CF3 comes in collegiate or high school sizes as follows:
- 31/28
- 32/29
- 33/30
- 34/31
For senior league:

- 29/21
- 30/22
- 31/23
- 32/24

The 2009 Demarini Voodoo Black is made with pitch black composite handles combined with the newest SC4 Alloy. The Voodoo is a high quality bat with a proven reputation at a very reasonable price. The Voodoo is a very popular bat with a larger sweet spot that the ball really explodes off of. The line-up of 2009 Demarini Voodoos come in Collegiate and High School sizes as follows:

- 31/28
- 32/29
- 33/30
- 34/31
The 2009 Voodoos come in Senior League sizes as follows:
- 29/20
- 30/21
- 31/22
- 32/23 (-9's)
The Demarini Voodoos also come in minus 10 as follows:
- 29/19
- 30/20
- 31/21
- 32/22

The Demarini Vendetta.
Demarinis slogan for the 2009 Vendetta is “Attack the ball with a vengeance." This bat is completely re-designed using “Rail" technology to completely re-define bat handle technology. The 2009 Vendetta comes with 4 flat composite rails with varying flexes that run through the handle and reduces vibration, increases bat speed and delivers a nice combination of handle to barrel flex. New SC4 Alloy in the barrel rounds out this bat of choice for many Division 1 Programs. The 2009 Demarini Vendetta comes in the following sizes for Collegiate and High School baseball:
- 31/28
- 32/29
- 33/30
- 34/31
For Senior League the following sizes are available:
- 29/20
- 30/21
- 31/22
- 32/23
Last but not least is the 2009 Demarini Vexxum. This bat comes with a 100 % composite handle and exclusive SC4 Alloy comprised with Long Barrel technology giving hitters the longest barrel in baseball providing maximum plate coverage and a larger sweet spot. Even though the Vexxum is on the low end of the range for Demarini, it is still a quality bat. The Demarini Vexxum comes in the following sizes for the Collegiate and High School player:
- 31/28
- 32/29
- 33/30
- 34/31
Senior League bats are available in the following sizes:
- 31/26
- 32/27
- 33/28
- 34/29
Youth and Little League are available in the following sizes:
- 28/19.5
- 29/20.5
- 30/21.5
- 31/22.5
- 32/23.5 (-8's)
Youth and Little League also are available at -10 in the following sizes:
- 27/17
- 28/18
- 29/19
- 30/20
- 31/21
- 32/22 (-10's)
Demarini is a player in the baseball bat industry and provides quality bats in both the high and low price range. You can't go wrong with a Demarini Bat. To see more of my Baseball Equipment reviews visit me at Rick's Bats and Gloves, ETC.

Author : Rick
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Demarini-Baseball-Bat-Review/1067535

The Baseball History

Many of the modern games that we enjoy today come from the 19th century despite there are historical reference of games that could be associated to them coming from ancient civilizations. However the history ob baseball can be situated in the mid-1800s when people who lived in the rural towns of the United States practiced a game named "rounders" that would be the direct antecedent of Baseball.

Rounders was also known as town ball, "one o 'cat", and base ball, similar to the actual game but with different regulations. It was until 1982, when then first baseball club was founded in New York, organized by Alexander Cartwright with the name of Knickerbockers Base Ball Club. The members of this club were called Knickerbockers and they drafted the 20 rules of the baseball game that were published in 1845, rules that are the foundation of the modern baseball game.

The first official baseball game between the Knickerbockers and another team was held on June 19, 1846 at the New York Club, today Hoboken, New Jersey. However, the first professional baseball team was the Cincinnati Red Stockings who begin to play in 1869. During the 19th century, baseball was mostly popular only in New York and its surrounding so it was commonly referred as the New York Game.

The turn of the century witnessed the establishment of the American Baseball League in Chicago on 1901. Later Ty Cobb was nicknamed the sensation of Georgia, after winning his first of nine consecutive batting titles in the American League setting a record in 1907 when the Tigers defeated the Athletics that year. By 1912, the first baseball stadiums were built; one was the Tigers Stadium and the other was the Fenway Park.

In the early decades of the 20th century George "Babe" Ruth was best known as the "Sultan of the home run" so, the New York Yankees paid $125,000 to hire him in 1920. Babe Ruth's style was imitated by many hitters and the baseball become more popular than ever by this time.

In 1924, with the addition of first baseman Bill Terry, the Giants obtained a difficult victory over the Dodgers playing the World Series and soon baseball become popular in Japan until the present where every summer a large number of schools participate in the 4000 All Japan Baseball Tournament that takes place nearby Osaka.

The New York Yankees played in April 1936 its first competition game with one of the greatest baseball players of all times, Joe Di Maggio. The New York Yankees have won the World Series 23 times.

Baseball became "the King of the Sports" during 1940-1950 and the national Cuban sport until the present. Although many baseball players arose during the following decades, it was until the 1970s when Reggie Jackson became a baseball celebrity like Joe Di Maggio and Babe Ruth in their moment.

Living the excitement of baseball and its new stars is possible at SBOBET, the online Sportbook that caters for all your betting requirements.

Author : Timothy
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/The-Baseball-History/1054282

Famous Baseball Players: A Little Bit Of Baseball History

Baseball is very popular in the United States, where it reached its deserved status, after being brought to the continent from England. Professional baseball tournaments can be tracked back to the nineteenth century. If you want to learn a little about some famous baseball players, read on.

Tyrus Raymond, or Ty Cobb, as he was known, grew up in Georgia, his place of origin being used in the nickname The Georgia Peach. In 1936, he was the player that had the most votes, when the Hall of Fame Ballot was opened. His career was marked by 90 Major League Baseball records. His performances have not yet been equaled, as he still holds the record for the highest batting average - .367. His turbulent personality marred sometimes his reputation as a player, as he was known as a violent man with outbursts of racism.

George Herman, or Babe Ruth, on his field name, held different names, like The Bambino, or The Sultan of Swat. He played in the American Major League between 1914-1935. Many baseball tops place him on the first position, as he was the first to make 60 home runs on just one single season. All his life he collected 714 home runs.

Lawrence Peter, better known as Yogi Berra, started playing as a New York Yankee. He entered the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972, and he also received thrice the title Most Valuable Player of the American League. He left school early in his life, and many quotes that are remembered show the funny way in which he used to twist the language.

Eddie Clarence Murray, or Steady Eddie, was born in Los Angeles, California, and he played as a first baseman. His hits never missed the target, so his nickname was well deserved. He is still considered to be among the best switch hitters and his achievements made his name enter the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003.

Joseph Paul DiMaggio, nicknamed Joltin' Joe, played all his life for the New York Yankees. Titles like Most Valuable Player and All Star were something ordinary for him. He played on different position, being considered a valuable asset for the team, no matter whether he played on offense, on the center, or on defense. His 361 home runs and .579 percentage were on the list of his achievements, when he retired, at 36. But his best known performance is the 56 game hitting streak that he achieved.

Author : Freeda
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Famous-Baseball-Players-A-Little-Bit-Of-Baseball-History/1044009