No but the indomitable Red Sox almost made it to another fall classic this year. As improbable as it may have seemed, down 3-1 to what many consider to be the best team in major league baseball this year the Red Sox forced another game 7 in the ALCS. Call it tenacity, call it luck or just call it plain superstition but did you know that half of the Red Sox players are wearing Phiten necklaces on the field?
Phiten claims that its necklaces, bracelets, and titanium-infused clothing produce an electrical charge that relieves pain, increases energy, and speeds recovery. Could this be the Red Sox key to seemingly impossible comebacks? While there is a lack of research to backup claims by Phiten that their titanium infused apparel has a medical impact of any kind of professional sports stars this does not stop many deeply superstitious pro athletes from wearing and even overtly promoting Phiten necklaces, bracelets and clothing in hopes of continuing a streak of good luck.
ALCS game 6 starter Josh Beckett has worn a Phiten necklace on the mound for a number of seasons and few could argue the results he has seen, are they due to Phiten? Probably not but if that titanium woven necklace keeps his head in the big game and gives him a mental edge then what's wrong with that?
Phiten necklaces are worn by players on the Yankees, Twins and Tigers and continue to gain popularity as the Red Sox continue their domination of the American League.
The Red Sox near ALCS miracle this year will ensure that gear made by Phiten will become harder to find as every aspiring baseball player and every big leaguer snatch up Phiten merchandise in hopes of capturing some of the lightning that the Red Sox seem to catch every October.
Phiten necklaces sell for around $20-$40 and come in a variety of colors and lengths. The necklaces have become so popular you can now purchase Phiten products emblazoned with major league team logos.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashley_Dorton
Monday, December 29, 2008
Louisville Slugger TPX Triton Baseball Bat Review
Louisville has finally responded to Easton and Demarini's multi-piece bat designs with the Louisville Slugger TPX Triton, a unique 3 piece bat. What I find amazing about this bat is the size of the barrel. This is the largest barrel I've ever seen on a baseball bat. My initial thought is this thing looks like an oak tree!
The unique 3 piece design allows the barrel and the handle to be designed and built as individual units. They are then fused together via what is called the Bubble Transition Zone. Louisville claims this makes the bat function as a more advanced one piece bat (I'll get to this claim in a second). The bat is made of 100% composite material and includes the standard Louisville stiff handle. The Adult -3 model retails for $399 and the Youth -12 at $249.
Louisville has long promoted the benefits of the 1 piece design and stiff handle for baseball bats. The success of 2 piece bats from Easton and Demarini has finally forced them to manufacture a multi piece bat. Unfortunately, being stubborn, they won't admit to the general public that their new multi piece bat is actually a multi piece bat! They claim it's "really" a one piece bat that is fused together from 3 pieces. This is insane!!! Louisville's entire marketing department should be fired immediately.
Louisville has to either admit multi-piece bats have merit or stick to a true one piece design, we're not fools. I'm skeptical to purchase a bat for $399 when the manufacturer is telling me little white lies. What's next, saying they've developed a flex handle fused to act like a stiff handle?
Having said all this about their marketing, or lack there of, I will say that I do think the Louisville TPX Triton is a quality bat. That huge barrel makes it very appealing and it seems to hit very well. But I can not recommend it now due to some doubts about the design and its durability. At the present time I recommend the Easton IMX (Stealth or Synergy IMX) or Demarini CF3 in this category.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_V_Nelson
The unique 3 piece design allows the barrel and the handle to be designed and built as individual units. They are then fused together via what is called the Bubble Transition Zone. Louisville claims this makes the bat function as a more advanced one piece bat (I'll get to this claim in a second). The bat is made of 100% composite material and includes the standard Louisville stiff handle. The Adult -3 model retails for $399 and the Youth -12 at $249.
Louisville has long promoted the benefits of the 1 piece design and stiff handle for baseball bats. The success of 2 piece bats from Easton and Demarini has finally forced them to manufacture a multi piece bat. Unfortunately, being stubborn, they won't admit to the general public that their new multi piece bat is actually a multi piece bat! They claim it's "really" a one piece bat that is fused together from 3 pieces. This is insane!!! Louisville's entire marketing department should be fired immediately.
Louisville has to either admit multi-piece bats have merit or stick to a true one piece design, we're not fools. I'm skeptical to purchase a bat for $399 when the manufacturer is telling me little white lies. What's next, saying they've developed a flex handle fused to act like a stiff handle?
Having said all this about their marketing, or lack there of, I will say that I do think the Louisville TPX Triton is a quality bat. That huge barrel makes it very appealing and it seems to hit very well. But I can not recommend it now due to some doubts about the design and its durability. At the present time I recommend the Easton IMX (Stealth or Synergy IMX) or Demarini CF3 in this category.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_V_Nelson
Friday, October 31, 2008
Louisville Baseball Bat Reviews
Louisville has a long and respected history in the baseball bat industry and gets a lot of respect in baseball bat reviews. But they've been lagging other manufacturers in developing composite bats. They've upped the ante in 2009 with a spankin' new design that is unique in the industry, and have added a lower cost composite to try and surround Easton in this category. Here's the breakdown of what they offer:
100% Composite:
• Triton - Three piece, 100% composite bat with Louisville's stiff handle design. Louisville's has finally responded to Easton's multi-piece bat design with a three piece bat. But they claim this three piece bat is bonded into one piece? Does this make sense to you? Me neither. Louisville has to either admit multi-piece bats are worth it, or stick to a true one piece design. I've hit with the Triton and seen high school kids use it in games. I'm currently undecided on this bat and would recommend the Easton IMX to experienced players who want a high priced 100% composite bat.
• TPX Omaha Comp - One piece bat, the Omaha has been a quality bat for a long time. This 100% composite bat has the stiff handle and composite/fiberglass material. Maybe not the best composite material but, due to the lower cost, an excellent choice for younger players who want a 100% composite bat.
Hybrid (composite handle/aluminum barrel):
• H2 Hybrid - one piece, a 100% stiff composite handle with a 100% alloy barrel. The handle is actually stiffer than the Exogrid. Currently this bat is priced too high. For another $20 - $30 I can get the new 100% composite bats. That's a no brainer, take the 100% composite bat. On the flip side the H2 and Exogrid (see next category) are priced the same. This also makes no sense as it's a no brainer to take the H2 instead of the Exogrid at the same price.
100% Alloy:
• Exogid - One piece, 100% alloy bat with a stiff handle. I've been a big fan of the Exogrid over the last two years, but unless the price drops it's time to move on. I can't recommend spending about the same as the 100% composite bats on this model.
• TPX Omaha - One piece, 100% alloy with a stiff handle. It's a great choice for the younger player or those who are more fiscally responsible.
Again, Louisville needs to decide if they're going to jump into the the mult-piece bat market or not. If you're coming out with a three piece bat design, tell me its three pieces and why that makes sense. Don't tell me it's bonded to be a one piece bat. Also, Louisville needs to price their bats correctly. The Triton, H2 and Exogrid are all priced within $30 of each other. This makes absolutely no sense.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_V_Nelson
100% Composite:
• Triton - Three piece, 100% composite bat with Louisville's stiff handle design. Louisville's has finally responded to Easton's multi-piece bat design with a three piece bat. But they claim this three piece bat is bonded into one piece? Does this make sense to you? Me neither. Louisville has to either admit multi-piece bats are worth it, or stick to a true one piece design. I've hit with the Triton and seen high school kids use it in games. I'm currently undecided on this bat and would recommend the Easton IMX to experienced players who want a high priced 100% composite bat.
• TPX Omaha Comp - One piece bat, the Omaha has been a quality bat for a long time. This 100% composite bat has the stiff handle and composite/fiberglass material. Maybe not the best composite material but, due to the lower cost, an excellent choice for younger players who want a 100% composite bat.
Hybrid (composite handle/aluminum barrel):
• H2 Hybrid - one piece, a 100% stiff composite handle with a 100% alloy barrel. The handle is actually stiffer than the Exogrid. Currently this bat is priced too high. For another $20 - $30 I can get the new 100% composite bats. That's a no brainer, take the 100% composite bat. On the flip side the H2 and Exogrid (see next category) are priced the same. This also makes no sense as it's a no brainer to take the H2 instead of the Exogrid at the same price.
100% Alloy:
• Exogid - One piece, 100% alloy bat with a stiff handle. I've been a big fan of the Exogrid over the last two years, but unless the price drops it's time to move on. I can't recommend spending about the same as the 100% composite bats on this model.
• TPX Omaha - One piece, 100% alloy with a stiff handle. It's a great choice for the younger player or those who are more fiscally responsible.
Again, Louisville needs to decide if they're going to jump into the the mult-piece bat market or not. If you're coming out with a three piece bat design, tell me its three pieces and why that makes sense. Don't tell me it's bonded to be a one piece bat. Also, Louisville needs to price their bats correctly. The Triton, H2 and Exogrid are all priced within $30 of each other. This makes absolutely no sense.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_V_Nelson
Juice Your Bat and Achieve Immediate Results
Have you always been a person that generally adheres to the rules in life? If this is so then you are quite alone now, because just about everyone bends a rule from time to time and this of course includes your opponents when you are playing baseball or softball.
Play to Win
But hey! Its just a group of folks out to have some fun in the afternoons, so why would they cheat and used a juiced bat? The simple answer to that, is that there really are no more games in life and everything now is for keeps.
Beat them at their Own Game
This means that there are two ways to catch up with your opponents on the field. You can go spend untold amounts of money, endless hours at the batting cages and hope for results, or you can get your own juiced bat and beat them at their own game.
Home Juiced Bats
How can you beat them? The answer to that question is simple. They are most likely the kind of short sighted tightwad that has taken a bat and juiced it themselves. They simply stuck a barrel sanding device on a long drill extension and did their own half as surgery on their bat. It works but only about 50%.
Add Forty Feet to Your Hits
Sure it will have some effect but not nearly the same "hammer" power as a professionally juiced bat. A top quality, professionally, precision crafted juiced bat will easily add a full forty feet to your hits, which means good base hits now become home runs. So what makes a professional job so much better?
A Huge Difference
There are pros now that have bat juicing down to a science. They use specialized machinery to roll your bat and then shave the inside walls to even, exact specifications. The result is a bat that is on par with a finely crafted musical instrument and the results will be plainly obvious.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josephine_Maxten
Play to Win
But hey! Its just a group of folks out to have some fun in the afternoons, so why would they cheat and used a juiced bat? The simple answer to that, is that there really are no more games in life and everything now is for keeps.
Beat them at their Own Game
This means that there are two ways to catch up with your opponents on the field. You can go spend untold amounts of money, endless hours at the batting cages and hope for results, or you can get your own juiced bat and beat them at their own game.
Home Juiced Bats
How can you beat them? The answer to that question is simple. They are most likely the kind of short sighted tightwad that has taken a bat and juiced it themselves. They simply stuck a barrel sanding device on a long drill extension and did their own half as surgery on their bat. It works but only about 50%.
Add Forty Feet to Your Hits
Sure it will have some effect but not nearly the same "hammer" power as a professionally juiced bat. A top quality, professionally, precision crafted juiced bat will easily add a full forty feet to your hits, which means good base hits now become home runs. So what makes a professional job so much better?
A Huge Difference
There are pros now that have bat juicing down to a science. They use specialized machinery to roll your bat and then shave the inside walls to even, exact specifications. The result is a bat that is on par with a finely crafted musical instrument and the results will be plainly obvious.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josephine_Maxten
Composite Softball Bat Rolling - Is it Allowed?
As bats go, composite bats are relatively new on the market, considering wooden bats have been around for well over a hundred years. While there are a number of prohibited ways to juice baseball bats, with corking of wooden bats being one of the oldest, the fact is that not all of them are prohibited.
Not Banned
Bat rolling is one method of enhancing a baseball bats hitting ability and it is most commonly done to composite bats made from graphite fiber. In fact, it is virtually impossible to tell if a bat has been rolled or not, so banning composite bat rolling would be a moot point.
A Rigid Product
Composite bats are made from graphite fiber and polymer resin. It is an excellent manufacturing material combination and they are used to make a number items in every day use, including car and boat parts. However; for a bat, the finished product is slightly more rigid then is optimal for maximum distance on a hit ball.
Duplicates the Natural Seasoning Process
Bat rolling duplicates the natural seasoning process that takes place in a composite bat that has experienced heavy use. It is accomplished by repeatedly passing the bat between two rotating rubber wheels. The result is that the graphite fibers are stretched and the polymer bonds are loosened as well on the interior of the bat.
A Better Way to Go
Is there a benefit that bat rolling has over the standard seasoning process which is done by hitting 500-600 balls with a bat? You bet there is, because when a bat is rolled it is a far more controlled process that leaves the entire bats hitting area equally treated, which means no bad spots in the bat and far more predictability. Also, its a lot cheaper too when you consider the time and effort it takes to hit a ball so many times.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josephine_Maxten
Not Banned
Bat rolling is one method of enhancing a baseball bats hitting ability and it is most commonly done to composite bats made from graphite fiber. In fact, it is virtually impossible to tell if a bat has been rolled or not, so banning composite bat rolling would be a moot point.
A Rigid Product
Composite bats are made from graphite fiber and polymer resin. It is an excellent manufacturing material combination and they are used to make a number items in every day use, including car and boat parts. However; for a bat, the finished product is slightly more rigid then is optimal for maximum distance on a hit ball.
Duplicates the Natural Seasoning Process
Bat rolling duplicates the natural seasoning process that takes place in a composite bat that has experienced heavy use. It is accomplished by repeatedly passing the bat between two rotating rubber wheels. The result is that the graphite fibers are stretched and the polymer bonds are loosened as well on the interior of the bat.
A Better Way to Go
Is there a benefit that bat rolling has over the standard seasoning process which is done by hitting 500-600 balls with a bat? You bet there is, because when a bat is rolled it is a far more controlled process that leaves the entire bats hitting area equally treated, which means no bad spots in the bat and far more predictability. Also, its a lot cheaper too when you consider the time and effort it takes to hit a ball so many times.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josephine_Maxten
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Florida Marlins, The Team, The Player, and The World Series
The granting of the franchise for Florida took place on 1991, together with Colorado Rockies. When the Major League Baseball announced its intentions to add two more teams in the league, H. Wayne Huizenga made his interest known. It was not easy though because although talks indicated Florida as one of the locations, there were other contenders for the franchise coming from Tampa Bay and Florida. Thus the Florida Marlins was born.
They won their first game against the dodgers in its first ever game in the major league.
Jeff Conine
One of the players who made memorable career with the team is Jeff Conine. The team chose him during the expansion draft in 1993. He shared his career highlights with the Marlins. He had some of his best years in 1994 and 1995. He hit a career high in 1994. The year 1995 was a good year for him too. He made the All Star and won the Most Valuable Player award. His career continued to flourish for the following years.
He was part of other teams like the Kansas City Royals, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets, but he always found his way back to the Marlins. He had established a special bond with the team. He was even nicknamed Mr. Marlin.
Winning the World Series
Conine was present in the two World Series title won by the Marlins. The two Cinderella stories took place in 1997 and 2003.
In 1997, Manager Jim Leyland led the team to its first World Series.
However, this did not come easy. They earned the wild card. In the National League Divisions Series, they defeated the San Francisco Giants. After which, they beat the Atlanta Braves and won the National League Championship. This also gave the then new pitcher Livan Hernandez. He replaced Kevin Brown after encountering some virus problems. They advanced to the World Series and defeated the Cleveland Indians in game 7, winning their very first World Series.
In 2003, history is about to repeat itself. They had an off start. They even had the worst record in their franchise history. Jack McKeon managed the Florida Marlins this time. However, the team did not stay at the bottom. Jeff Conine was back. They also had two players from the Mudcats, Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera. Again, they earned the wild card.
They faced the Giants for the Division Series. After beating the giant, they set to defeat the Cubs for the Championship Series. Finally, one of the greatest upset in baseball took place when they snatched the World Series from the New York Yankees.
Although they won two World Series, the Marlins continue to struggle. They have to let go of most of their best players because of Economic issues. However, things are looking better for the Marlins today. They have a promising breed of talented players. Soon, they will have a baseball stadium of their own.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_Grantham
They won their first game against the dodgers in its first ever game in the major league.
Jeff Conine
One of the players who made memorable career with the team is Jeff Conine. The team chose him during the expansion draft in 1993. He shared his career highlights with the Marlins. He had some of his best years in 1994 and 1995. He hit a career high in 1994. The year 1995 was a good year for him too. He made the All Star and won the Most Valuable Player award. His career continued to flourish for the following years.
He was part of other teams like the Kansas City Royals, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets, but he always found his way back to the Marlins. He had established a special bond with the team. He was even nicknamed Mr. Marlin.
Winning the World Series
Conine was present in the two World Series title won by the Marlins. The two Cinderella stories took place in 1997 and 2003.
In 1997, Manager Jim Leyland led the team to its first World Series.
However, this did not come easy. They earned the wild card. In the National League Divisions Series, they defeated the San Francisco Giants. After which, they beat the Atlanta Braves and won the National League Championship. This also gave the then new pitcher Livan Hernandez. He replaced Kevin Brown after encountering some virus problems. They advanced to the World Series and defeated the Cleveland Indians in game 7, winning their very first World Series.
In 2003, history is about to repeat itself. They had an off start. They even had the worst record in their franchise history. Jack McKeon managed the Florida Marlins this time. However, the team did not stay at the bottom. Jeff Conine was back. They also had two players from the Mudcats, Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera. Again, they earned the wild card.
They faced the Giants for the Division Series. After beating the giant, they set to defeat the Cubs for the Championship Series. Finally, one of the greatest upset in baseball took place when they snatched the World Series from the New York Yankees.
Although they won two World Series, the Marlins continue to struggle. They have to let go of most of their best players because of Economic issues. However, things are looking better for the Marlins today. They have a promising breed of talented players. Soon, they will have a baseball stadium of their own.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_Grantham
Baseball and Ty Cobb
Many consider Tyrus Raymond Cobb, also known as Ty Cobb, as the best all around baseball player of all time. He was born on December 18, 1886 at Narrows, Georgia.
Before Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb owned baseball. He set various records for the Major League Baseball, many of which still stand up until this moment. He is the best player in the dead ball era. This is the period where baseball is not all about speeding pitches, powerhouse battings, and breathtaking home runs. This is the time when it was about a game of strategy. Where players keep an eye on the pitch, rely on their speed, and steal the base. These were the moves he mastered, which made Ty Cobb the most voted Hall of Famer in the 1936 inauguration.
His Career
Ty Cobb has one of the most touching stories of success. His father who was an educator and state senator did not approve of the path he plans to take. This is probably one of his drives to be a great baseball player. He played for Augusta Tourists and Royston Reds.
The Detroit Tigers bought him from the Tourists in 1905 after hearing some good reviews from sports journalist, Grantland Rice. He gave Cobb the name Georgia Peach.
The journey to becoming the best
He showed a lot of promise during his first season with Detroit. During his few years with the team, he did not hesitate to show what he could do. In his second year at the major league, he already ranked fifth in the league when he averaged .320. At a very young age, he was able to lead his team thrice to the AL pennant from 1907 to 1909.
He set the record for being the youngest to win the coveted batting championship. He held this record until 1955. One record he still holds up to the present is the career batting average. He also has the most batting titles.
He topped different the American League in various aspects. The Baseball Writers Association of America also voted him as the Most Valuable Player for the American League.
He was also an intelligent player. He studied his opponents and responded to their behavior accordingly. He was also one of the best base stealers in history. He even scored the winning run without the other team suspecting it in their game against the New York Yankees in 1911.
Although he led the Detroit Tigers in several AL pennants, he was never able to win the World Series while he was still with the team. It was mostly because baseball is a team sport and it needed more than his efforts to snatch a World Series.
His behavior
His abilities as a player are not the only attractions in his lifetime. Controversy surrounded his career as well. He had many instances of intense arguments and fistfights during his years.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_Grantham
Before Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb owned baseball. He set various records for the Major League Baseball, many of which still stand up until this moment. He is the best player in the dead ball era. This is the period where baseball is not all about speeding pitches, powerhouse battings, and breathtaking home runs. This is the time when it was about a game of strategy. Where players keep an eye on the pitch, rely on their speed, and steal the base. These were the moves he mastered, which made Ty Cobb the most voted Hall of Famer in the 1936 inauguration.
His Career
Ty Cobb has one of the most touching stories of success. His father who was an educator and state senator did not approve of the path he plans to take. This is probably one of his drives to be a great baseball player. He played for Augusta Tourists and Royston Reds.
The Detroit Tigers bought him from the Tourists in 1905 after hearing some good reviews from sports journalist, Grantland Rice. He gave Cobb the name Georgia Peach.
The journey to becoming the best
He showed a lot of promise during his first season with Detroit. During his few years with the team, he did not hesitate to show what he could do. In his second year at the major league, he already ranked fifth in the league when he averaged .320. At a very young age, he was able to lead his team thrice to the AL pennant from 1907 to 1909.
He set the record for being the youngest to win the coveted batting championship. He held this record until 1955. One record he still holds up to the present is the career batting average. He also has the most batting titles.
He topped different the American League in various aspects. The Baseball Writers Association of America also voted him as the Most Valuable Player for the American League.
He was also an intelligent player. He studied his opponents and responded to their behavior accordingly. He was also one of the best base stealers in history. He even scored the winning run without the other team suspecting it in their game against the New York Yankees in 1911.
Although he led the Detroit Tigers in several AL pennants, he was never able to win the World Series while he was still with the team. It was mostly because baseball is a team sport and it needed more than his efforts to snatch a World Series.
His behavior
His abilities as a player are not the only attractions in his lifetime. Controversy surrounded his career as well. He had many instances of intense arguments and fistfights during his years.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_Grantham
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