Coaching Management 13.12

Coaching Management VOL. XIII, NO. 12

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A B C A

C O N V E N T I O N ■ ■

1936-2005

HANK BURBRIDGE Lefty Gomez Award winner

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Clinic Schedule List of Exhibitors

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CONTENTS

Coaching Management Baseball Edition 2006 ABCA Convention Issue Vol. XIII, No. 12

Ed Cheff

Dean Bowyer

Phil Swimley

Tommy Thomas

Convention Preview

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The ABCA will welcome four new members to its Hall of Fame during the 2006 Convention: Dean Bowyer, Ed Cheff, Phil Swimley, and Tommy Thomas. Other honorees during the Convention will include Bob Wojick, Hank Burbridge, Terry Ryan, and Roland Hemond.

Clinic Schedule

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This year’s list of clinic speakers includes coaches Augie Garrido and Gene Stephenson as well as former major league player and coach Tom House.

Advertisers Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

More Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ABCA Registration Form . . . . . . . . . . . .

Web News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

42 48 50 52

On the cover: Hank Burbridge, who died in February 2005 after a long battle with cancer, will be honored as the 2006 Lefty Gomez Award winner during the ABCA Annual Convention. He and other award winners are profiled in our convention preview, which begins on page 2.

Photo courtesy of Spring Arbor University.

Publisher Mark Goldberg Marketing Director Sheryl Shaffer Marketing/Sales Assistant Danielle Catalano Art Director Pamela Crawford Photo Research Dina Stander, Signs of Life Studio

Editor-in-Chief Eleanor Frankel Associate Editor Dennis Read Assistant Editors R.J. Anderson Kenny Berkowitz Abigail Funk David Hill Greg Scholand Laura Smith

List of Exhibitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 See which companies are exhibiting in the convention hall.

Products on Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 A look at the items that suppliers will be displaying at their booths.

New Products Debuting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Check out some of the hot new items making their debut in Chicago.

Business Manager Pennie Small

Production Manager Kristin Ayers

Special Projects Dave Wohlhueter

Production Assistant Jonni Campbell

Administrative Assistant Sharon Barbell

Prepress Manager Adam Berenstain

Circulation Director Dave Dubin

Asst. Prepress Manager Jim Harper

Circulation Manager John Callaghan

IT Manager Mark Nye

Advertising Sales Associates Diedra Harkenrider, (607) 257-6970, ext. 24 Rob Schoffel, (607) 257-6970, ext. 21

Business and Editorial Offices 2488 N. Triphammer Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 257-6970, Fax (607) 257-7328 info@MomentumMedia.com

The Coaching Management Baseball edition is published in February, September, and December by MAG, Inc. and is distributed free to college and high school coaches in the United States and Canada. Copyright Š 2005 by MAG, Inc. All rights reserved. Text may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited materials will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Coaching Management is printed by Banta Publications Group, Kansas City, MO. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Coaching Management, P.O. Box 4806, Ithaca, N.Y. 14852.

Mailing lists for Coaching Management Baseball are provided by the Clell Wade Coaches Directory.

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

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2006 ABCA Preview

Annual Convention ABCA Comes to Chicago The Hyatt Regency Chicago is the host of the ABCA’s 61st annual convention, Jan. 5-8, 2006.

Second Vice-President Kent Shelley of Johnson County Community College and Third Vice-President Steve Smith of Baylor University have arranged a distinguished speaker lineup for the ABCA clinics beginning on Friday morning. This group of quality clinicians includes Augie Garrido, University of Texas; Danny Hall, Georgia Tech; Gene Stephenson, Wichita State; and former major league pitcher and coach Tom House.

In addition, more than 280 companies will display state-of-the-art equipment, including new coaching aids, apparel, and batting and pitching machines.

Many of these items are being displayed for the first time. Other highlights of the convention are the Hall of Fame/ Coach of the Year Banquet on Friday, Jan. 6, and the Honors Luncheon on Saturday, Jan. 7, where we recognize and honor individuals who have contributed significantly to the ABCA and to amateur baseball and have made our sport better.

Four Coaches Join ABCA Hall of Fame The ABCA will induct four coaches into its Hall of Fame during the annual Hall of Fame/Coach of the Year Banquet on Friday, Jan. 6.

The members of the Class of 2006 are Dean Bowyer, Minnesota State University, Mankato; Ed Cheff, Lewis-Clark State College; Phil Swimley, University of California, Davis; and Tommy Thomas, Valdosta State University. These coaches join 215 other amateur baseball greats in the ABCA Hall of Fame.

With more than 900 career coaching victories, a passel of conference titles, and numerous individual honors, Minnesota State University, Mankato baseball coach Dean Bowyer remains as exuberant and energetic as always.

As one of the most respected baseball men in the Midwest, Bowyer stands sixth on the NCAA Division II active

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

wins list with 948 victories and eighth on the all-time list. Under Bowyer, MSU baseball teams have played in NCAA post-season competition 18 out of 29 years and have won at least 30 games 19 times—a tremendous feat for a northern baseball program limited by the weather.

Bowyer coached basketball and football at Barnesville, Appleton, and Benson high schools in Minnesota. He also built a 74-51 record in four years as head coach at Minot State University before joining MSU in 1977. Bowyer received the NCC Coach of the Year award nine times during his career.

Three of his teams made it all the way to the NCAA Division II College World Series. In 1986, the Mavericks racked up a 35-15 record and finished fourth in Division II.

Ed Cheff is in his 30th year as the head baseball coach at Lewis-Clark State College and has led the Warriors to 13 NAIA national titles. From 1982 through 1992, Cheff’s Warriors played in 11 consecutive NAIA national championship games, winning eight of them. His NAIA record at LCSC is 1,454 wins and 390 losses, a winning percentage of .789. His peers as well as professional scouts consistently recognized Cheff’s LCSC teams as being well prepared and aggressive. More than 146 of his former players have gone on to play professionally and 14 have played in the big leagues.

Bowyer has always been able to find the best college talent in Minnesota and surrounding states and nurture it into championship caliber teams.

During Bowyer’s 29year tenure as MSU’s coach, the Mavericks captured a total of 19 league chamDean Bowyer pionships— three when MSU was in the Northern Intercollegiate Conference (NIC) and an incredible 16 in the North Central Conference. Bowyer’s success has not been limited to developing talented teams—he also develops the talent. In addition to two All-America selections and many all-region and all-conference picks, 44 Bowyer-coached players have signed professional contracts.

Bowyer received his B.S. degree in physical education and elementary education from Mayville State University in 1966. He was an all-conference and all-district football player at Mayville State, where he also played baseball and basketball. Bowyer received his induction into the Mayville State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984. He also played professionally in the Baltimore Orioles organization for three seasons.

Before receiving his Master’s degree from Mankato State University in 1971,

Coach Cheff has not only built successful collegiate baseball teams but has also worked to instill a sense of pride and a strong work ethic in each player that has come through his program.

The local community values the LCSC baseball program for its dedication to active involvement with local events, fundraisers, and a grade school mentoring program, which Cheff established.

Away from LCSC’s Harris Field, Cheff has spent several summers coaching Ed Cheff in the Alaska League with the Anchorage Bucs and Fairbanks Goldpanners. His Goldpanners won the National Baseball Congress Championship in 2002. In the summers of 1991 and 1994, he served as an assistant coach with the USA National Team.

continued on page 6

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2006 ABCA Preview After graduating from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Ore., Cheff began his career as a high school football coach and English teacher, later moving on to Lower Columbia Community College in Longview, Wash., where he coached baseball and was the school’s affirmative action officer. He became head coach at LCSC in 1977.

Phil Swimley has been synonymous with the University of California, Davis baseball program since 1966, during which time he has literally built a legacy for the Aggie program.

In 2002, Swimley’s last in an Aggie uniform, the season culminated with the Aggies advancing to the championship Phil Swimley game of the California Collegiate Athletic Association tournament, upsetting the nation’s number-one ranked team, Chico State University, along the way.

The 2002 version of the Aggies may have been Swimley’s most satisfying.

After getting off to a slow start, UC Davis hit its stride midway through the season and carried it into the CCAA tournament. In mid-April, the Aggies went on a nine-game winning streak and finished the season with 14 wins in its final 19 games. That squad produced two pitchers who made the first 16 rounds of the 2002 amateur draft.

Swimley, the 1995 West Region Coach of the Year, amassed a 902-832-15 (.516) record at UC Davis. Six times, he led his squads into the NCAA Division II West Regionals, advancing to the Division II World Series in 1995. He concluded his career as the ninth coach in NCAA Division II history to earn 900 career wins.

Swimley coached eight conference championship teams and won 561 league games. The Aggies have more than 800 wins with Swimley, despite playing a schedule that has included every major college baseball program in northern California.

In addition to his head coaching duties, Swimley has been a catalyst for the ongoing construction of the UC

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

Davis Community Stadium. He has spent countless hours in the planning, fundraising, and construction of the stadium. As a result, the Aggies’ home field is one of the finest collegiate baseball facilities in California.

Swimley has also been a strong teacher of the game, as 29 of his players have signed professional contracts. His record was equally impressive as a player.

While playing outfield and pitching for Stockton College, Swimley was instrumental in bringing the California Junior College State Championship to the school in his second year.

After transferring to the University of Washington, he earned All-Coast honors as a pitcher and hit over .420 to rank third in the nation in his senior year. In the summer, he played for the Cheyney Studs, which won the semipro national championship. Swimley further distinguished himself in the spring of 2001 as a selection to the UW All-Century baseball team.

Following college, Swimley played four years in the New York Yankees organization, advancing to the Class AA level as an outfielder. Unable to break into the major league lineup, Swimley accepted a coaching opportunity at San Joaquin Delta College.

After earning his master’s degree in physical education from California State University, Sacramento, Swimley came to UC Davis as an assistant football coach and head baseball coach in the fall of 1965. In 1977, Swimley spent a sabbatical year as an assistant coach at the University of Arizona, the defending NCAA champs that year.

Tommy Thomas begins his 39th season as Valdosta State University’s head baseball coach. His 38-year record is a most impressive 1,259-758, a .624 winning percentage. Only four times in those 38 years have the Blazers finished below .500.

In 1997, Tommy Thomas he became only the second NCAA Division II coach to win 1,000 games, and in 2003, he

became the all-time winningest coach in Division II history when he won his 1,199th game, surpassing the legendary John Scolinas of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Twenty-six of his 38 teams have reached postseason play, and eight teams, including the 1995 club, have made it to the national tournament, with the 1979 team winning the national championship. Thomas has been the recipient of numerous individual awards and honors, including ABCA National Coach of the Year in 1979.

Thomas has been very active on the national committee level, serving a fiveyear term, including the chairmanship of the All-America Committee and a seven-year term on the NCAA Baseball Committee. He has been a member of the ABCA Ranking Committee for the last six years.

Convention Schedule Thursday, January 5, 2006 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Registration 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

ABCA Committee Meetings

1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Exhibits Open

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Spouses Open Reception

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

International Coaches Reception and Meeting

6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

ABCA Divisional Meetings

Friday, January 6, 2006 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Registration

8:15 a.m. - 12:00 noon Clinics 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Exhibits

9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Spouses Breakfast 12:00 noon - 1:30 p.m. Clinics break for lunch 1:30 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.

Clinics

6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Hall of Fame/Coach of the Year Banquet

Saturday, January 7, 2006 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Registration 8:30 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. Clinics 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Exhibits

12:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Honors Luncheon 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

High School Breakout Session

2:00 p.m. - 5:20 p.m.

Clinics

Sunday, January 8, 2006 8:30 a.m. - 11:10 a.m. Clinics

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2006 ABCA Preview In 2004, the NAIA also recognized Burbridge as the National Coach of the Year and recipient of the Robert E. Smith Achievement Award, which honors those who have given of themselves in an unselfish manner to the promotion of NAIA baseball and have distinguished themselves in the sport.

Hank Burbridge Receives Lefty Gomez Award Hank Burbridge (1936-2005) served as the head baseball coach at Spring Arbor University for 40 years before retiring in 2004. During that time, the Cougars won numerous titles and took three trips to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics National Championship. In addition, they made 20 trips to the National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament, winning the title four times.

During the 2004 campaign, Burbridge gained his 1,000th victory, giving him a career record of 1,003 wins and 519 losses, which made him the 40th coach to reach the milestone in intercollegiate baseball.

Burbridge has been recognized by the ABCA on several occasions, including induction into the ABCA Hall of Fame in 2003 and recipient of the Century Club Award, recognizing 25 years of service. In addition, the NAIA named an award in his honor—the Hank Burbridge Champion of Character Award.

Among numerous honors Burbridge has collected, he has been named to five Halls of Fame. In addition to the ABCA Hall of Fame, he has been inducted into the Halls of Fame of Spring Arbor University, Greenville College, the NAIA, and the NCCAA.

Hank Burbridge

Burbridge’s talents have also been showcased for the global baseball community. In 1991, he was selected as head coach of the North squad during the Olympic trials in Homestead, Fla. Burbridge also served as head coach for the USA College All-Star Team which represented the United States in the Presidential Cup games in Seoul, South Korea, in 1992 and was head coach of the NAIA All-Star Team that went to the Czech Republic in the summer of 2000.

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2006 ABCA Convention Burbridge coached the American Samoan National Baseball Team, which claimed the Southern Division Championship of Oceania in 1999. Later that year, he led the American Samoan National Baseball team to a silver medal in the South Pacific Games and a silver medal in the Oceania Championship, both in Guam.

In 1996, he was chosen as a Technical Committee member for the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Ga., to oversee and administer the baseball competition. In 1995, he was chosen to represent USA Baseball and the International Baseball Association as a Technical Commission member, overseeing the Oceania Tournament in Lismore, Australia.

Burbridge served on the ABCA Executive Committee and the All-American Committee. As a member of the United States Baseball Board of Directors, he served on the Senior Team Prep Committee and the Ambassadors Committee. In addition, he was a member of the Interaction Committee, and chairman of the National Rating Com-

Chicago, January 5-8, 2006

mittee and Past President’s Nominating Committee. He was also the baseball chairman of the Midwest Region of the NCCAA. A past president of the NAIA Baseball Coaches Association, he also served as chairman of the National Tournament Committee, the All-American Committee, and the Hospitality Committee.

NCAA Division I: Augie Garrido, University of Texas NCAA Division II: Pete Meyer, Florida Southern College NCAA Division III: John Vodenlich, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater NAIA: Denney Crabaugh, Oklahoma City University NJCAA Division I: Harold Oetting, Jefferson College (Mo.) NJCAA Division II: Mike Cupples, Grand Rapids Community College NJCAA Division III: Rob Valli, Gloucester County College High School Division I: Jeff McClaskey, Northwest Rankin H.S., Brandon, Miss.

High School Division II: Kirk Bock, Harrison (Ark.) H.S. and Eric Kibler, Horizon H.S., Scottsdale, Ariz.

High School Division III: Rich Hofman, Westminster Academy, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

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Burbridge passed away on Feb. 18, 2005, after a long battle with cancer.

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Clinic Speakers & Topics (as of 10/17/05) Friday, January 6, 2006 8:30 a.m. – 9:10 a.m.

Augie Garrido, Head Coach, University of Texas

“Championship Baseball”

9:10 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Dr. Bruce Brown, Special Presenter , NAIA Champions of Character Initiative

“Life Lessons From Baseball”

10:00 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.

Dusty Rhodes, Head Coach, University of North Florida

“The Doubleheader Batting System”

10:40 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.

Rick Mathews, Bullpen Coach, Colorado Rockies

“Preparing the Bullpen to Finish”

11:20 a.m. – 12:00 noon Brian Shoop, Head Coach, Birmingham-Southern College

“Implementing Your Team Philosophy in Practice”

12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m.

Clinic Break

1:30 p.m. – 2:10 p.m.

Gary Gilmore, Head Coach, Coastal Carolina University

“Creating High Percentage Base Running”

2:10 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

John Mallee, Hitting Coordinator, Florida Marlins

“Teaching the Professional Swing—Pro Style”

2:50 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Danny Hall, Head Coach, Georgia Tech

“Winning With Infield Play”

3:30 p.m. – 4:10 p.m.

Denney Crabaugh, Head Coach, Oklahoma City University

“Why is it so Hard to Teach Pitching Mechanics?”

4:10 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.

Mark Verstegen, President, Athletes Performance

“Implement a Championship Speed & Power System”

Saturday, January 7, 2006 8:30 a.m. – 9:10 a.m.

Tom House, Co-Founder, National Pitching Association

“The Art and Science of Pitching”

9:10 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.

Gene Stephenson, Head Coach, Wichita State University

“Developing Winning People”

9:50 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Rick Rembielak, Head Coach, Wake Forest University

“Overlooked Areas of Infield Play…Taken for Granted”

10:30 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.

Mike Anderson, Head Coach, University of Nebraska

“Optimize Your Outfield Play”

11:10 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.

Mike Maack, Head Coach, Prestonwood Christian Academy

“Perfecting the Left-Hand Pickoff Move to First Base”

12:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Honors Luncheon

2:00 p.m. – 2:40 p.m.

Jim Lawler, Head Coach, University of Arkansas-Little Rock

“Pitching and Throwing Drills”

2:40 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.

Mike Dee, Head Coach, University of Illinois at Chicago

“Integrating the Short Game into Your Offensive Philosophy”

3:20 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Larry Giangrosso, Head Coach, University of AlabamaBirmingham

“Rundowns: A Different Approach”

4:00 p.m. – 4:40 p.m.

Rob McDonald, Head Coach, Murray State University

“Trouble-shooting for Catchers’ Coaches”

4:40 p.m. – 5:20 p.m.

Keith Madison, Retired Head Coach, University of Kentucky

“If I Could Do It All Over Again”

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

High School Coaches Breakout Session

2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Kenny Kendrena, Bishop Amant H.S., La Puerta, Cal.

“Coaching Pitchers in the 21st Century”

2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Phil Katz, Lin-Mar Schools, Robins, Iowa

“Practice Organization”

3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Tommy Pharr, Farragut H.S., Knoxville, Tenn.

“Gurus, Gadgets, and Good Sense in Pitching”

4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tom Gladney, Midway H.S., Waco, Texas

“High School Baseball Off-Season Program”

Sunday, January 8, 2006 8:30 a.m. – 9:10 a.m.

Dave Grant, Head Coach, Glendale Community College

“Directional Hitting and Throwing Drills”

9:10 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.

Brent Strom, Pitching Coordinator, Washington Nationals

“Pelvic Loading for Pitchers”

9:50 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Jan Hermans, Physiotherapist/Manual Therapist, Baseballclub DOOR Neptunus, Rotterdam

“How to Increase the Loading Capacity of the Connective Tissue in the Shoulder”

10:30 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.

Russ McNickle, Assistant Coach, Mississippi State University

“Dynamic Drills for Catching Excellence”

COACHING MANAGEMENT

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2006 ABCA Preview Honors Luncheon Each year, the Honors Luncheon is always one of the highlights at the convention. It gives us an opportunity to pay special tribute to some very special people. This year, we will once again have some prominent individuals receiving awards at the luncheon, Saturday, Jan. 7.

This year, Terry Ryan and Roland Hemond, two of the most respected executives in baseball, will be receiving Honor Awards. Ryan has been the Executive Vice-President and General Manager of the Minnesota Twins since 1994. Under his direction, the Twins won back-to-back-to-back American League Central Division titles in 2002, 2003, and 2004. For the 2002 and 2004 seasons, the Twins were named the Organization of the Year, and Ryan was selected as the Major League Executive of the Year.

Roland Hemond is Executive Advisor to the General Manager for the Chicago White Sox. Hemond, a three-time winner of the Major League Baseball’s

Executive of the Year Award, has been involved with professional baseball for 54 years. He served 23 seasons as General Manager for the White Sox and Baltimore Orioles and five seasons as Senior Executive Vice-President with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He has been in his present position since 2000.

Any ABCA member may nominate an individual for the Honor Award. The Nominating/Awards Committee then reviews the nominations and selects two or three to receive this award. Past recipients include former President George Bush, John Grisham, Dick Enberg, Sparky Anderson, Sandy Alderson, Tony Gwynn, Michael Josephson, Bruce Brown, Cal Ripken, Jr., and Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert.

Three other outstanding individuals will receive the ABCA Meritorious Service Award at the luncheon. They are: Dick Groch, Special Assistant to the General Manager for the Milwaukee Braves; Abe Key, CEO and President of PONY Baseball; and Betty Rulong, ABCA Assistant to the Executive Director.

The recipients of the award are selected by the ABCA Hall of Fame Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The award goes to individuals who have provided outstanding service to amateur baseball.

The Rawlings Sporting Goods Company is the official sponsor of the ABCA Honors Luncheon.

Wojick Named Assistant Coach of the Year For his 30 years of outstanding work as associate head coach at Eastern Connecticut State University, Bob Wojick has been named the ABCA/ Baseball America Assistant Coach of the Year. Wojick has been involved in almost every aspect of the program.

On the field, he works in the areas of outfield play, hitting, and base running. He is the third base coach and is also involved in recruiting.

Employed in the Hartford Public School System in the Work Readiness Program since 1971, Wojick has served in a parttime capacity throughout his tenure at

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12

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Circle No. 108

Innovative Baseball Products WIND WEIGHTED ® Baseball Tarps

BUNT ZONE InÀeld Protector TM

Tim Hill, Head Coach at Manatee Community College in Bradenton, FL, was the ¿rst to ever use Wind Weighted Baseball Tarps.

Mound and Base Covers that

STAY PUT in WIND WITHOUT STAKES OR SANDBAGS Steel chain in edge hem all around keeps wind from getting under, so they stay down even in high winds. Field proven to over 65 mph.

Bunt Zone Protector utilizes color-coded target areas to teach proper bunting and hitting placement by visualization.

BUNTING & HITTING TARGET TRAINING SYSTEM BUILT INTO A QUALITY TURF PROTECTOR

FEATURES • Industrial grade 14 oz. vinyl polyester fabric for durability • UV, mildew, and chlorine inhibitors added for long life • Virtually tear-proof, and repairable if spiked • Stock diameters: 12·, 18·, 20·, 26·, 30· • Squares: 6·, 8·, 10· • Custom sizes and colors • Patented and Patent-Pending

• RED is the “bad bunt” zone • GREENS are the “sacri¿ce bunt” zones • YELLOW is the “bunt-for-a-hit” target zone

Teams using Wind Weighted Tarps

Pros: Dodgers, Yankees, Mud Hens Colleges: Anderson, Cal-Berkeley, Charleston So., Jacksonville, Louisville, Mans¿eld, MI State, MN, Navy, NM, PA, Penn State, San Mateo, TN, VMI, WA, WA State High Schools: Azle (TX), Cary (NC), Chaska (MN), Chelsea (MI), Dublin Jerome (OH), Huntington (NY), Owasso (OK), Palatine (IL), Park City (UT), Prosper (TX), Saratoga (CA), Terryville (CT)

For hitting improvement, avoid RED for hit-and-run and pull-hitting situations. Use for up-the-middle hitting.

FEATURES • Industrial grade vinyl coated polyester mesh • Protected by UV & mildew inhibitors • Tolerant of spike trafÀc, virtually tear proof • Grommets and stakes included • Sizes: Large 20· deep x 24· x 64·, Medium 15· d x 24· x 54·, Little League/Softball 15· d x 18· x 48· • Multiple Patents Pending Coach Tholen says, “The Bunt Zone InÀeld Protector is an exciting baseball teaching aid that will help batters learn the lost art of bunting. Visualization is the key. We coaches tell batters where to bunt, but not everybody responds to verbal instruction.

With Bunt Zone Protectors, players can see exactly WHERE to bunt successfully. It gives immediate feedback with no coaching help needed. And best of all, it·s built into a tough mesh inÀeld turf protector that we can use everyday at practice. This is a permanent, always-on training system, not like the cones and other gadgets we·ve used occasionally.

The Bunt Zone InÀeld Protector can improve bunting skills at all levels of baseball.”

Optional Wind Weighted INSTALLER™ device lets two players cover a pitcher’s mound, home plate, or bull pen in less than 30 seconds.

Paul Pierce, HBB Coach at Collins Hill HS in Suwanee, GA, after his Àeld had a 65 mph storm that destroyed fences, signs, and windscreens: “Our Àeld was a mess. Then I noticed that our new Wind Weighted Baseball Tarp was still on the mound. Looking under, we found the covered part of the mound was untouched by the wind and rain.”

Why continue using stakes, sandbags, rocks, etc?

Wind Weighted Tarps save backs…and games.

Harry Tholen, Head Baseball Coach Santa Fe Community College, Gainesville, FL, President NJCAA Baseball Coaches Assn., NJCAA Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee, ABCA Director

Aer-Flo, Inc.

800-823-7356

www.aerflo.com

All trademarks noted are property of Aer-Flo, Inc. • All products made in the USA • © 2005: Aer-Flo, Inc.

Circle No. 109

ABCA Booth No. 736 & 738

we know your game.

No matter what level of ball you play, you need quality equipment. All-Star’s line-up of baseball and softball equipment is designed to give you the comfort and protection that you need on the field. Whether you’re a Pro or a Rookie let All-Star help with this year’s line of outstanding new products.

All-star is proud to be the official supplier of protective equipment to USA Baseball.

www.all-starsports.com

ABCA Booth No. 1508 & 1510

Circle No. 110

2006 ABCA Convention Eastern. Following a three-year playing career between 1969 and 1971 under Head Coach Bill Holowaty, Wojick was named sub-varsity coach in the fall of 1971 and was promoted to assistant varsity coach in the 1982 national championship season.

After the second of the program’s four national titles in 1990, Wojick retired from the staff to spend more time with Bob Wojick wife Sandy, daughter Kimberlee and son Brian. He returned to the program in time for the 1996 season and has been part of additional national championships in 1998 and 2002. Since 1973—when the program qualified for its first (NAIA) national tournament—Wojick has been a fixture on the third base coaching lines.

Chicago, January 5-8, 2006

In addition to winning four national championships with Wojick, Eastern has qualified for 22 NCAA Division III and four NAIA tournaments and has advanced to ten national tournaments. The program has enjoyed 22 seasons of at least 30 wins, including four 40-win campaigns. Eastern’s 29year record with Wojick on the coaching staff has been 960-340-3 for a .738 winning percentage.

For 30 years, Wojick has played an important role in every aspect of the program, from the improvements of Alumni Field—the former on-campus baseball facility—in the early 1970s with new infields, dugouts and fences and the installation of lights, to raising money for spring trips to Hawaii, California and Florida, to publishing the team’s yearly media guide and financing national championship rings.

In 1990, Coach Wojick’s game jersey was officially retired by ECSU during ceremonies at Old Alumni Field. He will receive the Assistant Coach of the Year Award at the Honors Luncheon on Saturday, Jan. 7.

Previous recipients of this outstanding honor were Dean Stotz, Stanford; Tim Corbin, Clemson; Brian O’Connor, Notre Dame; Jim Toman, South Carolina; Jim Lawler, Texas A&M; and Dave Serrano, Cal State Fullerton.

ABCA Sponsors • Baseball America • Diamond Sports • Easton Sports • ESPN The Magazine • Hillerich & Bradsby/ Louisville Slugger • Major League Baseball International • Rawlings Sporting Goods • Russell Athletic • Turface/Profile Products • Western Athletic Supply • Wilson Sporting Goods

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Circle No. 111

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ABCA Booth No. 704

Circle No. 112

ABCA Plaza 717 COACHING MANAGEMENT

15

2006 ABCA Preview

2006 Annual Convention List of Exhibitors The following companies are exhibiting at the ABCA Convention (as of October 31, 2005). Company names are followed by their booth numbers at the convention. A contact name is also provided. * Indicates new exhibitor Action Sports Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1316 4380 S.W. Macadam, Suite 540 Portland, OR 97239 (800) 346-8037 john.jackson@actionsportsmedia.com Game Ops Commander John Jackson

Accelerated Baseball Technologies, Inc. . . 1327 & 1329 217 Watson Street Ripon, WI 54971 (920) 748-6599 ABT@core.com Accelerated Baseball Technologies manufactures high-performance training equipment for all baseball and softball players, from youth to professional athletes.

Howard Hansen See ad on page 45

Adams USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1118 P.O. Box 489 Cookeville, TN 38503 (800) 251-6857 gary.montgomery@adamsusa.com Field equipment, helmets & accessories Gary Montgomery & John Bartlett

Adroit Technologies, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . 1404 3 N. Court Street, PMB #245 Crown Point, IN 46307 (219) 611-0195 jim@adroittech.com Instructional video tapes, baseball tees, video analysis software, and e-books John Mallee

Adscreen Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1606 8010 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE 68114-5332 (877) 393-5111 steve@adscreengroup.com Adscreen banners & field products Johnny Graves

*Advocare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TBD 1411 Crown Street Montgomery, IL 60538 (630) 978-3456 info@hittowin.com Health & nutrition Mark Swierbinski

Aer-Flo, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 736 & 738 4455 18th Street East Bradenton, FL 34203 (800) 823-7356 www.aerflo.com billh@aerflo.com Manufacturer of Wind-Weighted™ Baseball Tarps, Bunt Zone™ Infield Protectors, and Aer-Flo® Windscreens. Products are patented and/or patent-pending.

Bill Henning See ad on page 13

16

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Akadema, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1433 317 Midland Avenue Garfield, NJ 07026 (973) 772-7669 lawrence@akademapro.com Gloves, batting gloves, wood & aluminum bats Lawrence Gilligan

American Baseball Foundation . . . . . 1004 2660 10th Avenue South, Suite 620 Birmingham, AL 35205 (205) 558-4235 abf@asmi.org Educational programs David Osinski

Ampac Enterprises, Inc./ All-Star . . . . . . . . . . 1508 & 1510 P.O. Box 1356 Shirley, MA 01464 (800) 777-3810 jurga@all-starsports.com Baseball protective equipment & uniforms All-Star’s lineup of baseball and softball equipment is designed for comfort and protection on the field. All-Star knows your game.

Stan Jurga See ad on page 14

Anaconda Sports . . . . . . . . . 1302 & 1304 85 Katrine Lane Lake Katrine, NY 12449 (800) 327-0074 Kog@anacondasports.com Complete line of baseball equipment & apparel Eric Jacobson

*ARK Digital Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302 3000 Sabo Lane West Linn, OR 97068 (619) 726-2504 shawn@arkdigitalsystems.com Video coaching systems Shawn DeWitt

*Armstrong Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1210 P.O. Box 628171 Middleton, WI 53562 (608) 827-6502 best_armstrong@yahoo.com Baseball equipment Ken Lim

Athletes in Action Baseball . . . . . . . . 1301 651 Taylor Drive Xenia, OH 45385 (937) 352-1000 baseball@aia.com Summer collegiate teams Jason Lester

Athletic Training Equipment Co. (ATEC) . . . . . Bay 737 655 Spice Island Drive Sparks, NV 89431 (800) 755-5100 lleukhardt@atecsports.com Pitching machines, nets, balls & tees Larry Leukhardt

Baden Sports, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1428 34114 21st Avenue South Federal Way, WA 98003 (800) 544-2998 rustyt@badensports.com Baseballs & accessories Rusty Trudeau

Baseball America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901 201 W. Main Street, Suite 201 Durham, NC 27701 (800) 845-2726 leefolger@baseballamerica.com Publishing/Media Company Lee Folger

Baseball Express. . . . . . . . . . 1021 & 1023 1051 E. Nakoma San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 348-7000 joey.squilla@baseballexpress.com Catalog & team sales Joey Squilla

*BaseballSavings.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 1119 8851 E. 34th Street North Wichita, KS 67226 (888) 838-5551 gbarbour@baseballsavings.com Retail baseball sales Greg Barbour

BATCO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bay 723 111 Treeland Circle Syracuse, NY 13219 (877) 462-2826 bsitco@aol.com Batting cages & infield batting trainers Pete Birmingham

Beacon Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1218 2224 Pleasant View Road, Suite 6 Middleton, WI 53562 (800) 747-5985 www.beaconathletics.com jdownard@beaconathletics.com Beacon Athletics offers training, conditioning, and athletic field equipment to improve the performance of athletes and the fields they play on.

Benji Brye & Elizabeth Blum See ad on page 9

BetterBaseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 758 1050 Mt. Paran Road Atlanta, GA 30327 (800) 997-4233 glen@betterbaseball.com BetterBaseball is your baseball supply headquarters, offering custom nets, baseballs, softballs, pitching machines (including ATEC, JUGS, DATA, and Master Pitch), training aids, batting cages, screens, and more.

Glen Robinson See ad on page 39

*BlackSound Sports, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 1002 11234-B E. Caley Avenue Centennial, CO 80111 (303) 725-1840 daveb@blacksoundsports.com Virtual catcher Dave Bradshaw

NOW YOU KNOW WHY WE NAMED OUR NEWEST BAT “DYNASTY.” 7of the past 8 National Champions used Louisville Slugger TPX bats.

2005 COLLEGE WORLD SERIES

We know–the “D” word is not to be used lightly. But if anybody’s got a record in Omaha to back it up,it’s Louisville Slugger.

That’s why the names Dynasty™ and Omaha™ felt right at home on the barrels of our newest bats.

Texas recently used these two bats to take the national college championship, making it the seventh time in eight years that a Louisville Slugger team has won in Omaha. So try the latest Louisville Slugger Omaha™ and the aptly named Dynasty™ with ST+20 for yourself. And see why Louisville Slugger THE OFFICIAL BAT OF AMERICA’S PASTIME. is the clear choice of America’s champions. www.slugger.com

© 2005 Hillerich & Bradsby Co., Louisville, KY. All rights reserved.

2005 COLLEGE WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS

TM

Circle No. 113

ABCA Booth No. 1620

THE HOME OF SPORTSTURF MAGIC Circle No. 114

www.sportsturfmagic.com

2006 ABCA Convention BMI Sales Group, Inc./Zingbat . . 1043 7750 Archer Road Justice, IL 60458 (866) 946-4228 www.zingbat.com info@b-m-i-inc.com BMI Sales Group designs, produces, and sells the Zingbat bat-swing trainer. The Zingbat teaches the batter to stay “inside the ball.”

John G. Ciesar See ad on page 31

Boathouse Sports. . . . . . . . . . . 505 & 507 425 E. Hunting Park Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19124 (800) 875-1883 LFasenmyer@boathouse.com Custom team performance apparel Jim Beury & Sean Wilhelmi

BPHL Sports, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 11770 Haynes Bridge Road, Suite 205, PMB 429 Alpharetta, GA 30004 (888) 865-1736 BPHLSports@hotmail.com Ultimate pitcher’s & catcher’s plate Danny Pralgo

Brett Brothers Sports. . . . . . 1513 & 1515 E. 9514 Montgomery, Building #25 Spokane, WA 99206 (888) 882-8814 brettbats@aol.com Baseball bats, gloves, balls & accessories Joe Sample

Chicago, January 5-8, 2006 Brown & Co. Sports Portraits . . . . . . . 714 404 Stonehenge Circle Rockledge, FL 32955 (321) 617-9977 jjaabrown@cfl.rr.com Photos/portraits Joe Brown

BWP Bats, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1409 80 Womeldorf Lane Brookville, PA 15825 (814) 849-0089 sales@bwpbats.com Wooden bats Michael Gregory

BSN Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Plaza 943 1901 Diplomat Drive Farmers Branch, TX 75234 (800) 527-7510 dmorris@sportsupplygroup.com Athletic equipment Tom Rafferty

C & H Baseball, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1045 2215 60th Drive East Bradenton, FL 34203 (800) 248-5192 torrey@chbaseball.com Portable batting cages & field equipment Torrey Spears

*Bulls/Sox Training Academy . . . . . . . 310 6200 River Bend Drive Lisle, IL 60532 (630) 324-8221 CWilliamson@bullssoxacademy.com Youth baseball/fast pitch camps/leagues Charlie Williamson

Cages*Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1403 518 Fair Lane Nampa, ID 83686 (866) 475-9148 brdecloss@cagesplus.com Portable batting cage Robert DeCloss

Burbank Sport Nets . . . . . . . . . . . Bay 749 325 Pogy Place Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 (866) 349-0057 johnny@burbanksportnets.com Baseball netting & products Billy Burbank

Cendant Hotel Group . . . . . . . . . . . . 1211 8547 E. Arapahoe Road, Suite J-135 Greenwood Village, CO 80112 (303) 783-1490 erik.sabato@cendant.com Hotel accommodations Erik Sabato

Buster 400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402 2080 Creekwood Harrison, AR 72601 (870) 414-1400 pwilson@northark.edu Baseball bats Phil Wilson

SWING BATTER! (The Right Bat)

Take the guesswork out of batted ball performance.

The new SWING F/X™ software system analyzes batted ball performance based on measured data taken as part of a swing analysis.

The SWING F/X™ is an excellent tool to improve swing performance for baseball and softball players of all ages. It is a great addition to batting cage facilities, training centers, sporting goods stores, and for coaches, who want to maximize their team’s hitting prowess.

Sports FX Technologies, LLC 10 Willow St. • Derry, NH 03038 (603) 432.2035 • www.swingfx.com

Circle No. 115

ABCA Booth No. 1634

Circle No. 116

ABCA Booth No. 1504 & 1506 COACHING MANAGEMENT

19

2006 ABCA Preview Coastal Plain League . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1332

Challenger Industries . . . . . . . . . . . 808

4900 Waters Edge Drive, Suite 201 Raleigh, NC 27606 (919) 852-1960 erinc@coastalplain.com Summer collegiate wood bat league Pete Bock

P.O. Box 2727 Dalton, GA 30722 (800) 334-8873 www.challengerind.com dpressnell@challengerind.com Artificial turf for all your needs. Challenger has been manufacturing synthetic turf products for over 20 years, including turf mats, batting cages, and the entire field.

David White & Roger Harrison See ad on page 38

Cocoa Expo Sports Center. . . . . . . . . . 712 500 Friday Road Cocoa, FL 32926 (321) 639-3976 athleticdirector@cocoaexpo.com Camps & tournaments Jeff Biddle

Clell Wade Coaches Directory . . . . . . 1622 P.O. Box 177, Cassville, MO 65625 (877) 691-7746 karan@coachesdirectory.com Coaches directories & coaching books Karan Nickle

Collegiate Directories, Inc. . . . . . . . . 1434 P.O. Box 450640 Cleveland, OH 44145 (800) 426-2232 info@collegiatedirectories.com The National Directory of Collegiate Athletics Kevin Cleary

Coaches Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1233 P.O. Box 1828 Monterey, CA 93942 (888) 229-5745 info@coacheschoice.com Instructional books, videos & DVDs Dr. Jim Peterson

Collegiate Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . 728 & 730 13950 Senlac, #200 Dallas, TX 75234 (800) 881-6536 steve.easterling@colpac.com Baseball equipment & field maintenance Steve Easterling

Coaching Management . . . . . . . . 1117 2488 N. Triphammer Road Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 257-6970 www.athleticbid.com mg@momentummedia.com Coaching Management publishes three issues per year for every high school and college head baseball coach in the U.S. with targeted editorial, product information, and ads.

Mark Goldberg, Diedra Harkenrider, Rob Schoffel

Colorado Display Systems . . . . . . . . . . 601 1551 E. 11th Street Loveland, CO 80537 (800) 279-0111 tinaw@coloradotime.com Scoreboards & video displays Jim Weigel

For premium performance and a color that will set your field apart, choose from the Soilmaster Select Series by Pro’s Choice. Scientifically engineered to cope with daily maintenance challenges, Soilmaster Select gives your field a professional look and is the TRUE choice of groundskeepers around the league for building and maintaining winning ballfields. Now available in four distinct colors, Soilmaster Select uniform granules manage moisture and alleviate compaction to keep your fields playable. Pro’s Choice delivers a full line of sportsfield products for conditioning soil and infield mix, top dressing infields, quickly drying puddles and revitalizing turf.

Call for information and product samples

www.proschoice1.com

1.800.648.1166 ABCA Booth No. Bay 701

Circle No. 117

*Cooperstown Bat Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303 P.O. Box 415 Cooperstown, NY 13326 (888) 547-2415 finebats@cooperstownbat.com Custom award & gift bats for coaches & players Sharon Oberriter

Cosby, Gerry & Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 1618 3 Pennsylvania Plaza New York, NY 10001 (877) 563-6464 gcsmsg@cosbysports.com Travel/equipment bags & protective equipment Michael Cosby

Country Stone, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . 1330 8002 31st St. West Rock Island, IL 61264 (800) 762-5728 darink@countrystone.com Country Stone’s Redfield is a natural aggregate specifically mined to improve the aesthetics, manageability, and playability of infields and warning tracks for baseball and softball fields.

Darin Kain See ad on page 12

CoverSports USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713 5744 Woodland Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19143 (800) 445-6680 sales@coversports.com Field covers, windscreen & fence toppers Fred Hoge

Chicago, January 5-8, 2006 D-Bat, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1209 17440 Dallas Parkway, Suite #112 Dallas, TX 75075 (888) 398-3393 johnv@dbatinc.com Wood baseball bats Cade Griffis

Dartfish USA. . . 1049, 1051, 1053 & 1055 1301 Hightower Trail, Suite 111 Atlanta, GA 30350 (404) 685-9505 nicole.hill@dartfish.com Video analysis software Ron Imbriale

Decker Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1604 6912 N. 97th Circle Omaha, NE 68122 (800) 431-5128 loreng@deckersports.com Baseballs & training equipment Brian O’Brien

DeLong. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 & 105 821-5th Avenue Grinnell, IA 50112 (800) 733-5664 linda.pirkl@delong-sportswear.com Uniforms, jackets & caps Steve Schawbe

Diamond Pro (TXI) . . . . . . . . Plaza 717 1341 W. Mockingbird Lane Dallas, TX 75247 (800) 228-2987 www.diamondpro.com diamondpro@txi.com Professional groundkeeping products, infield conditioners, calcine clay, mound clay and bricks, marking dust, warning track, and infield mix.

Brad Garrison See ad on page 15

Diamond Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bay 809 11130 Warland Drive Cypress, CA 90630 (800) 366-2999 info@diamond-sports.com Baseballs, catcher’s gear, mitts & bags Andrea Gordon

DiGeronimo Aggregates/Game-On . 605 8900 Hemlock Road Independence, OH 44131 888-593-0395 www.hayditegame-on.com kmccabe@indexc.com Game-On sports field conditioners are produced by DiGeronimo Aggregates. Products include fields conditioners, top dressings, drying agents, and warning track blends.

Keith McCabe See ad on page 24

Circle No. 118

Dinger Bats, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1420 P.O. Box 88 Ridgway, IL 62979 (866) 9-DINGER kyledrone@dingerbats.com Wood bats, batting & fielding gloves Kyle Drone

Disney Wide World of Sports . . . . . . 1203 P.O. Box 470818 Celebration, FL 34747 (407) 938-3840 Scott.St.George@Disney.com High school & college baseball spring training Scott St. George

Dizzy Dean Baseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1326 P.O. Box 856 Hernando, MS 38632 (662) 429-4365 DPhil10513@aol.com Promote youth baseball & softball Bobby Dunn

Douglas Sports Nets & Equipment . . 1313 3441 S. 11th Avenue Eldridge, IA 52748 (800) 553-8907 sales@douglas-sports.com Sport nets & equipment Chris Rickerl

Dutch Baseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Perkinsbaan 15 Nieuwegein 3439 ND The Netherlands +31303073070 g.selderijk@knbsb.nl Promotion of Dutch Baseball Gijs Selderijk

ABCA Booth No. 706 COACHING MANAGEMENT

21

2006 ABCA Preview Dynamic Team Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . 1424 419 Boot Road Downingtown, PA 19335 (800) 437-6223 rich@dynamicteamsports.com Team uniforms Rich Nigro

Earth & Turf Products, LLC . . . . . 1634

Fair-Play Scoreboards . . . . . . . . . . . . 1216

1012 S. 131st Avenue Omaha, NE 68154 (877) 293-6275 contact@emasksales.com America’s only clear plastic face mask (batter’s helmets, baseball/softball) Mike Evans

1700 Delaware Avenue Des Moines, IA 50317 (800) 247-0265 sales@fair-play.com Scoreboards & electronic message displays Jeff Reeser

*Fango . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1207

ESPN The Magazine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1201

112 S. Railroad Avenue New Holland, PA 17557 (888) 693-2638 www.earthandturf.com johnb@mdsgroup.net Earth & Turf produces topdressers for the sports-turf industry. Its units are well-built products that work well and are affordable.

John A. Bentley See ad on page 19

Disney Sports & Recreation Clubhouse P.O. Box 10,000 Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 (407) 938-3423 Pete.Bryden@espn3.com Fundraising/Magazine Pete Bryden

12025 S.E. 60th Street, #D Bellevue, WA 98006 (206) 230-9011 goucher15@hotmail.com The No. 1 baseball retriever Steve Goucher

*FCA Baseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1335 8701 Leeds Road Kansas City, MO 64129 (800) 289-0909 baseball@fca.org FCA Grays Summer Collegiate Team Mike Lusardi

Eversan, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1303

Easton Sports, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . Plaza 743 7855 Haskell Avenue, Suite 200 Van Nuys, CA 91406 (800) 347-3901 lortiz@eastonsports.com Bats, gloves, bags, accessories, apparel & shoes Jim Darby

34 Main Street Whitesboro, NY 13492 (800) 383-6060 sales@eversan.com Scoreboards, timers & message signs Allan Roberts

*Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball . . . .412 Viale Tiziano 70 Roma, Italia 00196 (0039) 06-36858376 marketing@fibs.it Training center, player placement, merchandising Marco Landi

Extra Innings Franchise Co., LLC . . . . 1136

eBaseballClub.com. . . . . . . . . . 200 & 202 240 E. Ogden Avenue, Suite 102 Hinsdale, IL 60521 (866) 752-9337 info@ebaseballclub.com College recruiting tool for players Steve Arch

EMASK, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1402

264 S. Main Street Middleton, MA 01949 (978) 762-0448 jessp@extra-innings.net Baseball-related franchise opportunity Jesse Peterson

HomePlate

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FieldTurf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1235 8088 Montview Montreal, PQ, Canada H4P 2L7 (800) 724-2969 jsmollett@fieldturf.com Synthetic turf/sports surfacing Jonathan Huard

The Programmable Pitching Machine

THROW A DIFFERENT PITCH EVERY 7 SECONDS

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SPORTS TUTOR The Sports Machine Company

www.sportsmachines.com Sports Tutor, 3300 Winona Ave., Burbank, CA 91504

ABCA Booth Nos. 1521, 1523 & 1525

22

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Circle No. 119

Circle No. 120

2006 ABCA Preview Fisher Athletic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 722 P.O. Box 1985 Salisbury, NC 28145-1985 (800) 438-6028 piotr@fisherathletic.com Protective padding, windscreens & screens Peter Kalinowski

*Fitter International, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . 748 3050, 2600 Portland Street S.E. Calgary, AB, Canada T2G 4M6 (800) 348-8371 tradeshows@fitter1.com Fitness/rehabilitation Louis Stack

Florida Coast Spring Training . . . . . . 1405 20 Lynn Drive Andover, NJ 07821 (973) 691-0070 sportscamp@aol.com Spring training for college teams Vinny Carlesi

Gagliardi Insurance Services, Inc. . . . . 602 284 Digital Drive Morgan Hill, CA 95037 (800) 538-7061 tswei@gisins.com Insurance for sports D. C. Gagliardi

Game, The, LLC. . . . . . . . 1229 & 1231 P.O. Box 2516 Phenix City, AL 36868 (877) 840-4547 www.2thegame.com mariegilliland@kudzullc.com The Game custom-designs team caps, with embroidery available on both the front and back. Caps are available in 11 sizes, including five sizes in “stretch-fit.”

Troy Corbin See ad on Back Cover

Glover’s Scorebooks. . . . . . . 1120 & 1122

Francis L. Dean & Associates, Inc. . . . . . . . 1534 & 1535 307 W. 7th Street, Suite 1720 Fort Worth, TX 76102 (800) 375-0552 trwestbrook@fdean.com Sports insurance Tammy R. Westbrook

P.O. Box 355 Forestville, CA 95436 (707) 887-2812 Scorebooks & accessory items Tom Glover

*H & K Sports Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1121

Frank’s Sport Shop. . . . . . . . 1408 & 1410 430 E. Tremont Avenue Bronx, NY 10457 (718) 299-9628 All baseball equipment Ron Stein

P.O. Box 529 Egg Harbor, WI 54209 (866) 407-7687 mparent@dcwis.com Construction/renovation athletic fields Mike Parent

Head Down Trainers.com . . . . . . . . . 1511 1380 Wilmington Pike West Chester, PA 19382 (888) 422-2768 sthompson@ahaanet.com Sports training device Vince Russomagno

Hoosier Bat Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1400 P.O. Box 432 Valparaiso, IN 46384 (219) 531-1006 www.hoosierbat.com baseball@netnitco.net Quality is why the pros ask for Hoosier ash bats. Hoosier Bat’s WoodForce 2000 and fungo offer durability surpassed by none.

Dave Cook See ad on page 34

Human Kinetics Publishing . . . . . . . . . 708 P.O. Box 5076 1607 N. Market Street Champaign, IL 61825 (800) 747-4457 heatherc@hkusa.com Books, videos & software Ted Miller

Hunter Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 73 High Rock Road Sandy Hook, CT 06482 (203) 270-8529 lwightie@sbcglobal.net Irrigation equipment Lynda Wightman

Game-On

Sports Field Conditioners

Keep your field in top notch shape with 4 great products Game-On Game-On Red Game-Dry And Warning Track blend

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hayditegame-on.com 1-888-593-0395

Sports Field Conditioners

Distributorships Available ABCA Booth No. 605

24

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Circle No. 121

Chicago, January 5-8, 2006 IBC Baseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 761 & 762

*Iron Gloves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1205

P.O. Box 1052, Eagle Lake, FL 33839 (863) 559-4405 ibcnationals@aol.com Tournament showcases & event runner Chuck White

15863 N. Greenway Hayden Loop #117 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (800) 645-7394 coachdcirone@aol.com Dominick Cirone

*Impact Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1422

JC Video Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1406

4525 Pflaum Road Madison, WI 53718 (800) 644-4481 paulb@teamimpactsports.com NIKE & Impact Sports team apparel, footwear & equipment Kyle Simon

*JJMD, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1436

JUGS/JKP Sports, Inc.. . . . . . . . . Bay 1025

*Inland Tarp & Cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

19333 S.W. 118th Avenue Tualatin, OR 97062 (800) 547-6843 chrisg@jkpsports.com JUGS pitching machines, screens & radar Dave Candello

4172 N. Frontage Road East Moses Lake, WA 98837 (800) 346-7744 calvins@inlandtarp.com Field covers & tarps Calvin Stapleton

Just For Nets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1204

Inside Edge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1047

3922 W. Osborne Avenue Tampa, FL 33614 (888) 569-6387 leefisher1@juno.com Custom netting Alen Kozic

5049 Emerson Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55419 (800) 858-3343 insideedge@aol.com Hand-held pitch charting for coaching, scouting & reporting Jay Donchetz & Randy Istre

order now!

only

5995

$

plus $9.95 S&H

877-GO SWING www.quickswing.com www.quickswing.com

Circle No. 122

ABCA Booth No. 640

2800 E. 11th Street Los Angeles, CA 90023 (800) 225-4401 mdpcap@msn.com Athletic headwear Mike Pilcher

Lee County Sports Authority. . . . . . . . 315

614 Pine Street Sugar Grove, IL 60554-9342 (630) 466-4310 jd_pyle@sbcglobal.net Instructional fielding glove Mike Pyle

5500-34th Street West Bradenton, FL 34240 (941) 727-0303 tpluto@gte.net Camps & team programs Tom Pluto

1712 Magnavox Way Fort Wayne, IN 46804 (800) 426-2889 stacie_richardson@kandkinsurance.com Youth sports camps insurance Stacie Richardson

Kennedy Athletic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 603

14881 S. Heritage Crest Way Bluffdale, UT 84065 (801) 816-1611 jared@jcvideo.com Motion analysis software/hardware Mark Connell

IMG Baseball Academy . . . . . . . . . . . 1033

K & K Insurance Group, Inc. . . . . . . . 1220

2305 Broadway Fort Myers, FL 33901 (866) 897-2002 keenancj@leegov.com Destination Gary Ewen

Lifelong Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1519 3200 S. Country Club Road Melbourne, FL 32901 (877) 543-5664 liljude@cfl.rr.com Training equipment Larry Thompson

Louisiana Sports Nets . 1521, 1523 & 1525 4013 Cameron Street Lafayette, LA 70506 (800) 626-6552 Nets, pitching machines & supplies Billy Carlton

• Increase bat speed • Improve hand-eye coordination • Develop a compact swing

2006 ABCA Preview Louisville Slugger . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1620 800 W. Main Street Louisville, KY 40202 (800) 282-2287 www.slugger.com Kevin.Uhrhan@slugger.com Since 1884, when John A. “Bud� Hillerich hand-turned a white ash bat for Pete “The Gladiator� Browning, the finest hitter of the day, the name Louisville Slugger has been synonymous with the game’s greatest players and teams.

Kevin Uhrhan See ad on page 17

M & S Technologies, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . 857 5557 W. Howard Street Skokie, IL 60077 (877) 225-6101 jmarino@mstec.com Vision testing systems Joe Marino

Markwort Sporting Goods 1503 & 1505 1101 Research Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63132-1711 (800) 669-6626 www.markwort.com sales@markwort.com Markwort Sporting Goods is a distributor/ manufacturer of baseball equipment, including baseballs, gloves and mitts, protective equipment, batter’s gloves, uniforms, socks, laces, glove oil, and training accessories.

Herb Markwort See ad on page 30

M.A.S.A., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 706 1413 S. Meridian Road Jasper, IN 47546 (800) 264-4519 www.masa.com ggoodness@masa.com M.A.S.A. distributes a full-color 96-page sporting goods and field maintenance catalog. The company carries a wide assortment of baseball, softball, soccer, and football equipment at discounted prices.

Grayson Goodness See ad on page 21

Master Pitching Machine, Inc.. . . . . . 1200 & 1202 4200 N.E. Birmingham Road Kansas City, MO 64117 (800) 878-8228 www.masterpitch.com joeg@masterpitch.com Master Pitching Machine is the manufacturer and direct supplier of the Iron Mike armstyle pitching machine, batting cage nets and frames, “L� screens, protective screens, and related items.

Patrick Corley See ad on page 40

McDavid USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401 10305 Argonne Drive Woodridge, IL 60517 (800) 237-8254 ddoezie@earthlink.net Performance clothing & protective braces, etc.

Harry Brown

Memphis Net & Twine. . . . . . . . . . . . . 405 P.O. Box 80331 Memphis, TN 38108 (800) 238-6380 acarruthers@memphisnet.net Batting cages, backstops & pitching machines Albert Carruthers

Midwest Baseball Academy, Inc. . . . . 1300 10423 Worthington Lane Prospect, KY 40059 (800) 669-6323 sites@midwestbaseballacademy.com Baseball academy franchise Joe Marker

Miken Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 927 & 1026 415 E. South Street Caledonia, MN 55921 (877) 807-5291 jhenderson@mikensports.com All-composite bat Mike Rommes

Miller Net Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1217 P.O. Box 18787 Memphis, TN 38181 (800) 423-6603 miller@millernets.com Sports nets & equipment Harold Miller

Mizuno USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Plaza 1129 4925 Avalon Ridge Parkway Norcross, GA 30071 (800) 966-1234 cindyp@mizunousa.com Sporting goods Jim Glueckert

# $ %

&

!""! # $ % %

& % ! " $ # ' ( # ! "

!

"

$ %&'(% & $ $)%&'*%+ *+ , - ./ 01 222 / 01 Circle No. 123

26

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Training Aids That Get Results Used by the top collegiate programs nationwide

Swift Stik training bat Grand Slam Pitching Machine See-Ball Trainer Zip Trainer Quickswing Swing Buster Training Videos/DVDs

Showals Speciable!

Avail

Endorsed By: Mike Epstein

Rod Delmonico

Ralph Weekly

Professional Hitting Instructor Former MLB速 Player

Head Baseball Coach University of Tennessee 2005 World Series

Co-Head Fastpitch Coach University of Tennessee 2005 World Series 2-time Olympic Gold Medal Winner

www.mikeepsteinhitting.com

Visit Us at the ABCA Show Booth # 638 & 640 Contact your local team dealer or call 1-877-845-7845 www.SWIFTSTIK.com I www.AGRANDSLAM.com Circle No. 124

2006 ABCA Preview Moltan Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1222

*New Balance Athletic Shoes, Inc. .Bay 851

More Than ERA . . . . . . . . . . 1413 & 1512 11038 Hildreth Court Camarillo, CA 93012 (805) 491-3379 mayday@morethanera.com Pitching charts & pitching stats software Larry May

Brighton Landing, 20 Guest Street Boston, MA 02135 (617) 746-2241 tracy.shub@newbalance.com Baseball cleats-team sports Larry Brady

New England Collegiate Baseball League . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1320

National Baseball Congress . . . . . . . . 1426 P.O. Box 1420 Wichita, KS 67201-1420 (316) 267-3372 j_robertson@wichitawranglers.com Team, league, tournament affiliation, NBC World Series Eric Edelstein & Josh Robertson

515 Hawthorne Lane Windsor, CT 06095 (401) 849-4982 gm@newportgulls.com Collegiate summer league Chuck Paiva

NIKE, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bay 817 One Bowerman Drive JR-3 Beaverton, OR 97005 (503) 671-2973; (800) 344-6453 Athletic apparel, footwear & accessories Keith Conrad & Kelly Wylie

National Batting Cages, Inc. . . . . . . . 1213 P.O. Box 250 Forest Grove, OR 97116-0250 (800) 547-8800 sales@nationalbattingcages.com Batting cages, screens & tunnel nets Fred I. Schmidtke

National Pitching Association . . . . . . 1509 P.O. Box 2350 Del Mar, CA 92014 (866) 977-4824 ryansienko@nationalpitching.com Pitching instruction Tom House

7125 Riverdale Bend Road Memphis, TN 38125 (800) 264-5826 www.moltan.com jmartin.dirt@mindspring.com Red Diamond Conditioners are professionally sized and manage moisture, reduce compaction, promote healthier root zones in turf, and enhances field appearances and performance of any skinned infield surface.

Jeff Martin See ad on page 28

Nocona Athletic Goods . . . . . . . . . . . 1632 P.O. Box 329 Nocona, TX 76255 (800) 433-0957 rob@nokona.com Baseball gloves & equipment Gary Netolicky

Northwoods League . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300 2900 4th Street S.W. Rochester, MN 55902 (507) 536-4579 lindau@northwoodsleague.com Summer collegiate baseball league Dick Radatz, Jr. & Rick Lindau

Nylon Net Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 864 P.O. Box 592 Memphis, TN 38101 (800) 238-7529 glendak@nylonnet.com Sports nets & equipment Stephen Christides

Oakley, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500 & 502 One Icon Foothill Ranch, CA 92675 (800) 733-6255 janets@oakley.com Eyewear Janet Schnitzler

OakWood Sports, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 613 1026 Clark Road Lansing, MI 48917 (517) 321-6852 oakwoodsports@aol.com Wooden sports lockers John Morrell

Old Hickory Bat Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 1219 1735 Highway 31W Goodlettsville, TN 37072 (866) PRO-BATS Maple/ash baseball bats, fungos, training bats & accessories Travis Copley

The New Standard in Natural Infield Conditioners!

RED DIAMOND CONDITIONERS •¬Promotes Safety •¬Professionally Sized Conditioners •¬Provides Superior Moisture Management •¬Enhances Surface Coloration •¬Assist in Proper Field Drainage • Reduces Rain Delays and Eliminates Rainouts • 100% Natural Earth Product.

A Quantum Leap to a Superior Athletic Field ABCA Booth No. 1222

Toll Free (800) 264-5826 • www.moltan.com

Circle No. 125

Chicago, January 5-8, 2006 On Deck Sports . . . . . .1123 & Plaza 1125 P.O. Box 522, Winthrop, MA 02152 (877) 227-4824 JTMurph15@aol.com Baseball mounds & equipment Joe Murphy

Onletterhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 7130 Spring Meadows West Holland, OH 43528 (866) 665-3887 tmartin@onletterhead.com bfindley@onletterheadusa.com Branded e-mail Bill Findley

*One Call Now . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 756 623 S. Clay Street Troy, OH 45373 (877) 698-3262 leib.lurie@onecallnow.com Telephone message notification Leib Lurie

Osborne Innovative Products . . Bay 1425 2221-2nd Street Enumclaw, WA 98022 (800) 325-7238 sales@swingaway.com Protective screens, training equipment & field maintenance Mark Zender

Peak Performance Foods, LLC . . . . . . 1318 996 Wilkinson Trace, Suite B-3 Bowling Green, KY 42103 (270) 842-4775 ssnodgrass@probites.com Protein snacks Dr. Steve Snodgrass

Perform Better . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 710 P.O. Box 8090, 11 Amflex Drive Cranston, RI 02920 (800) 942-9363 john.brock@performbetter.com Functional training products John Brock

*Phiten USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 8563 154th Avenue N.E. Redmond, WA 98052 (866) 774-4836 shiro-nitta@phiten.co.jp Titanium-based health products Shiro Nitta

Pickle-Ball, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1004 4700 9th Avenue N.W. Seattle, WA 98107 (800) 377-9915 info@pickleball.com Poly baseballs Doug Smith

PIK Products Corporation . 638 & 640 P.O. Box 2108 Norwalk, CT 06852 (877) 845-7845 www.swiftstik.com sales@swiftstik.com PIK Products is a baseball-training aid company with products available at a reasonable price that are proven to get results at every level.

Louis Seeley See ad on page 27

Circle No. 126

Pinnacle Sports Equipment/ BamBooBat Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1412 3555 Victory Boulevard Staten Island, NY 10314 (718) 698-0775 tverrengia@bamboobat.com Baseball bats Thomas M. Verrengia

Pitch Count, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1322 3824 Dade Drive Annandale, VA 22003 (703) 256-4929 j.wilkins@cox.net Baseball pitch counter Dave Tinsley

Pitching Central . . . . . . . . . . 1500 & 1502 303 Wells Fargo Drive #7 Houston, TX 77090 (281) 587-8754 info@pitchingcentral.com Baseball pitching training programs Ron Wolforth

Pittsburgh Souvenir & Novelty Co.. . . 903 6628 E. Montreal Place Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (480) 922-1070 Apparel Mike Rossman

*Playball Technology Corporation . . 1324 4446 Anderson Drive Beaverton, MI 48612 (989) 435-3127 cphansen@playballweb.com Helic™ Batting System Chad Hansen

ABCA Booth No. 706 COACHING MANAGEMENT

29

2006 ABCA Preview Portolite Products, Inc. . . . . . . . . Bay 723 2950 Nelson Road Delano, MN 55328 (800) 315-8115 portolite@citlink.net Portable pitching mounds Michael Hoppe

Pro-Ice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1401 22612 Mojave Lane Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (800) 581-8202 proicetherapy@proicetherapy.com Cold therapy products Tom Nolan

Power Systems, Inc. . . . . 1206 & 1208 P.O. Box 31709 Knoxville, TN 37930 (800) 321-6975 www.power-systems.com jbales@power-systems.com For 20 years, Power Systems has been providing coaches and athletes with the most current and effective training products and programs for sports conditioning, including strength training, speed development, plyometrics, and agility training. Visit Power Systems online, or call toll-free.

The Powers Manufacturing Co.. . . . . 1336 P.O. Box 2157 Waterloo, IA 50704 (319) 233-6118 scottklieman@powersathletic.com Custom uniforms Scott Klieman

Pro-Line Cap Co. . . . . . . . . . . . 716 & 718 1332 N. Main Street Fort Worth, TX 76106-9117 (800) 227-2456 charris@prolinecap.com Baseball caps Charlie Harris

Pro Look Sports . . . . . . . . . . 1306 & 1308 37 E. Center Street, Suite 304 Provo, UT 84606 (800) PRO-LOOK nikki@prolooksports.com Team sports apparel Troy Blanchard

Pro Nine Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . 709 & 711

Prep Illustrated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1221 P.O. Box 191 Eagle Grove, IA 50533 (800) 505-4456 prep@wmtel.net Sports magazine Kay Derscheid

P.O. Box 1765 Los Alamitos, CA 90720 (714) 892-0809 www.pronine.com Baseballs, bags & catcher’s gear Frank Hardy

ProBatter Sports, LLC . . . . . 1319 & 1321 15 Old Gate Lane Milford, CT 06460 (203) 874-2500 mquinn@probatter.com Video pitching machine Jim Cummings

ProCut Hitting System/TIPM, Inc.. . . 1517 1509 Lyford Road Rockford, IL 61107 (888) 477-6288 tim@procut.com Hitting system Tim Nolan

*ProGrass, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 960 Penn Avenue, Suite 810 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (866) 270-6003 tdewolfe@sbcglobal.net Synthetic turf for athletics Bobby Thomas

Promats, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1411 P.O. Box 508 Fort Collins, CO 80522 (800) 678-6287 eileen@promats.com Field wall padding Mark Callihan

ProMounds, Inc.. . . . . .1123 & Plaza 1125 P.O. Box 522 Winthrop, MA 02152 (877) 227-4824 JTMurph15@aol.com Baseball mounds & equipment Joe Murphy

Proper Pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 833 & 932 3209 Air Park Road Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (800) 336-7503 mbeck@properpitchmounds.com Pitching mounds & turf products Mike Beck

reSportCard puts your fans in the TM

game and revenue in your pocket. reSport CardTM, an on-demand sports publication is the fundraising media-guide that engages your entire community.

ISSUE DATE

Put your team out

front every week. . team scores

rs, your The crowd roa

ts all of your spor reSport Card for ding including cheerlea

–

D UP E ROUNRECO WEEK THONRE RDS STATISTICS • TEAM PLAYERS • SEAS CH INTERVIEW NEXT GAME • COA

WEEK PLAYER PLAYER OF THE

The reSport Card is a highquality, full-color booklet that is published when you need it, with fresh info on any of your teams. You provide us with data and just two days later we ship a custom booklet packed with player and team stats, photos, revenue-generating advertising and more.

The reSport Card can be sold anytime. At $.79 per copy* it can deliver 100%+ profit margin, putting you far ahead of ordinary fundraisers.

Contact eNarratives at 419- 621- 2139 or sales@e-narratives.com to get the details. Or visit www.e-narratives.com/ reSportCard.htm. *plus S&H when used with the SportsWriter service.

reSportCard by eNarratives, LLC 419- 621- 2139 www.e-narratives.com

Circle No. 127

30

COACHING MANAGEMENT

ABCA Booth No. 1503 & 1505

Circle No. 128

Chicago, January 5-8, 2006 Pro’s Choice Sportsfield Products . . . . Bay 701 410 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 400 Chicago, IL 60611 (800) 648-1166 www.proschoice1.com Pro’s Choice® delivers a full line of sportsfield products, including conditioning soil and infield mixes for top-dressing infields, quickly drying puddles, and revitalizing turf.

Dave Cygan See ad on page 20

PUMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bay 1417 5 Lyberty Way Westford, MA 01886 (800) 782-7862 john.rabbito@puma.com Baseball footwear Matt Lancor

*Quickswing, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 640 2990 Lexington Ave. South St. Paul, MN 55121 877-467-9464 www.quickswing.com jim@quickswing.com Manufacturer of the Quickswing Batting Aid and various other baseball training aids designed to improve your game. Endorsed

by Hall-of-Fame inductee Paul Molitor and proven by Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer.

Jim Mauer See ad on page 25

Rawlings Sporting Goods . . . . . . Bay 917 1859 Bowles Avenue Fenton, MO 63026 (800) RAWLING mkraemer@rawlings.com Baseball equipment & clothing Mike Thompson

3404 Steeplechase Trail Arlington, TX 76016 (817) 446-4854 dhosteller@riddellsales.com Baseball equipment Dave Hosteller

Reebok International, Ltd . . 1628 & 1630 1895 J.W. Foster Boulevard Canton, MA 02021 (781) 401-7348 steve.mcbride@reebok.com Footwear & apparel Kevin Adams

RightViewPro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 854 & 856 27 Middleridge Lane South Rolling Hills, CA 90274 (310) 377-9221 don@rightviewpro.com Batting/pitching analysis software Don Slaught

Reef Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1012 9209 Almeda Genoa Road Houston, TX 77075 (800) 231-6074 ri@reefindustries.com Reinforced sheeting manufactured into mound & field covers Mark Young

*Reist Industries . . . . . . . . . . 1636 & 1638 100 Union Street Elmira, ON, Canada N3E 2Z2 (519) 669-1501 Infield groomers & seeders Ken Vander Voet

*Regent Sports Corp. 764, 765, 766 & 768 45 Ranick Road Hauppauge, NY 11788 (800) 645-5190 jsomers@regent-halex.com Baseball equipment Robert Narvaez

Riddell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1323 & 1325

Ringor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1612 & 1614 7929 S.W. Burns Way Wilsonville, OR 97070 (800) 746-4670 rgarrett@ringor.com Shoes, clothing & bags Ryan Garrett

Ripken Baseball . . . . . . . . . . . . 911 & 913 1427 Clarkview Road, Suite 100 Baltimore, MD 21209 (800) 486-0850 kfenzel@ripkenbaseball.com Youth baseball camps Rob Weinhold

Rixstine Recognition . . . . . . 1236 & 1334 2350 ‘O’ Street Lincoln, NE 68510 (800) 347-3810 tim@rixstinetrophy.com Trophies, awards, gifts, novelties & promotional items Tim Hoffman

Visit us at the ABCA Booth # 1043

Look who·s using the

Homerun Derby

Kevin Koziol

12 Year Old Division 2004 Cooperstown, New York

Circle No. 129

Circle No. 130 COACHING MANAGEMENT

31

2006 ABCA Preview *RockSports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403 1609 Chisholm Trail, Suite 400 Round Rock, TX 78681 (800) 324-5152 johnnyfloyd@rocksports.net Custom printed T-shirts John Payton

Rotor Twin Swing Trainer 1503 & 1505 1101 Research Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63132-1711 (800) 669-6626 sales@markwort.com Baseball swing trainer Herb Markwort

Russell Athletic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bay 801 33330 Cumberland Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30339 (800) 800-5534 trammelllynda@russellcorp.com Athletic apparel Larry Linenberger

S & L The Original Practice Glove . . . 1212 1215 S. Union Tacoma, WA 98405 (800) 231-2611 Fielding tool Jim Lavick

Schutt Sports . . 1305, 1307, 1309 & 1311 P.O. Box 426, 1200 E. Union Litchfield, IL 62056 (800) 426-9784 www.schuttsports.com alink@schutt-sports.com Schutt Sports markets innovative, quality, protective, and field equipment for baseball/ softball. It also offers collectable helmets and bases to promote fan enjoyment.

Larry Brushett See ad on Inside Back Cover

ScorePAD Sports, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1038 5240-Q Panola Industrial Boulevard Decatur, GA 30035 (678) 270-4001 djjoseph@scorepad.com Baseball scoring software Douglas N. Hines

Seating Services Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . 1328 P.O. Box 4 Angola, NY 14006 (716) 549-9003 www.seatingservices.com dccooke@seatingservices.com Manufacturers of quality blow-molded, gravity-tip, and low maintenance stadium chairs.

Add your VIP section today.

Diane Cotroneo Cooke See ad on page 33

Slow The Game Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600 1100 S. Coast Highway #203 Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (866) 627-5400 Ryan@SlowTheGameDown.com Visual training Dr. Bill Harrison

SlugMaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 511 17717 Hwy. 7 Minnetonka, MN 55345 (952) 836-5612 www.slugmaster.com mike@slugmaster.com SlugMaster manufactures the Hitting Station, one of the most effective, versatile baseball hitting devices on the market for indoor and outside use.

See ad on page 45

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

*Solo Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 752 & 754 11985 Bernardo Plaza Drive San Diego, CA 92128 (800) 875-3355 info@solohitter.com SoloHitter baseball hitting training aid Ken Cook

Sound & Video Creations, Inc. . . . . . . 400 2820 Azalea Place Nashville, TN 37204 (888) 824-5722 bjames@clickeffects.com Audio & video server systems for stadiums Eric Pangborn

Source One Sports . . . . . . . . . . 501 & 503 1756 Lakeshore Drive Muskegon, MI 49441 (800) 898-3022 corey@sourceonesports.com Sponsorship signage Corey Leonard

South Padre Island Nets, Inc.. . . . 1317 2001 Amistad Drive San Benito, TX 78586 (866) 243-6387 www.spinets.net spinets@spinets.net SPI Nets manufactures among the highest quality sports netting in the industry, including batting cages, protective screens, custom backstops and other barrier nets, at excellent prices with speedy delivery.

Joe Rodriguez See ad on page 33

Southern Athletic Fields. 1223 & 1225 1309 Mainsail Drive Columbia, TN 38401 (800) 837-8062 www.mulemix.com saf@mulemix.com SAF specializes in infield mixes, mound clay, warning track, field conditioners, field accessories, and drying agents.

Bill Marbet See ad on page 52

Southwest Host Services . . . . . . . . . . . 732 P.O. Box 13808, Scottsdale, AZ 85267 (480) 481-9852 southwesthost@att.net Team hotel accommodations Linda Hitchins

*SPARQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 750 411 N.W. 13th Street Portland, OR 97209 (971) 222-1300 ken@sparqtraining.com Training equipment

Speedline Athletic Wear . . . 1036 & 1037 1804 N. Habana Tampa, FL 33607 (813) 876-1375 dave@speedlineathletic.com Custom team uniforms Dave Aubuchon

*Spencer Medical, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 763 30245 Tomas Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 (877) 348-6692 michelle@spencermedical.com Body fat analyzer Craig Adams

Sportdecals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1416 P.O. Box 860 Spring Grove, IL 60081-0860 (800) 435-6110 sports@sdind.com Helmet decals & imprinted T-shirts Don Metivier

Sports Attack . . . . . . . . . . . 810 & 812 P.O. Box 1529 Verdi, NV 89439-1529 (800) 717-4251 www.sportsattack.com info@sportsattack.com Sports Attack is a manufacturer of quality sports-training equipment, with 35 years of pitching-machine design experience. The company’s current product line offers professional baseball training equipment.

Kurt Brenner See ad on page 10

Sports Belle, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1507 P.O. Box 50243 Knoxville, TN 37950 (865) 938-2063 rwalker@sportsbelle.com Team uniforms & coaching apparel Royd Walker

*Sports FX Technologies. 1504 & 1506 10 Willow Street Derry, NH 03038 (603) 505-5227 rkrickler@comcast.net Sports FX Technologies designs and develops swing-measurement systems and software-resolving equipment for one player at a time.

Dr. Roger D. Krickler See ad on page 19

Sports Sensors, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . 1501 11351 Embassy Drive Cincinnati, OH 45240 (888) 542-9246 www.gloveradar.com adilz@cinci.rr.com Sports Sensors, Inc., creates affordable Doppler radar speed sensors for various sports training applications, including the Glove Radar®, the Paintball Radarchron®, the Arrowspeed Radarchron®, the Swing Speed Radar®, and the new Swing Speed Radar® with Tempo Timer.

Al Dilz See ad on page 9

Sports Tutor . . . . . 1521, 1523 & 1525 3300 Winona Avenue Burbank, CA 91504 (800) 448-8867 www.sportsmachines.com courtserve@earthlink.net Sports Tutor is a leading manufacturer of ballthrowing machines, including the HomePlate and Batting Tutor. See these machines in action at the batting cage, Booth 1521.

John Henderson See ad on page 22

*Sportsdiamond.com . . . . . . . . 203 & 205 14270 42nd Street N.E. St. Michael, MN 55376 (888) 216-2166 darren@sportsdiamond.com Equipment Darren Hansen

St. Petersburg/Clearwater Sports Commission . . . . . 761 & 762 13805 58th Street North, Suite 2-200 Clearwater, FL 33760 (877) 352-2473 Kevin@FloridasBeach.com Destination for training & tournaments Kevin Smith

Stabilizer Solutions, Inc. . . . . . . . 1132 33 S. 28th Street Phoenix, AZ 85034 (800) 336-2468 www.stabilizersolutions.com info@stabilizersolutions.com

Chicago, January 5-8, 2006 Stabilizer Solutions specializes in naturaland fiber-reinforced sport, recreational, and landscape surfaces, and manufactures product lines for baseball fields.

Tim Myers See ad on page 40

Stalker Radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704 2609 Technology Drive Plano, TX 75074-7467 (800) 782-5537 www.stalkerradar.com sales@stalkerradar.com Stalker Radar manufactures the Stalker Sport Radar, the Stalker Pro Radar, and the Stalker Acceleration Testing System—all of which are used by every MLB team.

Paul Hataway See ad on page 15

Strike Zone, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bay 723 10531 Maryland Circle Bloomington, MN 55438 (952) 829-7790 strikezonejohn@aol.com Batting practice unit & pitching machine John L. Beintema

*Strike Out Stripperz, LLC . . . . . . . . . . 301 400 W. Railroad Street Columbiana, OH 44408 (330) 718-8129 gregsmith@compcoind.com Pitching training device, video kit Jack Kucek

Super-Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 831 & 930 3209 Air Park Road Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (800) 955-6387

gpassner@supernetsusa.com Batting cages, protective screens & field maintenance equipment Glen Passner

Tech Mesh Apparel, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . 504 P.O. Box 702357 Tulsa, OK 74170-2357 (918) 492-1193 jbarrettinc@aol.com Moisture management practice apparel Jean Barrett

Tomark Sports . . . . . . . . . . . 1008 & 1010 P.O. Box 1088 Corona, CA 92878 (951) 371-1844 LynnC@Tomark.com Recreation equipment sales & service Mark Harpin

Toro Co., The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 700 & 702 8111 Lyndale Avenue South Bloomington, MN 55420 (952) 887-7906 Boyd.Montgomery@toro.com Workman utility vehicle & Reelmaster mower Boyd Montgomery

Trailways Transportation System, Inc. . . 1135 3554 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 301 Fairfax, VA 22030 (877) 467-3346 ditrails@trailways.com Motorcoach (charters/bus) transportation Diane Walden

*Triple Crown Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1019 3930 Automation Way Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 223-6644

sean@triplecrownsports.com Baseball tournaments Roland Rivera

True Pitch, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 862 P.O. Box 11 Altoona, IA 50009 (800) 647-3539 callison@pitchingmounds.com Portable game mounds Craig Allison

Tuff Toe, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1017 1442 W. Collins Avenue, Suite G Orange, CA 92867-5443 (800) 888-0802 tufftoe@pacbell.net Pitcher’s toes & bat protectors Jeff Musick

TurboSlot Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1116 131 E. Lexington Road Mocksville, NC 27028 (800) 726-3568 fwillett@turboslot.com Hitting gloves, fungos & TurboStiks Fred Willett

Turface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bay 731 750 Lake Cook Road, Suite 440 Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 (800) 207-6457 www.profileproducts.com lindaw@profileproducts.com Profile consistently provides measurable value to customers by integrating people, products, technology, and services in soil modification, erosion control, and plant establishment.

Charlie Vestal See ad on page 7

3TADIUM #HAIRS "LOW -OLDED OR )NJECTION -OLDED 0(/.% &!8 WWW SEATINGSERVICES COM

Quality Stadium Chair Manufacturer Circle No. 131

ABCA Booth No. 1317 Circle No. 132

ABCA Booth No. 1328

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2006 ABCA Preview Twin City Knitting Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . 1435

Vantage Products Int’l . . . . . Plaza 843

P.O. Box 1179 Conover, NC 28613 (800) 438-6884 fbdavis@charterinternet.com Athletic socks, caps, belts, wrist/headbands, knit hats & heat seal letters Francis Davis

8410 Wolf Lake Drive, #106 Memphis, TN 38133 (800) 244-4457 www.vpisports.com chris@vpisports.com VPI supplies batting cages, protective screens, and netting, as well as many other baseball-related items.

Chris Bawcum See ad on Inside Front Cover

Under Armour . . . . . . . . . . . . . Plaza 1331 1020 Hull Street, 3rd Floor Baltimore, MD 21230 (888) ARMOUR abonney@underarmour.com Performance athletic apparel Chris Moses

Victory Custom Athletic, Inc. 1600 & 1602 9006 Owensmouth Avenue Canoga Park, CA 91304 (800) 959-3566 ronrubenstein@victory-la.com Custom-manufacturing uniforms, jackets, caps & undergarments Ron Rubenstein

USA Baseball . . . . . . . . . . . . 1624 & 1626 403 Blackwell Street Durham, NC 27701 (919) 474-8721 davidperkins@usabaseball.com National baseball teams Paul Seiler

Vizual Edge, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1227 105 Town Line Road, Suite 2020 Vernon Hills, FL 60061 (847) 816-3131 info@vizualedge.com Visual performance software Barry L. Seiller

USA TODAY Sports Weekly . . . . . . . . 1407 7950 Jones Branch Drive McLean, VA 22108 (800) 582-0404 x 6363 elewis@usatoday.com Publication Elton Lewis

*Union City Greyhounds . . . . . . . . . . 1418 P.O. Box 9 Union City, TN 38281 (731) 446-1363; (731) 885-8838 crockett71@hotmail.com Summer collegiate baseball Stephen Crockett

Home Run, LLC d/b/a

HOOSIER BAT COMPANY Fast becoming THE name for bats.

We have what the players want!

8700 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 11 Chicago, IL 60631 (800) 443-0011 CKopkash@wilson.com Baseball goods & uniforms Jim Hackett

WSI Sports Manufacturing . . . . . . 100 2767 Highway 55 Eagen, MN 55121 (800) 783-4476 www.wsisports.com sales@wsisports.com Manufacturer of elite undergear Joe Wiens See ad on page 47

World Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 909 P.O. Box 661624 Los Angeles, CA 90066 (800) 496-8687 wrldsport@aol.com International baseball tours David Eby

Worth Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Plaza 931

Western Athletic Supply Co. . . . . . . . 1310 P.O. Box 5407 Riverside, CA 92517 (800) 624-6637 Baseball equipment Jack Lenertz

Wilson Sporting Goods . . . . . . . . Bay 936

1859 Bowles Avenue Fenton, MO 63026 (636) 349-3507 tgessley@rawlings.com Baseball equipment Mike Thompson

Premier Baseball Service Provider

WOOD FUNGO +++ Guaranteed +++ Never Flakes • No Taping Required

GAME BATS Major League Stock • Minor League Stock

WOODFORCE 2000 Hickory Hitting Area- No Taping Required Game Use Approval for Short Season A and Rookie League NCAA BESR Certified 28 B.P. 3-Piece Bat for One Hand, Soft Toss and T drills

• Steel Buildings • Radar Guns • Hitting Mats • Wall and Pole Padding • Pitching Machines • Synthetic Sports Turf • Team Equipment • Cage and Backstop Netting • Indoor Sports Facility Construction • Nationwide Installation “Call for a free consultation or quote”

ORDER YOURS TODAY

Kodiak Sports, LLC 19952 E. Harvard Ave. Aurora, CO 80013 Phone: 303-632-9334 • Fax: 303-632-9335

Fax 219-465-0877 • e-mail:baseball@netnitco.net 1-800-BAT-ERUP (228-3787)

www.hoosierbat.com Mention this ad for FREE Laser Engraving or Key Chain

www.kodiaksports.com

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ABCA Booth No. 1400

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COACHING MANAGEMENT kodiakCM137.indd 1

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Products on Display Accelerated Baseball Technologies, Inc. 920-748-6599 WWW.ACCELERATEDBASEBALL.COM The Flame Thrower™ Pitching Machine

by Accelerated Baseball Technologies helps to enhance a batter’s ball-tracking skills and swing grooves, as well as helping the hitter make solid bat contact. By using tennis balls thrown at high speeds, the Flame Thrower forces batters to concentrate on their batting repetitions. Since this pitching machine is lightweight and portable, it’s convenient for inside and outdoor practices. Contact Accelerated Baseball Technologies today for more information.

Circle No. 500 Aer-Flo, Inc. 800-823-7356 WWW.AERFLO.COM Wind Weighted™ baseball-softball tarps are virtually windproof. These patent-pending covers for the mound, home plate, and bullpens have a steel chain in their hemmed edges so that they stay down in windy conditions. No stakes or sandbags are necessary. The installer device allows installation in 25 seconds by only two people. The tough, waterproof 14-ounce vinyl-polyester fabric is treated to fight UV rays and mildew exposure. Wind Weighted tarps and installers take the drudgery out of the game.

Circle No. 501 The Bunt Zone™ Infield Protector from Aer-Flo, Inc. doubles as the perfect target-training system for bunting practice.

It uses three color-coded zones: Yellow is the buntfor-hit target area; green is the sacrifice bunt zone; and red is the bad bunt zone—never go into the red zone for hit-and-run or pull-hitting situations.

Players get instant feedback at every practice. Tough nine-ounce vinyl-polyester mesh survives spike traffic. The Bunt Zone (patents pending) provides

2006 ABCA Preview

maximum turf protection while improving team bunting skills. Ground staples are included. Call Aer-Flo toll-free, or visit online.

Circle No. 502 All-Star Sporting Goods 800-777-3810 WWW.ALL-STARSPORTS.COM All-Star’s LG22W Pro Leg Guard is one of the industry’s standards. Its exceptional features include: easy-form triple-knee design; extended-shin pad protection; built-up kneecap padding; exclusive venting system; and a removable second toe. For catchers serious about their position, AllStar gives them the protection, mobility, and comfort they need to perform their best.

Circle No. 503 The proven protective features of AllStar’s CP28 Pro Chest Protector now include the Ultra Cool™ Venting System. This special venting design allows heat to escape the body and let fresh air circulate between the padding and uniform. This lightweight technology keeps players cool while offering ultra protection.

Circle No. 504 Beacon Athletics 800-747-5985 WWW.BEACONATHLETICS.COM Beacon Athletics’ Streamliner Dry Line Markers are some of the best dry-line marking machines made in the industry.

With five Streamliner models to choose from, you’re sure to find the features you need. Standard features include a heavy-duty, powder-coated steel frame, a revolutionary retractable handle, a unique variable-flow control (two- and four-inch lines), and one of the top string-line guides in the industry. Find the Streamliner advantage. Contact Beacon Athletics for all the details.

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BetterBaseball 800-997-4233 WWW.BETTERBASEBALL.COM BetterBaseball is a total baseball supply house, specializing in nets and batting cages that are custom-cut to any size you want. The company provides quick, friendly customer service.

BetterBaseball supplies everything, including bases, plates, mounds, gear, and hardware. All team equipment needs can be found easily online, or teams can call the company toll-free for more product information.

Circle No. 506 Zingbat 866-ZINGBAT WWW.ZINGBAT.COM Zingbat™ introduces the Trainer Series product line. This economically-priced version of the regular Pro Series Zingbat is ideal for youth players. The Trainer Series teaches batters basic swing mechanics. The Composite Zingbat Trainer is available in one length and weight (30”, 17 oz.), while the aluminum Pro Series can be customized to meet teams’ specific length and weight requirements. Call today for a free instructional CD or video.

Circle No. 507 Challenger Industries, Inc. 800-334-8873 WWW.CHALLENGERIND.COM DURAPlay Home Plate Baseball and Softball Mats can be used anywhere a home plate area is needed. Whether they’re used to cover the batter’s box for protection or establish a home plate area indoors or out, these durable mats create batter’s boxes that are ideal for either sport. Pre-cut mats are available for fungo/on-deck circles, pitching mounds, and single batter’s boxes. Synthetic turf products are also available for batting cages, dugouts, or the whole field, and installation is available. Contact Challenger for more information.

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Products on Display

2006 ABCA Preview

Challenger Industries, Inc. 800-334-8873 WWW.CHALLENGERIND.COM

Game-On 888-593-0395 WWW.HAYDITEGAME-ON.COM

Challenger offers the new TT33 Baseball Field Turf. Among the latest in synthetic turf technology, this turf is great for covering the entire field, foul ball areas, or infield.

The company also offers the Permanent Home Plate Mat with inlaid batter’s box lines and home plate. With this product, you’ll no longer need to re-paint season after season. The Permanent Home Plate Mat is made with the same high-quality athletic turf as before, complete with a five-millimeter urethane cushion.

Circle No. 509

Game-On is a sports-field soil conditioner that provides excellent turf results without breaking the team’s budget.

It’s a lightweight, expanded-shale product that absorbs over 20 percent of its weight in water. GameOn is more durable than clay and does not break down into fine particles. GameOn is manufactured in Cleveland, Ohio, and is available in bags or in bulk.

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Country Stone 800-762-5728 WWW.COUNTRYSTONE.COM Redfield Infield Topdressing by Country Stone is used on the skinned areas of baseball and softball fields as a topdressing and conditioner.

Excellent for improving aesthetics, Redfield reduces compaction and crusting caused by the hardening of clay, silt, and limestone, high traffic, and natural weather conditions.

Naturally-colored, Redfield will not fade or permanently stain uniforms. It works well in conjunction with calcined and vitrified clays. Available in bulk or bag.

Circle No. 510 When searching for a warning track that looks good, plays well, and is easy to manage, look no further than Redfield Warning Track Mix by Country Stone.

This 100-percent natural aggregate provides an excellent transition zone between the turf and fence, making the ball more visible at a distance and serving as an effective “warning sign” for players.

Redfield improves all fields’ aesthetics, playability, and manageability. Available in bulk.

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Game-On Red is an infield topdressing with a brick-red color that gives your field a finishing touch for that Major League look. This topdressing gives balls a more consistent bounce, and the deep red color allows infielders to see the ball more easily.

Game-On Red is available in bags or in bulk.

Circle No. 513 Earth & Turf Products, LLC 888-693-2638 WWW.EARTHANDTURF.COM Linear aeration can reduce sports injuries by softening turf on athletic fields and arenas. The one-pass design of the Earth & Turf Linear Aerator assures maximum modification of athletic field turf.

The Linear Aerator conditions a 58-inch swath of turf, cutting grooves in the turf 3”D x 1”W x 3-1/2” apart.

Aggressive, reverse-spiral-mounted teeth bring both soil and topdressing material up over the rotor, brushing it back into the grooves by steel fingers on a filler bar and reciprocating it side to side.

Circle No. 514 Glove Radar 888-542-9246 WWW.GLOVERADAR.COM Turn any ball glove into a radar gun with Glove Radar® from Sports Sensors— now featuring improved sensitivity.

Glove Radar aids in developing players’ throwing skills. Glove Radar “sees” through the glove and measures the speed of the ball as it approaches the glove. It easily attaches to a baseball or softball glove and is worn by the receiver of the ball, or by multiple partners in non-game situations. It utilizes Doppler radar like conventional handheld radar speed guns—but performs accurately at any throwing distance.

Circle No. 515 Swing Speed Radar™ 888-542-9246 WWW.SWINGSPEEDRADAR.COM The new Swing Speed Radar™ from Sports Sensors is a small, inexpensive Doppler radar velocity sensor that measures the swing speed of baseball and softball players.

The Swing Speed Radar helps players develop optimum bat speed for distance, quickness, and bat control for consistent ball contact. The Swing Speed Radar provides real-time velocity feedback that assists players, coaches, and instructors in measuring performance improvement and trouble-shooting swing mechanics.

Circle No. 516 Hoosier Bat Company 800-228-3787 WWW.HOOSIERBAT.COM Hoosier Bat makes all-ash bats used by many Major League and Minor League players. Its patented threepiece wood bat, the WoodForce 2000, is now NCAA-approved. With ash in the handle, hickor y in the “sweet spot,” and maple on the barrel end, the WoodForce 2000 provides a solid sweet spot that will not flake, retaining the same look and feel as a traditional all-ash bat. All of Hoosier’s bats are made from quality wood and are crafted to exacting standards.

Circle No. 517

2006 ABCA Preview Louisville Slugger WWW.SLUGGER.COM Louisville Slugger®, the 121-year-old legendary bat maker and official bat of Major League Baseball, is making noise with its M9® Maple Bats. Introduced to MLB in 2004 and used by Adam Dunn, Ken Griffey, Jr., and Manny Ramirez, the M9 is now available for players at all levels. Maple is a denser wood than Northern White Ash, and it can provide better hitting performances: the harder the surface, the quicker and farther the ball may rebound. M9 bats available for retail include the M9C271C, M9C331C, M9M110C, and M9T141C. Circle No. 518 Dynasty’s ST+20 is Louisville Slugger®’s strongest alloy bat—20 percent stronger and tougher than its industry-leading TPX Warrior® alloy bat.

TPX performance technology centers on the concept that stiff handles and flexible barrels create greater transfers of energy. This fieldproven, time-tested design has helped Louisville Slugger teams win seven of the past eight NCAA national championships. Both 2005 champion Texas and runner-up Florida swung Dynasty’s ST+20, along with other stiff-handled Louisville Slugger TPX bats.

Circle No. 519 M.A.S.A., Inc. 800-264-4519 WWW.MASA.COM The Poly-Cap has been designed with both the players and the fans in mind.

Dual-purpose Poly-Cap covers the sharp barbs on fences that can cause serious injuries and improves the appearance of any field.

Now available in both bright yellow and forest green, Poly-Cap features patented-UV protection and is backed by a two-year warranty. Economically-priced to fit any budget, M.A.S.A. also carries the PolyCap installer tool, which dramatically reduces installation time.

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Products on Display White Line Equipment Co. 877-717-2892 WWW.WHITELINEMARKERS.COM With over 20 years of line-marking experience, White Line Markers’ institutional strength and quality machines have been meeting the toughest demands of baseball teams. The company has produced one of the most advanced, user-friendly families of liners on the market, which are used extensively by professional universities, high schools, and park/ recreation department teams worldwide. Whether it’s youth or college ball, teams are sure to find a liner that meets their needs. Replacement parts are available. Try one and find out what you have been missing.

Circle No. 521 Markwort Sporting Goods 800-937-4824 WWW.MARKWORT.COM The Markwort Speed Sensor Nine-Inch Baseball provides an easy, accurate way to measure pitch speeds up to 120 mph. Just press start, throw the ball, and the LCD indicator displays the speed in mph upon impact. It’s the same official size and weight as a regulation baseball, and it can be used as a training aid for any age or skill level.

GripSense technology begins to record the speed automatically the moment the ball is released. This ball is not designed for contact with bats or other hard surfaces.

Circle No. 522 Master Pitching Machine, Inc. 800-878-8228 WWW.MASTERPITCH.COM The “Iron Mike” pitching machine features a throwing arm that lets batters see a full wind-up before the ball is pitched, allowing them to better develop the fundamental skills used when facing a live pitcher.

This capability makes the “Iron

Mike” the preferred pitching machine of professional and amateur players and coaches. All machines are self-feeding, include a remote control, and carry a manufacturer’s warranty.

Circle No. 523 Pro’s Choice 800-648-1166 WWW.PROSCHOICE1.COM Pro Mound® packing clay from Pro’s Choice® is the choice of professional teams, universities, municipalities, and youth teams worldwide.

When used on the mound and in the batter’s box area, the clay forms a solid sub-surface foundation that allows the pitcher and batter to dig in and establish firm footing without creating large wear holes. Pro Mound installs quickly and—more importantly—it lasts. Experience safer playing conditions and reduced mound and batter’s box maintenance by choosing Pro Mound. For more information, call Pro’s Choice.

Circle No. 524 For high-quality performance and a color that will set your field apart, choose the Soilmaster Select Series from Pro’s Choice. It’s scientifically-engineered to meet daily maintenance challenges and give fields a professional look. Soilmaster Select is available in four distinct colors—red, green, brown, and charcoal— and its uniform granules manage moisture to alleviate compaction, keeping fields in top playing condition. Pro’s Choice delivers a full line of field products for conditioning soil and infields. They help topdress infields, quickly dry puddles, and revitalize turf.

Circle No. 525

Need help fundraising for your team?

Check out the new source for fundraising tips, support, and suppliers:

www.fundraisingforsports.com

COACHING MANAGEMENT

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Products on Display Grand Slam Pitching Machine 800-GRANDSLAM WWW.AGRANDSLAM.COM Grand Slam is one of the most effective pitching machines for working batters’ handeye coordination. Its self-feeding reservoir holds over 60 golf ball-sized Wiffle® balls and allows batters to take 50 swings in five minutes. Each pitch is guaranteed to hit the

2006 ABCA Preview strike zone. It’s ideal for indoor training or outdoor use—all you need is 16-20 feet of free space. Forty-eight balls and a lifetime warranty are included.

Circle No. 526 Swift Stik 877-845-7845 WWW.SWIFTSTIK.COM Swift Stik is one of the most versatile training bats on the market. Batters can improve hand-eye coordination, increase their bat speed, build muscle memory, and isolate the bat’s “sweet

spot.” Swift Stick may be used with Wiffle®, tennis, or soft-foam balls.

Use Swift Stik during practice with any drill so batters can increase their swings before muscle fatigue sets in, or use it before a game to lock in hand-eye coordination. Visit Swift Stik’s Web site to see how it gets results fast.

Circle No. 527 Power Systems, Inc. 800-321-6975 WWW.POWER-SYSTEMS.COM The Baseball/Softball Power Program from Power Systems is a 12-week training program designed to bolster the performance of baseball and softball athletes using the necessary equipment to develop speed, agility, and explosiveness. The program includes: the Pro Agility Ladder™; the six-pound Power Med Ball™; the Lateral Stepper™; the VersaDisc™; a large Power Chute™; one Power ThrowBall™ set; a nylon carry bag; the Power Program Training Manual; and a choice of VHS or DVD. Contact the company for more information on other products and programs.

Circle No. 528 Profile Products, LLC 800-207-6457 WWW.TURFACE.COM

Challenger Industries has the most durable, popular, and affordable synthetic turf baseball products on the market today. We offer hitting mats, pitching mats, and fungo/on-deck circles, as well as a turf for batting cages and complete Àelds. We have the products, experience, and staff to handle any need that you may have.

For samples, brochures, or more information, please contact us.

ABCA Booth No. 808

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For more than 40 years, Profile Products has been a leading manufacturer of soil-modification products, including its Turface® line of infield and sports turf conditioners and mound clay. The patented Pro League® conditions infield soils for exceptional moisture absorption for optimal athletic performance.

Turface MVP® eliminates compaction, bad ball hops, and rainouts on skinned infields, while Quick Dry® absorbs excess water, blending in with the infield turf. Turface Gray and Red are infield conditioners manufactured in colored tones for non-glare surfaces to allow greater ball visibility. Turface Mound Clay is used for building pitching

2006 ABCA Preview mounds at Major League fields around the country.

Circle No. 529 Turface® offers a complete line of infield conditioners, including the patented Pro League®. Manufactured with smaller, uniform particles, Pro League is the only patented calcinedclay infield soil conditioner. It creates ideal sliding and fielding surfaces. Pro League’s exceptional drainage and absorption qualities provide maximum rainout protection. It out-performs crushed aggregates by absorbing more water and conditioning the infield soil.

The preferred soil conditioner of many Major League groundskeepers, Pro League is designed to increase safety, playability, and drainage for baseball and softball infields at any level.

Circle No. 530 Quickswing, Inc. 877-467-9464 WWW.QUICKSWING.COM Get the edge. Quickswing’s innovative design promotes a short, quick, compact swing that is essential for effectively hitting baseballs.

Quickswing can improve handeye coordination, reflexes, muscle memory, and timing skills. It can be used indoors or outside and can be adjusted to varying degrees of difficulty and heights. Quickswing is used by Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins, and is endorsed by Hall-of-Famer Paul Molitor.

Circle No. 531 Red Diamond by Moltan Company 800-264-5826 WWW.MOLTAN.COM For every level of baseball and softball field, from youth to the professional leagues, Red Diamond CC Conditioner® and Drying Agent® provide a safe, professional, and playable infield-skinned surface. The Quantum Turf Technologies® manufacturing process transforms a unique blend

Products on Display of 100-percent natural clays into highquality, professionally-sized calcined clay conditioners. These conditioners are used throughout the sports turf industry for the daily maintenance of infield-skinned surfaces, but may also be used in any new construction or major renovation project.

Circle No. 532 Red Diamond RBI Conditioner® and Drying Agent® are manufactured to meet the needs of professional groundskeepers, college and high school coaches, and parks and recreation

sports turf managers. The Quantum Turf Technologies® manufacturing process creates 100-percent natural earth with dark-red professionally-sized conditioners.

Red Diamond RBI Conditioners provide unique surface coloration, promote safety, and improve the moisture management of infield-skinned surfaces, mounds, and home plate areas.

Circle No. 533

Better Baseball

TM

Your Complete Baseball Supply Headquarters We specialize in secure online sales of sporting goods and sports equipment for individuals, teams, and schools.

• Netting • Baseballs • Bags • Bats • Gloves • Field Equip.

• Mounds • Softballs • Bases & Plates • Batting Cages • Pitching Machines • Training Aids/Books/Videos

Quick service and quality products are our trademark.

We have been in business since 1993. We have 10,000 customers, and we would be honored to add you to our list! We ship by UPS and get most orders out in 24 hours, so come join our team, and help us play BetterBaseball!

1-800-997-4233 www.betterbaseball.com Circle No. 136

ABCA Booth No. 758 COACHING MANAGEMENT

39

Products on Display Schutt Sports Group 866-4-SCHUTT WWW.SCHUTTSPORTS.COM Schutt® innovation and technology are now in the palm of players’ hands.

Made of superior U.S. steerhide, Schutt Gloves are soft, lightweight, and ready to be used right off the shelf. Every glove features a palm pad and Velcro® Finger Sizer for comfort and a great fit. At every position on the field, Schutt makes the glove that makes the game.

Circle No. 534 Seating Services Inc. 800-552-9470 WWW.SEATINGSERVICES.COM Seating Services, manufacturer of quality stadium chairs, offers the Cardinal Model Series 3500 gravity tip-up chair for use in settings with narrow row spacing—as narrow as 27 inches.

Because they have no springs or pins, the chairs are less expensive to manu-

ABCA Booth No. 1132

40

Circle No. 137

COACHING MANAGEMENT

2006 ABCA Preview facture, install, and maintain. They are designed for installation on concrete or steel/aluminum grandstands. Seat widths can range from 18-22 inches.

Many available colors and options make these an excellent way to seat more fans in a limited space.

Circle No. 535 SlugMaster 800-338-7584 WWW.SLUGMASTER.COM SlugMaster Hitting Station is one of the most effective, versatile baseball hitting devices on the market for indoor and outside use.

The Hitting Station is designed specifically to handle the rugged demands of a high school or college team. It’s capable

of taking thousands of hits daily and performing continuous drills on all pitch locations and by increasing swing reps. Its ease of use makes it a far more efficient practice tool. The Hitting Station is an excellent tool for players at all skill levels, including youth, high school, college, and professional ballplayers.

Circle No. 536 Southern Athletic Fields 800-837-8062 WWW.MULEMIX.COM Southern Athletic Fields (SAF) specializes in a wide variety of quality products. Some of these products include: infield mixes, mound and packing clays, soil conditioners, calcined clays, drying agents, infield topdressing, warning track materials, and field maintenance accessories. SAF is a one-stop source for athletic field needs.

Circle No. 537

ABCA Booth No. 1200 & 1202

Circle No. 138

Courtesy of Rosie Rahn

Testimonial

Testimonial

Testimonial

Red Diamond CC Conditioner Makes Opening Day

Hack Attack Design Helps Teams

Valuable Training Tool for Coaches

Red Diamond CC Conditioner is the topdressing choice of the Philadelphia Phillies Head Groundskeeper Mike Boekholder.

“The Hack Attack helped the Angels win and it will help your team, too.”

Joe Maddon Bench Coach Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Anaheim, Calif.

“As a youth baseball coach for nearly a decade, I’ve tried every possible hitting aid with very little luck. Just as I was about to conclude that the problem must be me, I discovered the Swift Stik. In only a few short weeks after we began using it, my team started hitting the ball better than ever—and they haven’t stopped. It’s hard to believe such a simple, inexpensive tool like the Swift Stik could turn my players into terrific hitters and me into the coach of a first-place team.”

Drew Soicher NBC News Sports Anchor & Youth Coach Denver, Colo.

“We used Red Diamond CC Conditioner at Citizen Bank Park for the 2005 season,” said Boekholder. “I am very pleased with the consistency of the conditioner for both its particle size and color. It is always very clean coming out of the bag with little to no dust, unlike other brands that I have tried in my 15 years of professional groundskeeping experience.

“Red Diamond is a top-quality conditioner,” continued Boekholder. “It is very durable and does not break down nearly as fast as other calcined clays that I have used. Red Diamond CC Conditioner is my only choice for a calcined-clay infield conditioner.”

Red Diamond CC Conditioner is manufactured by Quantum Turf Technologies, a division of the Moltan Company. The Quantum manufacturing process transforms a unique blend of 100-percent natural clays into a high-quality, professional-sized calcined-clay conditioner of the sports-turf industry.

For every level of baseball, from youth to the professional leagues, Red Diamond Conditioners provide safe, professional, and playable infieldskinned surfaces.

Red Diamond Conditioners by Moltan Company 7125 RIVERDALE BEND ROAD MEMPHIS, TN 38125 800-264-5826 MARKETING@MOLTAN.COM WWW.MOLTAN.COM

“My coaches used to resist using pitching machines and relied on using live-throwing arms. However, the Hack Attack is as good as live-pitching with its vision and timing.

It throws accurate breaking pitches. It’s indestructible and easy to operate and move. We use the Hack Attack in our practices and camps year round.”

Paul Mainieri Head Baseball Coach University of Notre Dame South Bend, Ind. “The Hack Attack is the best machine on the market. The three-wheel design allows the hitter to actually see the ball as it enters the machine and simulates an actual pitch. It’s as realistic as the Iron Mike without all of the mechanical problems. It’s the only machine we use at Mission Viejo High School.”

Chris Ashbach Head Baseball Coach Mission Viejo High School Mission Viejo, Calif.

Sports Attack P.O. BOX 1529 VERDI, NV 89439 800-717-4251 INFO@SPORTSATTACK.COM WWW.SPORTSATTACK.COM

“Swift Stik has become a valuable training tool in working with ballplayers to develop the firing and movement of fast-twitch muscles. It works extremely well when muscles are fatigued or weakened. I will continue to use Swift Stik, and again I thank you for your help.”

Barry Heyden Former Director of Strength and Conditioning New York Mets “Swift Stik has proven to be a valuable tool to increase the hitter’s hand-eye coordination. We use it in a variety of drills to train hitters’ hips, hands, and proper bat angle. We consider it a necessary part of our daily equipment.”

Jim Wells Head Baseball Coach University of Alabama

Swift Stik 26 DRY HILL ROAD NORWALK, CT 06851 877-845-7845 PRODUCTINFO@SWIFTSTIK.COM WWW.SWIFTSTIK.COM COACHING MANAGEMENT

41

YOUR “ONE-STOP SOURCE” FOR AMERICA’S LEADING BASEBALL SURFACES & SUPPLIES!

THE PROFESSIONAL’S CHOICE . . . SINCE 1922 A SUPPLIER TO EVERY MLB TEAM, OVER 150 MINOR LEAGUE TEAMS, OVER 700 COLLEGES, PLUS THOUSANDS OF TOWNS & SCHOOLS WORLDWIDE. SPECIAL MIXES FOR INFIELDS, PITCHER’S MOUNDS & HOME PLATE AREAS.

REGIONAL INFIELD MIXES AND RED WARNING TRACKS FOR EVERY STATE & CLIMATE FROM BULK PLANTS NATIONWIDE! PLUS INFIELD CONDITIONERS: IF TOO HARD AND POORLY DRAINING!

THE REDDER, LESS DUSTY, MORE UNIFORM INFIELD CONDITIONER & DRYING AGENT FOR CONSISTENT INFIELD CUSHION IN WET OR DRY WEATHER!

DIAMOND PRO®

IMPROVES DRAINAGE & ENHANCES COLOR!

IF TOO SOFT & DUSTY!

STABILIZER® & HILLTOPPER® FOR FIRM, YET RESILIENT, PLAYING SURFACES

TO QUICKLY DRY INFIELDS! The Original & Most Absorbent is Now NEW & IMPROVED GRANULAR

OVER 200 OTHER INFIELD PRODUCTS! Premium & Standard in 6 Colors!

Protective Safety Covers for Chain Link Fence WALL PADDING • WINDSCREEN • RAIL PADDING TAMPERS • DRAG MATS • RAKES HOLLYWOOD® BASES • FIELD MARKING MACHINES BATTING PRACTICE COVERS • RAIN COVERS PERMA-MOUND™ PADS • MOUND BRICKS SAFE “T” MATT™ BATTER’S BOX PADS TYPAR® GEOTEXTILES & TURF BLANKETS ON-DECK CIRCLES WITH TEAM LOGOS PERMANENT FOUL LINES & MUCH MORE!

FOR INSTRUCTIONS & BROCHURES

www.BEAMCLAY.com

800-247-BEAM

908-637-4191 / FAX 908-637-8421 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION KELSEY PARK, GREAT MEADOWS, NJ 07838

“The best infield mix I’ve ever used.”

— GEORGE TOMA Circle No. 139

42

COACHING MANAGEMENT

ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY CIRCLE NO.

COMPANY

PAGE NO.

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Accelerated Baseball Technologies 45 Aer-Flo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 All-Star . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Bannerman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Beacon Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 BetterBaseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Challenger Industries . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Coachingware.com (CompuSports) . . 52 Diamond Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Earth & Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 eFundraising.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Fergo Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Game-On Field Conditioner . . . . . . 24 Gatorade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Glove Radar/Swing Speed Radar . . . 9 Granada Pitching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Heying Company (Infield-Drag) . . . . . 49 Hoosier Bat Company . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Jump Stretch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Kodiak Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Louisville Slugger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 M.A.S.A. Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Markwort Sporting Goods . . . . . . . 30 Master Pitching Machine . . . . . . . . . 40 Partac/Beam Clay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 PIK Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

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Accelerated Baseball Technologies Aer-Flo (Bunt Zone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Aer-Flo (Wind Weighted tarps) . . . . . . .

All-Star (Chest Protector) . . . . . . . . . . .

All-Star (Leg Guard). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bannerman (Ballpark-4). . . . . . . . . . . .

Bannerman (Diamond Master) . . . . . . .

Beacon Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BetterBaseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Challenger Industries (DURAPlay) . . .

Challenger Industries (TT33 Turf) . . .

CompuSports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Country Stone (Infield Topdressing) . . .

Country Stone (Redfield) . . . . . . . . . .

Country Stone (Warning Track Mix) . . .

Diamond Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Earth & Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . eFundraising.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . eNarratives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fergo Sports (athletic apparel) . . . . . .

Fergo Sports (custom-made apparel) . .

Game-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Game-On (Red) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Game-On Red (Warning Track Blend) . .

Gatorade (Endurance Formula) . . . . . . .

Gatorade (Nutrition Shake) . . . . . . . . .

Glove Radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Granada Pitching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Grand Slam Pitching Machine . . . . .

Heying Company (Infield-Drag) . . . . .

Hoosier Bat Company . . . . . . . . . . .

John B. Jones (Sporttarp). . . . . . . . . .

Jump Stretch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Kodiak Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Louisville Slugger (Dynasty’s ST+20) . .

Louisville Slugger (M9 Maple Bats) . . .

M.A.S.A. Products (Poly-Cap) . . . . . .

Markwort Sporting Goods . . . . . . .

Master Pitching Machine . . . . . . . .

Partac/Beam Clay . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PIK Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Power Systems (Medicine Balls). . . . . .

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Pro’s Choice Field Products . . . . . . 20 Quickswing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Red Diamond Conditioners. . . . . . . 28 Redfield by Country Stone . . . . . . . 12 reSport Card (eNarratives) . . . . . . . . . 30 Schutt Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC Seating Services, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . 33 SlugMaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Southern Athletic Fields . . . . . . . . . 52 SPI Nets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Sport Chalet Team Sales . . . . . . . . 4-5 Sports Attack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Sports FX Technologies . . . . . . . . . 19 Sports Products Consultants . . . . . . 8 Sports Tutor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Sporttarp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Stabilizer Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Stalker Radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 The Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC Turface Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 VPI Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC White Line Equipment Co. . . . . . . . 29 WSI Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Xvest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Zingbat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

PRODUCTS DIRECTORY PAGE NO.

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CIRCLE NO.

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Power Systems (Power Program) . . . . .

PowerLung . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pro’s Choice (Pro Mound®) . . . . . . . . .

Pro’s Choice (Soilmaster Select) . . . . . .

Profile Products (Turface®) . . . . . . . . . . .

Profile Products (Turface Pro League®) . . . .

Profile Products (Turface Pro League® Red) .

Quickswing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Red Diamond (CC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Red Diamond (Packing Clay) . . . . . . . .

Red Diamond (RBI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Russell Athletic (Dugout Jacket) . . . . .

Russell Athletic (“Wave”) . . . . . . . . . .

Schutt Sports (Chest Protectors) . . . . .

Schutt Sports (Gloves) . . . . . . . . . . . .

Seating Services (Series 3500) . . . . . .

Seating Services (Tread Mount) . . . . .

SlugMaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Southern Athletic Fields . . . . . . . . .

SPI Nets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sports Attack (Hack Attack) . . . . . . . .

Sports Attack (Junior Hack Attack). . . .

Sports Attack (Track Attack) . . . . . . . .

Sports FX Technologies . . . . . . . . .

Sports Products (Personal Pitcher) . . .

Sports Products (RadarWatch) . . . . . .

Sports Tutor (Batting Tutor) . . . . . . . .

Sports Tutor (HomePlate) . . . . . . . . . .

Stabilizer Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stalker Radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Swift Stik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Swing Speed Radar . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Vantage Products Int’l. (Batting Cage) . . .

Vantage Products Int’l. (Pitching Machine) .

White Line Equipment Co. . . . . . . .

WSI Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Xvest (Don Chu) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Xvest (Fire Fighter model) . . . . . . . . . . .

Zingbat (new product) . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Zingbat (Trainer Series) . . . . . . . . . . . .

38 50 37 37 38 39 46 39 39 47 39 51 51 47 40 40 47 40 40 43 43 47 43 43 51 51 44 44 44 44 38 36 45 45 45 37 45 51 51 46 35

2006 ABCA Preview SPI Nets, Inc. 866-243-6387 WWW.SPINETS.NET SPI Nets is a full-service net building facility. The company carries a complete line of quality practice nets for baseball and softball training, all of which are produced in the U.S. The company makes quality nylon batting-cage nets, protective practice screens, impact netting, and barrier netting—all fully-customizable. SPI Nets also offers full-service installation and accessories to complement your practice nets.

Circle No. 538 Sports Attack 800-717-4251 WWW.SPORTSATTACK.COM The Hack Attack baseball pitching machine’s exclusive visual arm-action design signals batters to stride, showing them the angle of release. This in effect provides a lifelike sense of

Products on Display timing and location. By simply changing the speed with three dials, the Hack Attack throws unmatched Major League pitches, including right- and left-handed fastballs, breaking balls, curveballs, sliders, and more. The Hack Attack pivots in any direction, instantly setting up for fungo work or catching drills with grounders, long fly balls, deep line drives, towering pop-ups, and more.

Circle No. 539 Sports Attack offers the Track Attack Vision Training Machine, a quality, year-round Major League training tool for hitters.

Track Attack uses soft, limited-flight pitching machine balls that are 20percent smaller than baseballs.

It’s a valuable hitting station that forces

hitters to track and focus on the center of the ball. Batters’ heads stay down, causing the front of their shoulders and hips to stay in. It can be used on any surface—in the gym, on the field, or at home. A ball-feeder is also available.

Circle No. 540 Sports FX Technologies, LLC 603-432-2035 WWW.SWINGFX.COM Using swing analysis, the new Swing F/X™ software system analyzes batted-ball performances to plot multiple ball trajectories of different bats. This analysis combines two sets of data: the first set is the measured data, the bat swing speed, the batted-ball speed, the elevation impact point, and azimuth impact point; the second set measures bat material and weight and pitch speed. These data results can help players at all levels improve swing performances and contact points.

Circle No. 541

Do you have ENOUGH BANDS for your team?

WVU does! Shown here is just one of three rubber-band rooms at West Virginia University.

For information on setting up a band room in your facility, call us at 1-800-344-3539.

Stay ahead of your competition with Flex Bands...the best-kept secret in pro sports! Used by the Giants, Jaguars, Raiders, Ravens, Angels, Padres, Red Sox, and many more, Flex Bands have been improving athletic performance since 1980!

Jump Stretch, Inc. 1230 N. Meridian Rd. Youngstown, OH 44509 www.jumpstretch.com 1-800-344-3539 Fax: 1-330-793-8719 Circle No. 140 COACHING MANAGEMENT JumpStretchAdForTC1505v3.indd 1

7/14/05 10:59:42 AM

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Products on Display Sports Tutor 800-448-8867 WWW.SPORTSMACHINES.COM The HomePlate Machine from Sports Tutor is the first programmable pitching machine designed for both batting cage and on-field use. The HomePlate machine simulates almost any pitch batters are likely to face with only seven seconds between pitches. Up to eight different pitches—including fastballs, curveballs, change-ups, sliders, and more—can be stored in eight different programs. The programmed pitches can be thrown sequentially for specific hitting drills, or randomly to simulate game conditions. HomePlate models start at $2,995.

Circle No. 542 Batting Tutor by Sports Tutor is the pitching machine built for true portability. Batting Tutor comes in batterypowered and AC/DC models and is available for both baseball and softball.

2006 ABCA Preview Batting Tutor transports easily and throws real and dimpled balls up to 65 mph. Batting Tutor is a valuable training aid for schools without on-field accessible electricity. It’s also ideal for youth team practices.

Batting Tutor models start at $1,295.

Circle No. 543 Stabilizer Solutions, Inc. 800-336-2468 WWW.STABILIZERSOLUTIONS.COM Stabilizer Solutions’ Hilltopper is a unique soil compound that combines long-lasting polymers and coatings with natural clay mixes to produce flexible and stable compounds for mounds and home plate areas. Hilltopper is manufactured to provide optimum cohesion right out of the bag. Crews do not have to add water—just spread

and tamp, and it’s ready for play.

Installation and repair take half the time of traditional clay products.

Circle No. 544 Stalker Radar 888-STALKER WWW.STALKERRADAR.COM/ SPORTS_SPORT.SHTML The ultra-high performance Stalker Sport Radar Gun precisely measures the speed of a baseball as it leaves the pitcher’s hand and as the ball crosses the plate. Baseball radar speeds can differ by up to 12 mph. The Stalker Sport is three times more powerful than most sports radar guns, accurately clocking pitches from over 300 feet away. A new double-capacity battery handle is available, providing up to 40 hours of use between charges. All Major League Baseball teams use the Stalker Sport.

Circle No. 545

The Most Innovative On-Line Buyer’s Guide for Athletic Organizations

O View the complete product lines of

companies listed.

O View catalog pages or spec sheets

from many of the top companies.

O Read a profile or description of

select companies.

O Send an e-mail directly to a supplier

or make a request to be contacted by a company representative.

O Request catalog and sales literature

from companies.

AthleticBid.com is a free service to help buyers at schools and athletic organizations contact many companies in the most efficient fashion to request product specs and pricing information.

It used to take hours to contact dozens of companies to research products and plan purchases.

But by using AthleticBid.com, it now only takes minutes.

See for yourself why more than 13,000 unique users each month rely on

Athleticbid.com 44

COACHING MANAGEMENT

2006 ABCA Preview The Game, LLC 877-840-4547 WWW.2THEGAME.COM The Game custom-designs team headwear, including for teams from over 350 colleges and universities. Teams may choose to have embroidery on both the front and back of their caps in a variety of 11 sizes plus five “stretch-fit” sizes. Caps can be made from lightweight wool-blend serge or thicker mesh fabric. Minimum orders are only 18 pieces, and there are no set-up fees or tape charges. The company offers two delivery programs for teams’ conveniences. For a list of authorized dealers, please visit The Game online.

Circle No. 546

Products on Display to only five feet high. Its unique dolly assembly at the rear and 16-inch pneumatic wheels make relocation simple.

Circle No. 548 Vantage Products International introduces the Titan Curveball-Pitching Machine. The Titan’s urethane pitching wheels eliminate air pressure problems that occur with standard pitching machines, allowing ball speeds to range between 40–95 mph. The machine uses leather and dimpled balls that can be thrown as curves, fastballs, sliders, sinkers, and knuckleballs. The Titan comes with a five-year limited warranty and a 24-hour quick-ship guarantee.

Circle No. 549

TXI/Diamond Pro 800-228-2987 WWW.DIAMONDPRO.COM Diamond Pro offers a complete line of professional groundskeeping products: infield conditioners; calcined clay; mound and home plate clay; bricks; marking dust; and infield and warning track mixes. The company offers fast and convenient delivery. Diamond Pro’s vitrified red clay infield conditioner is available in bulk nationwide, and is easy to handle and to apply. Truckloads are available in 10-, 15-, and 24-ton loads that save you both time and money. Create an all-around safe and professional infield-playing surface for your team.

Circle No. 547

WSI Sports 651-994-9945 WWW.WSISPORTS.COM WSI Sports’ new Wikmax Heatr generates heat while wicking away moisture. This revolutionary shirt keeps muscles warm and encourages recovery time for injured areas. The Wikmax Heatr is ideal for pitchers. It’s patent-pending and made in the U.S.A. Circle No. 550

Your source for fundraising tips, support, and suppliers:

www.fundraisingforsports.com

Accelerated Baseball Technologies, Inc.

Flame Thrower ®

Training Equipment for Baseball and Softball – From Youth to Collegiate to the Pros!

Flame Thrower® Features: • Straight-Change Recognition and Training • More Batting Practice in Less Time • 70 Cuts in Five Minutes • Throws Tennis Balls for Safer Training at High Speeds • Equipment Speed Capabilities: 40mph - 140mph • Offensive and Defensive Drills • Pinpoint Tube Guided Ball Accuracy • Lightweight and Portable: Only 27-38 lbs.

• Designed for High-Performance

AMERICAN MADE for AMERICA’S PASTIME! ALL EQUIPMENT Built & Tested by Baseball People Prior to Shipment!

i PACKAGES FROM

$938.ºº

www.acceleratedbaseball.com 920-748-6599 or 847-381-7556 Circle No. 141

ABCA Booth No. 1327 & 1329

Circle No. 142

ABCA Booth No. 511

Vantage Products International 800-244-4457 WWW.VPISPORTS.COM VPI offers the Big Bubba Professional Portable Batting Cage. The Big Bubba is one of the leading choices for high school, collegiate, and professional baseball programs—at considerable cost savings. Its heavy-duty aluminum construction, easy portability, and collapsible design make it the perfect backstop for any level. Measuring 18’W x 22’D x 12’H, the Big Bubba collapses

COACHING MANAGEMENT

45

New Products Debuting at the 2006 ABCA

Zingbat Trainer Series

Refield Now In 50 Pound Bags

Game-On Warning Track Blend

Zingbat™ introduces the new Trainer Series of the Zingbat line. Youth players can now purchase this economically-priced version for $59.75.

The new Zingbat Trainer teaches batters proper swing mechanics, and it is available in two sizes: 30”/20 oz. and 27”/19 oz. The original Pro Series Zingbat comes in various lengths and weights to match the needs of individual players and is priced at $159.75. Contact Zingbat to find out about special discounts for coaches, or call for a free training CD or video today.

Due to tremendous response and increased demand for Redfield, Country Stone is now offering its infield topdressing in 50-pound bags.

This bagged product allows you to transform fields gradually to improve aesthetics, playability, and manageability. Bags are available through distributors. If your local distributor does not carry Redfield, have them call Country Stone, or call yourself to find the nearest distributor. Redfield works well with calcined and vitrified clays.

Game-On Warning Track Blend is the newest product by Game-On. It is formulated specifically for those areas of your field where sure-footing is mandatory, and is available in bulk shipments in either brick red or natural color. The rich color of Warning Track Red will give your field a professional appearance. It is also recommended for the dugout areas and along the fence lines.

Zingbat 866-ZINGBAT WWW.ZINGBAT.COM Circle No. 551

Country Stone 800-762-5728 WWW.COUNTRYSTONE.COM Circle No. 552

Game-On 888-593-0395 WWW.HAYDITEGAME-ON.COM Circle No. 553

New products debuting at the 2006 ABCA Convention in Chicago

46

See-Ball Trainer

Color-Coded Medicine Balls

Turface Pro League® Red

The See-Ball Trainer is a pitching machine that allows coaches to relax as they throw batting practice. No electricity or screens are needed and it’s available at an affordable price. Coaches can vary the pitch location and speed with ease. SeeBall includes 24 poly-balls that are guaranteed to be thrown as strikes.

See-Ball Trainer is also available as a hand-held model that pitches golf ball-sized Wiffle® balls with no hassle.

Enhance athletic performance, improve throwing strength, and spice up routine medicine ball workouts using the new, exclusively-designed Power Systems Medicine Balls.

These perfectly-balanced, textured Medicine Balls range from eight to 11 inches in diameter and can be used to perform squats, tosses, abdominal crunches, and a variety of other exercises. They’re color-coded by weight: two to 12 pounds in twopound increments, 15, 18, 20, 25 and 30 pounds. An instructional manual, VHS, and DVD are also available.

Turface Pro League® Red is the first and only patented red calcined-clay conditioner. Pro League® Red combines rich color with proven infieldconditioning benefits, to create highquality sliding and fielding surfaces.

Compared to crushed aggregates, which color other infield products, Pro League Red absorbs more water and requires half the tonnage to obtain 1/4-inch coverage. Used by the 2005 World Series Houston Astros, Pro League Red is unmatched for maximum rainout protection.

PIK Products Corp.

877-845-7845 WWW.PIKPRODUCTS.COM Circle No. 554

Power Systems 800-321-6975 WWW.POWER-SYSTEMS.COM Circle No. 555

Profile Products, LLC 800-207-6457 WWW.TURFACE.COM Circle No. 556

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Convention in Chicago

Red Diamond Professional Packing Clay Red Diamond Professional Packing Clay not only meets the needs of the professional groundskeeper, but is easy to install and maintain. Uniformsized nuggets are a result of modifying 100-percent natural clay through an innovative manufacturing process.

This packing clay provides safe, resilient pitching tables, landing areas, and batter boxes for every level of baseball. The nuggets may also be used in new construction and renovation of ballparks and in daily repairs.

Red Diamond by Moltan 800-264-5826 WWW.MOLTAN.COM Circle No. 557

Tread Mount Stadium Chair Seating Services is proud to introduce its Tread Mount Stadium Chair.

Now there is finally a way to put stadium chairs on your existing 24inch row-spacing bleachers. This unit requires minimal rework and is extremely cost-effective. The tread mounts can be used on rises up to 10-1/2 inches. These chairs can be custom-designed for fundraisers, such as placing season ticket-holders’ names on the number plates.

Seating Services 800-552-9470 WWW.SEATINGSERVICES.COM Circle No. 558

New products debuting at the 2006 ABCA Convention in Chicago

Junior Hack Attack Baseball Pitching Machine The Junior Hack Attack Baseball Pitching Machine is the Major League-quality training tool designed to develop serious young players. Its unique features include a patented three-wheel design that allows hitters to experience a live-arm sense of timing and location. Pitches—such as curveballs, sliders, right- and lefthanded breakers, and more—can be quickly dialed with the three-speed knobs. Lightweight and extremely portable, the new Junior Hack Attack can help develop your dedicated players into the pros they want to be.

Sports Attack 800-717-4251 WWW.SPORTSATTACK.COM Circle No. 559

Burst™ Series Chest Protectors Schutt®’s Burst™ Series Chest Protectors are brand new for 2006.

These protectors are engineered to be lightweight and comfortable for optimal performance. This new series of chest protectors uses memory foam to ensure excellent rebound characteristics. The ultra-lightweight mesh-foam covering and Coolmax® layer on the backside keeps athletes cool during their games. Players can’t expect to win without the right equipment, so give Schutt Sports a call today.

Schutt Sports Group 866-4-SCHUTT WWW.SCHUTTSPORTS.COM Circle No. 560 Circle No. 143

ABCA Booth No. 100 COACHING MANAGEMENT

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More Products Bannerman Ltd. 800-665-2696 WWW.SPORTSTURFMAGIC.COM

mail merges, and creates Microsoft Outlook address books.

Circle No. 563

Restore your diamond’s luster in 20 minutes or less. Bannerman manufactures groomers that can level and provide maintenance care for baseball diamonds, warning tracks, and walking trails. The B-DM-6 Diamond Master® has five grooming tools: a ripper blade, a rake, a leveler, a roller, and a finishing brush.

Available options include an extension wing brush kit, a hydraulic tractor top link, a 50-gallon water tank with spray nozzle, a long-tine “fluffing” rake, and a new highway transport kit.

Circle No. 561

eFundraising 866-461-1016 WWW.EFUNDRAISING.COM

When player safety comes first, look to Bannerman, manufacturers of groomers that shape, level, and provide maintenance care for baseball diamonds.

The B-BP-4 Ballpark-4® (shown) and the B-BP-6 Ballpark-6® models have five tools: a ripper blade, a rake, a leveler, a roller, and a brush.

Available accessories include a wing brush kit, a top link kit, a 50-gallon water tank kit with spray nozzle, and the new highway transport kit.

Circle No. 562 CompuSports 800-691-4555 WWW.COACHINGWARE.COM Easy-Recruiter is an affordable software application that saves time, providing up-to-date recruiting information as it collects and manages information about athletes, high schools, and coaches.

Phone calls, visits, and evaluations—along with notes for each—can be recorded and easily retrieved. A comprehensive, customizable collection of reports is included.

Easy-Recruiter can import from Excel, college Web sites, and recruiting lists.

It exports into Excel, can perform Word

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

eFundraising’s Scratchcards are one of the most profitable fundraising products in America, with up to a rare 100-percent profit opportunity. Check out the company’s special offers and fundraising tips online, and find out how this fundraiser can be personalized for your group. Here is just one of the many success stories: “You have helped our organization reach our goals. After attempting various forms of fundraising in the past, we decided to try the Scratchcard fundraiser. This by far has been our most successful fundraising event we have participated in. Thanks.” Dwan Lee, Capitol Athletic Basketball.

Circle No. 564 eNarratives, LLC 419-621-2139 WWW.E-NARRATIVES.COM/ RESPORTCARD.HTM The reSport Card™ by eNarratives provides teams with high-quality booklets about their student-athletes, which can be re-sold for 100percent profit.

These low-cost booklets are printed on heavyweight gloss paper, displaying the most recent statistics and photos of these athletes, and are ready when teams need them. ReSport Cards may contain advertising. There is a minimum order of only 25 booklets, and new booklets can be printed throughout the season.

Visit eNarratives online for more information.

Circle No. 565 Fergo Athletics 888-OK-FERGO WWW.FERGOONLINE.COM Fergo Athletics is an apparel manufacturer that passes huge savings directly to teams. It custom-designs athletic apparel for high schools, colleges, clubs, and recreational leagues

in every sport. As part of its dedication to schools, Fergo will meet any quote or bid in price, quality, and style and then write your team, school, or club a 10-percent royalty check on the total order. Call the company for more details about this offer and to find out more about all Fergo products.

Circle No. 566 Fergo Athletics offers high schools, colleges, and park/recreation teams some of the industry’s lowest prices on custom-made baseball apparel guaranteed.

Services include imprinting, sublimation, and embroidery work on 11 customdesigned uniforms, T-shirts, practice wear, warm-ups, caps, bags, team jackets and fleeces, and even banners. Call Fergo Athletics for more details about these services and to find out how the company can help your team meet its needs.

Circle No. 567 The Gatorade Co. 800-88-GATOR WWW.GATORADE.COM Gatorade Nutrition Shake is a balanced nutritional supplement that’s ideal for use as a high-energy meal replacement, or a pre-event or between-meal snack.

Gatorade Nutrition Shake contains vitamin C, calcium, and iron, so it’s great for athletes who want to perform at their best and need to supplement their diet with a convenient, balanced, and nutritious product. Gatorade Nutrition Shake is available in two flavors: chocolate and vanilla.

Circle No. 568 After years of extensive research, scientists at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute have developed Gatorade Endurance Formula for athletes’ longer, more intense workouts and competitions. Gatorade Endurance Formula is a specialized sports drink with a five-electrolyte blend contain-

More Products ing nearly twice the sodium (200mg) and three times the potassium (90mg) of Gatorade Thirst Quencher to more fully replace what athletes lose in sweat when fluid and electrolyte losses become substantial.

Circle No. 569 Granada Pitching 800-547-5032 WWW.BATTINGPRACTICE.COM Granada baseball and softball pitching machines offer a true pitch when used both indoors and outdoors. No nets are needed. The Granada system has been proven to increase a batter’s hitting on the field and in laboratory testing. Good batting practice should include at least 200 cuts a day without fear of the ball. Aggressive hitters will get 1,000 or more cuts a day. Granada has been improving hitting for more than 40 years.

Circle No. 570

Heying Co. 712-756-8847 WWW.INFIELD-DRAG.COM

John B. Jones, Inc. 910-654-6711 WWW.SPORTTARPS.COM

Restore and maintain infields easily with the PR72 Pro Groomer™ by Heying Co. This groomer keeps granular infields level, wellgroomed, and in safe playing condition.

It saves labor by mixing in new material, breaking up hard-compacted surfaces, and removing weeds. The Pro Groomer works with a variety of towing machines, with no need for hydraulics, three-point hitches, or tools to adjust. The Pro Groomer is six-feet-wide and available in a manual or electric lift. More information is available online.

Circle No. 571

Sporttarp, a division of John B. Jones, Inc., introduces its line of mound and home plate tarps, customized with team logos. Made from qualityweight vinyl, Sporttarp is easy to place, helping to maintain soil consistency. Team logos are produced using PMS colors that are guaranteed to match your team’s needs. With its growing clientele, Sporttarp adorns some of America’s more prestigious stadiums, including Turner Stadium and Yankee Stadium. Sporttarp is proud to be a licensed product of Little League Baseball.

Circle No. 572

Check out www.AthleticBid.com www.AthleticBid.com to contact these companies.

Infield “Pro Groomer”

TM

www.Infield-Drag.com Restore and Maintain Infields quickly and easily!

Keeps fields level, well-groomed and in safe playing condition. The 6 ft. wide Pro Groomer cuts off high spots, mixes the material then fills in low areas.

Also use to break up hard-compacted surfaces.

Control weeds, deter water puddling & Save Labor!

PR72 “Pro Groomer”TM Electric or manual lift.

6 ft. wide

Level, Smoothen, Mix, and Break Up Infields.

Available with manual or electric lift. Easily adjusts to different towing machines. No need for hydraulics or 3-pt. hitch. More info at www.Infield-Drag.com PR72-E,25,d Complete Info. at: www.Infield-Drag.com Heying Co. 515 6th Ave. Alton, Iowa 51003 Ph. (712) 756-8847

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Circle No. 145 COACHING MANAGEMENT

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More Products Jump Stretch, Inc. 800-344-3539 WWW.JUMPSTRETCH.COM Partner Run Stations are designed to be two-person resistance-training tools, consisting of two pairs of FlexBands (four bands total) with one pair slip-knotted through the second pair. After positioning one pair of bands around each runner’s waist, the lead runner runs out from his or her partner while the partner pulls back to provide resistance. Since neither person is stationary, each develops ham, quad, glute, and lower-body strength more efficiently. After a set distance or time period is reached, partners switch positions.

Circle No. 573 Kodiak Sports 303-632-9334 WWW.KODIAKSPORTS.COM Kodiak Sports provides high-quality, foam-padded sports turf for indoor

baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and multipurpose training facilities. Its foambacked turfs are manufactured according to the highestquality standards in the industry, providing teams with a great look and superior quality. Kodiak Sports also provides nationwide installation services for its line of synthetic turf products.

Circle No. 574 Partac/Beam Clay 800-247-BEAM WWW.BEAMCLAY.COM Partac®/Beam Clay® is a supplier to ever y Major League Baseball team, over 150 minor league teams, more than 700 colleges, and thousands of towns and schools from all 50 states and many countries around

the world. Partac/Beam Clay makes special mixes for infields, pitcher’s mounds, home plate areas, red warning tracks, infield conditioners, and dr ying agents. The company also offers over 200 other infield products, including regional infield mixes blended for ever y state and climate condition from bulk plants nationwide.

Circle No. 575 PowerLung, Inc. 800-903-3087 WWW.POWERLUNG.COM “The PowerLung program allows our athletes to compete at their highest level,” says Johnny Long, of the University of Tennessee. Why? Because under-trained breathing muscles restrict an athlete’s performance. Stronger breathing muscles mean stronger core-body muscles for greater hitting power, improved pitching endurance, and faster recovery. Use PowerLung to improve your athletes’ training, competition, and recovery. Contact PowerLung now for a free copy of “The Importance of Respiratory Muscle Training for Inspiratory and Expiratory

American Baseball Coaches Association Phone: (949) 775-3300 Fax: (949) 775-3600 E-mail: abca@abca.org

108 South University Avenue Suite #3 Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858-2327 Web site: www.abca.org

In 1945, a group of college baseball coaches gathered in New York City to formulate ideas for the promotion and improvement of collegiate baseball. That group founded what is known today as the American College Baseball Coaches Association. Over the past 50 years, the association has grown to include membership in every division of amateur baseball and is recognized as the world’s largest baseball association.

The main objective of the ABCA is educational in nature, helping to improve the level of coaching. The ABCA helps to promote rapport among the coaches and the divisions within baseball and recognizes deserving players and coaches through several sponsorship/award programs.

Membership for the ABCA is only $30 per year for US residents, $35 for Canadian members, and $40 for others. All membership must be paid on US money orders or checks drawn from US banks.

2006 ABCA NEW MEMBER FORM I wish to: ❑ Renew my membership

❑ Change my address

Name _________________________________________________

❑ Join as a new member

Office Use Only Check # _______________ Invoice Date ___________

Please circle association:

Title __________________________________________________

NCAA I

NCAA II

School/Organization ____________________________________

YOUTH

ACAD

NCAA III CANADA

NAIA

NJCAA

HS

SCOUT

PRO

INT’L

Address _______________________________________________ City/State/Zip __________________________________________

Please indicate method of payment:

Phone No. ____________________________________________

❑ Check

Fax No. _______________________________________________

Credit Card Number ____________________________________

E-mail _________________________________________________

Exp. Date _____________________________________________

Years Coached _________________________________________

Signature ______________________________________________

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

❑ Visa/Mastercard

More Products Muscles” white paper and a PowerLung Specialized Training Program.

Circle No. 576 Russell Athletic WWW.RUSSELLATHLETIC.COM Russell Athletic is introducing a fresh update to the classic jersey, the “Wave”. The Wave features the innovative lightweight Dri-Power fabric that offers athletes the ultimate in wicking moisture-management technology. The jersey is available in eight colors, all with contrasting textured Baseball Grey sleeve inserts, neck, and front piping.

Circle No. 577 Russell Athletic’s new Dugout Jacket is 100-percent nylon on the outside and warm and soft on the inside. It has a quilted lining with a diamond pattern that keeps the athlete warm. It is available in eight colors and can be tackle-twilled with team names, mascots, or logos. Go online to find out more.

Circle No. 578 Sports Products Consultants 800-474-8243 WWW.TIMIT.COM The new, patented Timit RadarWatch™

by Sports Products Consultants measures the speed of a pitch from any location on the field or in the stands—even for someone warming up in the bullpen.

With a default distance up to 60 feet, it eliminates the need to position oneself behind the catcher as a person would with a radar gun. The Timit RadarWatch keeps pitch counts, displays the runner’s time to first and the catcher’s release time to second, and captures the speed of a pitch in “mph”—all at the same time.

Circle No. 579 Sports Products Consultants 800-474-8243 WWW.PERSONALPITCHER.COM The Personal Pitcher™ by Sports Products Consultants helps players at any level develop muscle memory,

More Products bat speed, and hand-eye coordination.

Because it mounts on any standard camera tripod and is safe to use indoors or outside, it is the perfect tool for pre-game warm-ups, hitting stations, and extended batting practices. The machine holds up to 40 golf ball-sized Wiffle™ balls that are automatically pitched at six-second intervals.

Circle No. 580 Xvest 800-697-5658 WWW.THEXVEST.COM “I have found the Xvest to be an excellent tool for providing overloads in plyometrics, strength training, conditioning, and rehabilitation programs. The fit and adaptability are excellent. The Xvest allows freedom of movement and doesn’t interfere with any of the agility, bounding, or running programs that I write for a wide variety of athletes, both collegiate and professional. The Xvest has proven itself in my programs. Thank you for all your efforts and help in improving my capability as a strength and conditioning specialist.”

—Donald A. Chu, Ph.D., PT, ATC, CSCS, author of Jumping Into Plyometrics Circle No. 581 Xvest has a new weight configuration, and it’s heavy: 84 pounds of heavy. The new Xvest, known as the Fire Fighter model, was developed especially for fire fighters and their rigorous training. It has the same basic design as the original Xvest, but internally it has a new weight configuration that allows for 84 pounds of weight. Because of its ability to adjust weight like the original Xvest, everyone from body builders to military personnel is buying them. For more information on all the Xvest models, call the company or visit its Web site.

Circle No. 582

Testimonial

Turfco’s Diversity Enhances Field Maintenance Production For Paul Griffin of Woodbury, Minn., topdressing municipal sports fields is an essential component of field maintenance.

When Griffin sought to upgrade the city’s topdressing equipment, he spent considerable time researching his options. He wanted a machine that could not only topdress, but also had sufficient capacity and material placement capabilities for transporting and distributing a range of materials, including gravel, fill dirt, mulch, and more.

Griffin found that CR-10 topdresser/material handler from Turfco Manufacturing met his needs precisely.

“With a limited budget, we needed a machine that could do more than just topdress,” says Griffin. “Not only does the CR-10 meet our needs as a topdresser, it also is called into service for an incredible number of other projects due to its material-handling capabilities.”

Griffin says that with Turfco’s WideSpin™ technology, the CR-10 enhances his crews’ productivity when topdressing. As a material handler, the CR-10’s patented three-position remote switch—combined with the crossconveyor’s 180-degree swing and large, four-cubic yard hopper—provides awesome material placement flexibility.

Turfco Manufacturing 1655 101ST AVE., N.E. MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55449 800-679-8201 SALES@TURFCO.COM WWW.TURFCO.COM COACHING MANAGEMENT

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Web News Wind Weighted Rain Covers Featured on Aer-Flo Site

Find Field Spec Information Online at Stabilizer Solutions

Aer-Flo’s redesigned Web site includes pictures, user stories, specifications, and prices for the company’s line of unique, patents-pending sports covers. Self-ballasted Wind Weighted® Baseball Tarps stay put in winds up to 65 mph without stakes or sandbags. Bunt Zone™ Infield Protectors save turf and have color-coded target areas built-in for bunting and batting visualization training. Bench Zone Sideline Turf Protectors reduce cleat damage while allowing rain to drain through.

More revolutionary sports products will be introduced in the coming months, all of which are made in the U.S.

The Stabilizer Solutions Web site features full descriptions of sport and recreational surfacing products. The home page provides a link to the Stabilizer Ballyard Products™ page where you can find information for baseball and softball fields, including product information, field measurements, and detailed installation specifications. Individual pages highlight the company’s main products for baseball fields: Stabilizer Amendment, Hilltopper® Mound & Homeplate Clay, and Hilltopper Infield Mix and Warning Track Mix. The site also provides a small product list of field maintenance and installation tools under the heading, “Ballyard Tools and Equipment™”. Stabilizer Solutions carries it all.

www.aerflo.com Web Site Offers Serious Training Equipment for Serious Athletes

www.stabilizersolutions.com

The Sports Attack Web site presents professional training equipment for baseball and softball. High-quality baseball equipment is offered for every level, from Little League Baseball to the Majors. Each unit is thoroughly described in graphic detail, and may be viewed online in action-packed videos shot in actual training environments that demonstrate key features and exceptional functions. Coaches will quickly learn why this line of training equipment will challenge and improve the skills of every athlete, at every level. Visit online today.

New Interactive Q&A Featured on Diamond Pro’s Web Site

www.sportsattack.com

Diamond Pro, a division of TXI (Texas Industries, Inc.), has updated its Web site to include its new feature: an “Ask The Pros” interactive Question & Answer section with professional groundskeepers from across the country. The company’s Web site also provides in-depth profiles on its professional groundskeeping products and sports turf equipment. Its diverse product line includes: Red and Gray Infield Conditioners (bulk or bag); calcined clay (top dressing, drying agent, professional); mound/home plate clay and bricks; athletic field-marking dust; infield and warning track mixes; and a complete line of field maintenance tools.

www.diamondpro.com

Southern Athletic Fields... ...your complete source for all athletic field needs!

• • • • • • •

Mar Mound Clay Infield Mixes Field Conditioners Drying Agents Warning Trac Infield Topdressing Various Field Accessories

800.837.8062 www.mulemix.com ABCA Booth No. 1223 & 1225

Circle No. 146

Circle No. 147

granada

Producing hitters for 45 years!

Go with a proven pitching machine to help your team at the plate. Our customers include numerous national champions and record-holders.

• Perfect for Indoor/Outdoor Use • No Nets Needed • Takes Away the Fear of Being Hit By the Ball

(800) 547-5032

www.battingpractice.com Circle No. 148

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

Circle No. 149

ABCA Booth No. 1305, 1307, 1309 & 1311

ABCA Booth No. 1229 & 1231

Circle No. 150