Little League World Series Players Receive New Easton Bats, Partnership Extended
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South williamsport, PA – Players at the 2023 Little league World Series experienced a surge of excitement as they received new Easton bats, a tradition bolstered by a partnership extension through 2028. The distribution of the bats, a highly anticipated event, sparked immediate enthusiasm among the young athletes.
Easton and Little League: A Long-Standing Partnership
Easton has maintained a relationship with Little League for over four decades, with the latest extension solidifying their commitment through the 2028 tournament. Rawlings, which merged with Easton in 2021, provides the official glove used in the tournament. This collaboration ensures high-quality equipment for the young players competing on the world stage.
Did You Know? The Little League World Series began in 1947 with just twelve teams and has grown into an international event showcasing the talent of players aged 10-12.
The Impact of the USABat standard
In 2018,Little League implemented new bat rules to address concerns about increasing home run totals driven by aluminum bats. The change mandated compliance with the USABat Standard, altering the material composition of the bats to more closely mimic the performance characteristics of wooden bats. These new bats are designed to be lighter and easier for 12-year-old players to swing.
| Year | event |
|---|---|
| 1947 | First Little League World Series held |
| 2018 | Implementation of USABat Standard |
| 2021 | Rawlings merges with Easton |
| 2023 | Easton/Little League partnership extended to 2028 |
According to USA Baseball, the standard was created to ensure the long-term integrity of the game
. The result has been a decrease in home run numbers at the LLWS, even though the bats still provide a satisfying sound upon contact. USABat Standard provides detailed specifications for bat performance.
Player Reactions and Excitement
Despite the focus on bat performance, the players themselves were simply thrilled to receive the new equipment. Many expressed disbelief at the generosity of the gesture.
“It was pretty hype,” said Camden Tycz of South Dakota. “When we saw the bat table it was just astonishing.”
Preston Ware from South Carolina initially believed his team would have to share a single bat. His coach, Dave Bogan, playfully suggested this was the case.
“Coach Dave (Bogan) tried to trick me and said, ‘Yes,'” Preston recounted.
However, teammate Joe Giulietti quickly corrected the misunderstanding, noting, “Preston, this isn’t like the 1960s. When Coach Dave grew up, they had one bat size.”
Pro Tip: Understanding the USABat Standard can definitely help parents and coaches select appropriate bats for youth baseball leagues,ensuring fair play and player safety.
The Evolution of Bat Technology and its Impact
The shift from traditional wooden bats to aluminum and composite bats significantly altered the landscape of youth baseball. The increased trampoline effect of these materials led to higher exit velocities and more home runs. the USABat Standard represents a strategic effort to balance performance with player development and the essential principles of the game. Research by the American Sports Data, Inc. demonstrates a clear correlation between bat material and batted ball velocity (https://americansportsdata.com/bat-performance-testing/).
What impact will the continued evolution of bat technology have on the future of Little League baseball? How will Little League continue to balance innovation with the preservation of the game’s core values?
Looking Ahead: The Future of Little League Equipment
The partnership between Easton and Little league signals a continued commitment to providing young athletes with high-quality equipment. Future innovations may focus on materials that further enhance player safety and performance while adhering to the USABat Standard. The ongoing dialog between Little League, equipment manufacturers, and USA Baseball will be crucial in shaping the future of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the USABat Standard? The USABat standard is a set of performance requirements for non-wood bats used in youth baseball, designed to mimic the performance of wooden bats.
- Why did Little League change its bat rules? Little League changed its bat rules to reduce the number of home runs and restore a more balanced game.
- What is the partnership between Easton and Little League? Easton has been a partner of Little League for over 40 years, providing bats and equipment for the tournament.
- What are the benefits of the new bats? The new bats are lighter and easier to swing for 12-year-old players, while still adhering to performance standards.
- How does the USABat Standard affect home run totals? The USABat Standard has led to a decrease in home run totals at the Little League World Series.
We hope you enjoyed this report on the exciting developments at the Little League World Series. Please share this article with fellow baseball enthusiasts, leave a comment below with your thoughts, and consider subscribing to our newsletter for more insightful sports coverage!
