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BASEBALL / SOFTBALL INFORMATION

HOWTOCHOOSEABAT:
Buying a bat is a personal decision. New technology has delivered bats that not only enhance performance but also are tailored to an individual player's strengths. It is essential that you select a bat that fits your unique body configuration and skill level, height, weight, and hitting strength. DETERMINE YOUR BAT LENGTH BY WEIGHT &HEIGHT: Height (inches) Weight 36- 41- 45(pounds) 40 40 48 Bat Length < 60 61-70 71-80 81-90 91-100 101-110 111-120 121-130 131-140 141-150 151-160 161-170 171-180 180+ 26 27 27 28 27 28 28 28 28 29 28 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 30 30 30 29 29 29 29 30 30 30 30 30 30 31 31 29 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 31 31 31 31 30 30 30 31 31 31 31 31 31 32 32 32 31 31 31 31 31 32 32 32 32 32 33 33 32 32 32 32 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 34 34 33 34 34 34 Pour a small amount of glove conditioner or glove oil on a clean dry cloth and carefully work the oil around the outer shell palm and back. A light coating is all that is necessary. Allow the glove to dry for 24 hours. Wipe off any excess oil and play catch for 15 to 20 minutes or 50-70 throws. This stretches and forms the glove to your hand and accelerates the break-in process. Put a ball in the pocket of the glove and tie the glove closed for a few days with a string or rubber band. Laces will stretch with use. Keep the laces taught but do not over-tighten them. Store in a cool dry place with a ball in the pocket when not in use. Do not leave your glove in an area where temperatures will become extreme, such as the trunk of your car. Do not over-oil your glove. Twice per season is sufficient. Do not submerge your glove in water - it will rot. If your glove becomes wet, dry slowly and oil lightly. Do not put in the oven or microwave to dry it. 4952 5356 5760 6164 6568 69- 73+ 72

GLOVE FIT TIPS:

ADULTS: The largest sizes (13 to 14) are manufactured for softball players. Outfielders typically wear gloves in the 12.5 to 13.5 range because the large pocket makes for great catching. Infielders looking for quick transfer often use a slightly smaller glove, between 12 and 13. Pitchers, like infielders, usually prefer the quick transfer of smaller, 12to 13 gloves. Middle infielders should look for a shallower pocket within the recommended size range. YOUTH&BEGINNER: The best way to learn the fundamentals of fielding and catching is by wearing a glove that fits well. Gloves that are too big allow cheating, preventing beginners from developing and refining proper skills. Kids gloves should not be bought to grow into. Younger kids should stay in the 9 to 11 range. Kids 8 and older should try gloves in the 11 range. Kids 12 and under should use a glove no larger than 12. Adolescents should choose the lower end of the adult size range for intended position.

GLOVE BREAK IN TIPS:

DETERMINING THE RIGHT BAT WEIGHT: Bigger, stronger players prefer a heavier bat since they get the benefits of both the heft and swing power. Smaller players with less strength should consider a lighter bat to generate a quicker swing. Younger players should also consider that a lighter bat increases control, great for single hitters, while also reducing the risk of injury. Selecting weight really depends on two critical factors - strength and hitting style.

Coaches Corner - Spring/ Summer 2013 - Information

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NEW BAT TESTING STANDARDS:

The new testing standards can make the purchase of a new bat slightly confusing. That is why weve prepared a simple breakdown of the new standards by competition level to ensure you purchase the right bat for years to come. Batter up! HIGH SCHOOL &COLLEGE BASEBALL: Beginning on January 1, 2012, high school and college baseball officially made the switch to BBCOR bats. The adoption of the BBCOR bat by the NCAA was not done for safety reasons. Instead, the NCAA simply wanted a more wood-like performance from the bats. This only pertains to 3 BBCOR bats. LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL, BABE RUTH BASEBALL, PONY BASEBALL, AND SOFTBALL, AMERICAN AMATEUR BASEBALL CONGRESS ANDDIXIE BASEBALL: These five youth groups monitor the vast majority of children playing organized baseball. For children ages 12-and-under, they currently use bats that are 2 inches in diameter. They are simply called youth bats. Currently, all those bats are made to the BPF (Bat Performance Factor) performance standard. All youth bats currently on sale in retail outlets should have a message on them that says Approved for play by Little League, PONY, Babe Ruth, AABC, & Dixie At this time, a moratorium has been placed on all Little League Composite barrel baseball bats. Bats with aluminum barrels and composite handles are still approved bats. Even though Composite barrel bats meet the BPF standard when new, Composite barrel bats can sometimes become livelier with use and thus fall out of the BPF standards. Check out our massive BBCOR and little league bat assortment at a Dunhams near you!

CLEAT INFORMATION
Baseball players can choose from a range of cleats designed for different conditions and playing surfaces. Wedges provide cushioning and keep the front of the foot low to the ground, an advantage when running. Soft pads in the shoe minimize pressure, and cushioning is used in midsole areas to reduce discomfort from hours of standing and running. Tongue flaps keep the tongue in place while keeping dirt out and zippered shrouds lock laces in place. The cleats on the bottom of the shoe are usually made of metal, solid rubber or molded thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Metal cleats are durable and can dig into hard dirt. Non-metal cleats reduce the risk of injury to opposing players and make for a more comfortable shoe. Maximum height for all types is -inch. Generally, high school level players or above use metal cleats, while junior ballplayers use a non-metal type. Some shoes are made with removable cleats so both metal and non-metal cleats can be used and worn cleats can be replaced. Baseball cleats are available in both lowtop and -height shoe configurations. The low-tops offer flexibility and are favored by baserunners, while the -height shoes provide more ankle support and are less likely to fall off. Many shoes are made from a combination of materials. Under Armour, a major supplier of baseball cleats, uses a combination of leather and a synthetic material called nubuck in many of their shoes. Nike baseball cleats use a rubber compound called Diamond Guard in the toe area to enhance durability.

Coaches Corner - Spring/ Summer 2013 - Bat Regulations

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SUPER BASEBALL ITEMS

NEEDS:
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Baseballs/Softballs Bats Bat Bag Baseball Cleats Catchers/Fielders Gloves Batting Gloves Batting Helmet Bases Pitchbacks Pitching Machines Batting Tees Compression Apparel Baseball Pants Sliding Shorts Cup & Supporter Socks

HOT NEW BATS:

Every year Dunhams Sports looks for new and exciting products that will make our players better. This year we found a few bats that can do that. Check them out!

3499 11999

LITTLE LEAGUE CYCLONE BAT

12 1/4 expended barrel for long sweet spot. Ultra-thin 29/32 handle with VRS cushioned grip. USSSA 1.15BFP certified for league play.

REFLEX -3 BBCOR BAT

7050 alloy barrel for high performance strength and durability. Pro-tack grip for ultimate comfort. Thin 31/32 tapered handle. BBCOR certified.

19999

S3 -3 BBCOR BAT
Speed series - lighter swing weights for more bat speed. 100% aluminum. Stiff flex handle. 2 5/8 barrel size. BBCOR certified.

* Special order only in select stores.

MORE HOT NEW PRODUCTS:

4499
UA ADULT LEADOFF IV MID
Colors vary by store.

1999
save $

7999
save $

10

10

9999
save $

50

PARASHOCK BATTING GLOVES

Sold in pairs. Adult, youth & womens. Colors vary by store. Orig. $30

POP-UP 5 X 5 NET
Orig. $90

WILSON PRO YAK ELITE PLAYER BASEBALL GLOVE

Orig. $150

UA JUNIOR LEADOFF IV MID....29.99

Coaches Corner - Spring/ Summer 2013 - Baseball

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SUPER SOFTBALL ITEMS

NEEDS:
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Baseballs/Softballs Bats Bat Bag Baseball Cleats Catchers/Fielders Gloves Batting Gloves Batting Helmet Bases Pitchbacks Pitching Machines Batting Tees Compression Apparel Baseball Pants Sliding Shorts Socks

HOT NEW BATS:

Every year Dunhams Sports looks for new and exciting products that will make our players better. This year we found a few bats that can do that. Check them out!

3999

FASTPITCH -9 CYCLONE SOFTBALL BAT

Evenly balanced bottle bat with low M.O.I. for lighter swing weight and faster swing speed. Thin 31/32 handle with cushioned grip. USSSA 1.20 BPF certified for league play.

4999

FASTPITCH -11 TYPHOON SOFTBALL BAT

Aluminum alloy construction. Evenly balanced with a lighter swing weight and fast swing speed. Thin 31/32 handle with cushioned grip. Certified for league play.

MORE HOT NEW PRODUCTS:

3999
WOMENS GLYDE RM CC WITH TEAM COLOR LACES
TEAM COLOR LACES INCLUDED

1499
save

2299
6 PACK 12 OFFICIAL SOFTBALLS
Perfect durable practice softballs.

2499 - 44.99
save $ up to

50%

DEMARINI WOMENS CP3 BATTING GLOVES

Orig. $30

A440 FAST PITCH BALL GLOVES

Available in 10 to 12.5 styles. Sizes may vary by store. Orig. to $50.

ATHLETES EDGE
Coaches Corner - Spring/ Summer 2013 - Softball P4