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<< Best Gear

Best Online Hitting Coach

One of our favorite things to say about bats is that you can’t fix a $4 swing with a $500 bat. But if the bat won’t fix that $4 swing, what will? We set out to find the best online hitting instruction for every type of swing.

By Brian Duryea | @BatDigestLast Updated: August 1, 2022

We surveyed over 300 readers and users of different hitting services. We also spent 40 hours perusing the sites, their content and online reviews of dozens of different hitting instructions and outlets.

Online hitting instruction generally falls under two categories:

  1. Self Guided Programs or Courses for Skill Development
  2. Swing Analysis Services with Personal Feedback to Develop Your Hitter

After polling our readers, below is a summary of your ten most used resources for online hitting instruction. This list includes examples of both self guided and swing analysis services.

Table of Contents

Research

Best Online Hitting Coach

Best Free Online Hitting Coach

YouGoProBaseball (Self Driven Program)
Pros

No cost

Advice from a professional player

Variety of material – drills, motivation, other positions

Cons

Not guided

Not personalized

No feedback on skill implementation

Pricing

Free

YouGoProBaseball is a YouTube channel with 239K subscribers, run by John Madden who used to play in the MLB. He has prolific video of pitching, hitting, fielding and equipment tips drills and tips. If you are a self motivated athlete, parent or coach willing to sort through material to find what you are looking for, this channel is a wealth of information.

Brand: YouGoProBaseball
Model: (Self Driven Program)
Original Price: $0
Pros

No cost

Advice from a professional player

Variety of material – drills, motivation, other positions

Cons

Not guided

Not personalized

No feedback on skill implementation

Pricing

Free

Best Paid Swing Analysis and Library

The Hitting Vault (Swing Analysis Service)
Pros

Comprehensive resource Cost effective over the course of a year, effectively less than $17 a month

Top 2 tier programs provide personalized hitter feedback

Offers a Coach Membership

Cons

A lot of material to sort through

Year-long commitment

Pricing

7 day trial for $1

$149/year for Starter Membership

$199/year for Pro Membership

$299/year for Coach Membership

The Hitting Vault is an online resource of various training programs, paths and drills to help your hitter develop in whatever area their swing may be lacking. Access to video swing analysis is included in the top two tier memberships.

The Starter Membership gets you 6 services including partial access to a hitting drill library and a 30 day swing program.

Pro Membership gets you 10 additional services, including access to the 200+ hitting drill library and additional programs, like SwingBuild, SwingFit, Strength training, bat speed training and access to video swing analysis.

Coach Membership gets you all of the above, plus private access to the coaching staff and a few other resources for the coach to access, including a private Facebook group.

Brand: The Hitting Vault
Model: (Swing Analysis Service)
Original Price: $199
Pros

Comprehensive resource Cost effective over the course of a year, effectively less than $17 a month

Top 2 tier programs provide personalized hitter feedback

Offers a Coach Membership

Cons

A lot of material to sort through

Year-long commitment

Pricing

7 day trial for $1

$149/year for Starter Membership

$199/year for Pro Membership

$299/year for Coach Membership

Best Free and Paid Hitting Resource

The Baseball Doctor (Both Self Driven Program and Swing Analysis)
Pros

Free YouTube instruction

Simple pricing structure, no recurring fees

The process is well outlined with clear explanations

Uses smartphone and email

Cons

Follow up on implementing advice not included

Pricing

$100 for video analysis of your hitter’s swing

$100 add-on of 2-week practice plan to help with deficiencies

Hitting Programs, $100 each: Creating Separation Dragging Back Elbow Youth Hitting Bat Speed High School

The Baseball Doctor has a YouTube channel for self guided instruction. They also offer swing analysis developed from three videos you send in. You can then purchase the 2 week practice plan to help with swing deficiencies, or various other programs to help with things like creating separation, dragging back elbow, youth hitting, bat speed and high school hitting.

Brand: The Baseball Doctor
Model: (Both Self Driven Program and Swing Analysis)
Original Price: $100
Pros

Free YouTube instruction

Simple pricing structure, no recurring fees

The process is well outlined with clear explanations

Uses smartphone and email

Cons

Follow up on implementing advice not included

Pricing

$100 for video analysis of your hitter’s swing

$100 add-on of 2-week practice plan to help with deficiencies

Hitting Programs, $100 each: Creating Separation Dragging Back Elbow Youth Hitting Bat Speed High School

Best Quick Fix Swing Analysis

Baseball Rebellion (Swing Analysis Service)
Pros

Personalized hitter feedback

Uses the V1 app for video upload and analysis

Cons

Requires a separate app

Recurring fees

Pricing

Baseball Rebellion offers 3 packages:

1 swing analysis for $30

4 swing analyses per month for $100

6 swing analyses per month for $140

 

Baseball Rebellion provides video analysis and coaching on your hitter's swing. Through an app, you upload video for the hitting coach to watch and return to you with voice over analysis and instruction. The service begins with a frame by frame swing analysis. This is a great in season, quick adjustment option because of the affordable price and lack of commitment required.

Brand: Baseball Rebellion
Model: (Swing Analysis Service)
Original Price: $30
Pros

Personalized hitter feedback

Uses the V1 app for video upload and analysis

Cons

Requires a separate app

Recurring fees

Pricing

Baseball Rebellion offers 3 packages:

1 swing analysis for $30

4 swing analyses per month for $100

6 swing analyses per month for $140

 

Best Paid Self Driven Program

Antonelli Baseball (Online Course)
Pros

Lifetime access

Money-back guarantee

Tools to help you identify and fix your swing flaws going forward

Cons

No personalized swing analysis

No feedback on implementation

 

Pricing

$249 (one-time payment)

30-day money-back guarantee

 

Antonelli Baseball offers lifetime access to an online course that teaches Antonelli's step-by-step system to build your hitter's swing. The course includes in depth video instruction analyzing the four core principles of the swing to generate greater bat speed, quickness and power, more than 25 hitting drills, and the instruction on how to quickly identify, diagnose and fix your swing flaws.

Brand: Antonelli Baseball
Model: (Online Course)
Original Price: $249
Pros

Lifetime access

Money-back guarantee

Tools to help you identify and fix your swing flaws going forward

Cons

No personalized swing analysis

No feedback on implementation

 

Pricing

$249 (one-time payment)

30-day money-back guarantee

 

Best Value Swing Analysis

Epstein Hitting (Swing Analysis Service)
Pros

Direct feedback from the company expert himself

Great explanation of services offered on the website, including visual example of the interface

Custom plan

Cons

Learn a new interface

Pricing

Every plan comes with access to drills, tutorials and a training plan and video swing analysis by the Jake Epstein, himself.

$49/month – 1 analysis with 2GB video storage

$69/month – 2 analyses with 4GB video storage

$99/month – 4 analyses with 6GB video storage

No long term contract, cancel anytime

 

With Epstein Online Hitting Academy, you receive interactive coaching, a customized training plan and in-depth video analysis of your baseball mechanics. All packages feature video annotations done personally by Jake Epstein in addition to drill library and professional player/collegiate player examples.

Brand: Epstein Hitting
Model: (Swing Analysis Service)
Original Price: $49
Pros

Direct feedback from the company expert himself

Great explanation of services offered on the website, including visual example of the interface

Custom plan

Cons

Learn a new interface

Pricing

Every plan comes with access to drills, tutorials and a training plan and video swing analysis by the Jake Epstein, himself.

$49/month – 1 analysis with 2GB video storage

$69/month – 2 analyses with 4GB video storage

$99/month – 4 analyses with 6GB video storage

No long term contract, cancel anytime

 

Best Online Hitting Trainer Access

Driveline Baseball (Swing Analysis Service)
Pros

Free programs offered (strength, hitting, running)

Specific, measurable goals with tracking

Games/competitions against yourself

Individual access to your trainer

Cons

Pricey

Specific software required

Pricing

$199/month

Driveline provides online hitting training focused on improving bat speed, consistent contact, and strategy at the plate. The monthly access includes a full swing analysis, individualized hitting, mobility and strength workouts, and video explanation of how to improve swing mechanics.You have direct access to your trainer, TRAQ software and your plan is tailored to your schedule.

Brand: Driveline Baseball
Model: (Swing Analysis Service)
Original Price: $199
Pros

Free programs offered (strength, hitting, running)

Specific, measurable goals with tracking

Games/competitions against yourself

Individual access to your trainer

Cons

Pricey

Specific software required

Pricing

$199/month

Best Device Required Hitting Instruction

Camwood Bats (Self Driven Program)
Pros

Flexible schedule – train anytime

Specific goal

Specific time to results

Cons

Requires personal drive with no outside motivation

Not for young hitters – although this is marketed to players of all ages, we think it will be more useful for experienced hitters improving swings, rather than new hitters who just need to see reps in the box with a real bat

Pricing

$247 (one-time payment) – you get the bat and a training regimen

 

Camwood All-American 30 Day Program is a training system that uses the Camwood bat (comes with purchase) in conjunction with a daily trainer that tells you what drills to do and how many swings to take for 30 days. The objective of the bat and drills is to teach proper swing mechanics of staying inside the ball while increasing bat speed and power. As you train, you can access the private FB group to upload videos and receive feedback from Camwood coaches.

Brand: Camwood Bats
Model: (Self Driven Program)
Original Price: $249
Pros

Flexible schedule – train anytime

Specific goal

Specific time to results

Cons

Requires personal drive with no outside motivation

Not for young hitters – although this is marketed to players of all ages, we think it will be more useful for experienced hitters improving swings, rather than new hitters who just need to see reps in the box with a real bat

Pricing

$247 (one-time payment) – you get the bat and a training regimen

 

Best Short Term Swing Analysis

Out Front Hitting (Swing Analysis Service)
Pros

Uses the HUDL Technique app

7 day turn around

Personalized hitter feedback

Cons

Snapshot help, not long term

Pricing

 

Pricing:

$200 for 4 swing analysis video reviews

$100 for 2 swing analysis video reviews (you can only purchase this once)

$150 for 2 swing analysis video reviews plus 30-minute private online consultation

 

Out Front Hitting uses a holistic coaching method to help players reach their hitting potential through online classes, video analysis, tutorials and drills.

Brand: Out Front Hitting
Model: (Swing Analysis Service)
Original Price: $100
Pros

Uses the HUDL Technique app

7 day turn around

Personalized hitter feedback

Cons

Snapshot help, not long term

Pricing

 

Pricing:

$200 for 4 swing analysis video reviews

$100 for 2 swing analysis video reviews (you can only purchase this once)

$150 for 2 swing analysis video reviews plus 30-minute private online consultation

 

Best Interactive Hitting Program

Hitting Performance Lab (Interactive Program)
Pros

Focused objective

Personalized hitter feedback

Quick response

Cons

Hard to tell exactly what you are buying

Pricey

Pricing

$450 The Feedback Lab 6 Session Online Hitting Lesson Program ($150/month for 3 months)

$780 The Feedback Lab 12 Session Online Hitting Lesson Program ($260/month for 3 months)

 

The Hitting Performance Lab is a training option that focuses on the science of human movement to give your hitter a leg up. They offer an online lesson program that aims to help your hitter "hit with more repeatable power in the next 6 months," through sending back and forth video of your hitter and receiving feedback instruction from the "coach". You get one live call after the first feedback session.

Brand: Hitting Performance Lab
Model: (Interactive Program)
Original Price: $450
Pros

Focused objective

Personalized hitter feedback

Quick response

Cons

Hard to tell exactly what you are buying

Pricey

Pricing

$450 The Feedback Lab 6 Session Online Hitting Lesson Program ($150/month for 3 months)

$780 The Feedback Lab 12 Session Online Hitting Lesson Program ($260/month for 3 months)

 

Best Online Fastpitch Hitting Coach

MegRem Softball
Pros

Free Online Content

Fastpitch Specific

All-Age/Younger Focus

Cons

No Direct Feedback Outside Clinics

 

Pricing

Online content free

Clinics: $75

Meg is a fantastic resource for all things fastpitch---including hitting. Her YouTube, TikTok, IG and Facebook pages are all worthy follows and she has a Baseball Doctor vibe about her ground-up work for getting better every day. All of her online content is free but her clinics start around $75 and held throughout the country.

Brand: MegRem Softball
Model:
Original Price: $75
Pros

Free Online Content

Fastpitch Specific

All-Age/Younger Focus

Cons

No Direct Feedback Outside Clinics

 

Pricing

Online content free

Clinics: $75

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<< Best Gear

The Best Sunflower Seeds

We surveyed our readers, here are the best sunflower seeds on the market today.

By Brian Duryea | @BatDigestLast Updated: August 4, 2022

After thousands of votes and several personal taste tests, we think the Spitz Cracked Pepper is the best sunflower seed. We captured over 100,000 head-to-head votes in a pick ’em type functionality. We found that Spitz Cracked Pepper won more than any other on the list. That said, Bigs Pepper and Sea Salt was a legitimate second, with the classic and original tasting David Originals in 3rd place. In truth, there are plenty of great sunflower seeds out there. But, we think our list is as legit and defendable as any.

Table of Contents

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Recommended Videos For You…

The Best Sunflower Seeds

Best Sunflower Seeds

1. Spitz Cracked Pepper
Pros
  • Poppy
  • Consistent
  • Accessible
Cons
  • Predictable
  • Not Ranch
Pricing

Bags of seed are usually $3 to $4. You can buy them in bulk on Amazon too for a better than average deal.

You can't go wrong here. The Black Pepper from Spitz are the best seeds on the market in terms of consistency, flavor and something you can eat all day, every day.

Brand: Spitz
Model: Cracked Pepper
Original Price: $5
Pros
  • Poppy
  • Consistent
  • Accessible
Cons
  • Predictable
  • Not Ranch
Pricing

Bags of seed are usually $3 to $4. You can buy them in bulk on Amazon too for a better than average deal.

Best Original Sunflower Seeds

2. David Original Jumbo
Pros
  • Classic
  • Consistent
  • Great
  • Available
Cons
  • Boring
Pricing

These are usually between $3 and $4 a bag. If you buy them in bulk on Amazon, then you can save a bit.

These eeds are the OG. Before people realized you could flavor your seeds, this was all you got. Salt, seed, and David. Live the 1980's all over again.

Brand: David
Model: Original Jumbo
Original Price: $3
Pros
  • Classic
  • Consistent
  • Great
  • Available
Cons
  • Boring
Pricing

These are usually between $3 and $4 a bag. If you buy them in bulk on Amazon, then you can save a bit.

Best Bacon Sunflower Seeds

3. Bigs Sizzling Bacon
Pros
  • Fun
  • Good
  • Addicting
  • Different
Cons
  • Not Cracked Pepper
Pricing

About $2 a bag. They aren’t Spitz Quality (which we prefer) but they are good enough.

If you want to try something different, you will love the Bacon-flavored Bigs sunflower seeds. These are the only seeds we think to compete with the Cracked Pepper from Spitz. They're unique, taste great, and are as addicting as you can find.

Brand: Bigs
Model: Sizzling Bacon
Original Price: $2
Pros
  • Fun
  • Good
  • Addicting
  • Different
Cons
  • Not Cracked Pepper
Pricing

About $2 a bag. They aren’t Spitz Quality (which we prefer) but they are good enough.

Best Seeds You've Never Tried

4. Chonook Seedery Parmesan and Pepper
Pros
  • Great tasting
  • Unique Flavors
  • Cool
Cons
  • Hard to find (other than Amazon and Whole Foods)
Pricing

These are $3 to $4 a bag, expect to pay a bit more as these folks can’t compete on quantity when compared to the Spitz and Bigs of the world.

Chinook Seedery roasted jumbo seeds with parmesan and pepper are our favorite of the line, and they are a fun group too. You can't go wrong. These guys are a seed-only company and a commitment to the craft shows. Well worth the try for the best seeds you've never tried.

Brand: Chonook Seedery
Model: Parmesan and Pepper
Original Price: $3
Pros
  • Great tasting
  • Unique Flavors
  • Cool
Cons
  • Hard to find (other than Amazon and Whole Foods)
Pricing

These are $3 to $4 a bag, expect to pay a bit more as these folks can’t compete on quantity when compared to the Spitz and Bigs of the world.

Best Original Sunflower Seeds (Runner Up)

5. Bigs Old Bay Seasoned
Pros
  • Popular
  • Classic
  • Cheap
Cons
  • Harder to Find
Pricing

These are also a couple of bucks a bag. Amazon has them for cheap in bulk too.

Although we've neer tried them, the Bigs old bay seasoned got A LOT of votes from our readers. They ranked out in the top 5 and are on the top of our list to try next time we can find some.

Brand: Bigs
Model: Old Bay Seasoned
Original Price: $2
Pros
  • Popular
  • Classic
  • Cheap
Cons
  • Harder to Find
Pricing

These are also a couple of bucks a bag. Amazon has them for cheap in bulk too.

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<< Best Gear

Best Baseball Gloves – By Position with 2022 Updates

After testing, here are the Best Baseball Gloves with 2022 Updates that our players and parents chose.

By Brian Duryea | @BatDigestLast Updated: August 1, 2022

After hours and hours of use, as well as long conversations with players, manufacturers, and vendors, we think the best infield gloves are the 1786 A2000 from Wilson. We note that several similar options from other brands below that compete favorably. Several patterns within the Wilson brand compete well with the 1786. But, in the end, the impeccable leather, reasonable 11.5-inch length, classic I-Web, and medium pocket of the full leather 1786 is the best infield glove.

Table of Contents

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Best Baseball Gloves – By Position with 2022 Updates

Best Baseball Glove

1. Wilson A2000 1786
Pros
  • Expertly Made
  • Versitile
  • Proven
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Needs a Real Work-In
Pricing

A2000s are priced right around $300. The pandemic pushed up the price a bit. These rarely go on sale, but they often take old stock once a year and sell them. Check Wilson’s discount bin for any deals.

If you need one all-purpose glove for a high school or youth baseball player then the A2000 1786 is as good as you'll get. Lots of colors and web designs too.

Brand: Wilson
Model: A2000 1786
Original Price: $300
Pros
  • Expertly Made
  • Versitile
  • Proven
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Needs a Real Work-In
Pricing

A2000s are priced right around $300. The pandemic pushed up the price a bit. These rarely go on sale, but they often take old stock once a year and sell them. Check Wilson’s discount bin for any deals.

Best Youth Glove

2. Nokona S-V1
Pros
Cons
Pricing

The 2022 Nokona S-V1 is a fantastic glove for the younger player looking for the industry's best. Its buffalo hide is quickly worked in, and it comes super soft out of the wrapper. Don't hesitate on the velcro wrist wrap, either. It allows for an adjustable fit for the kid who wants a tight fit or the one who is hyper-aware of how a glove feels on their hand. In any case, Nokona's glove constantly gets some of the best ratings for young players and, even though it's probably $150 more than we want to spend, is the best youth baseball glove readily available on the market today.

Brand: Nokona
Model: S-V1
Original Price: $320
Pros
Cons
Pricing

Best Cheap Baseball Glove

3. Rawlings 11.5" Hightlight
Pros
Cons
Pricing

This is a Dicks Sporting Goods exclusive glove, but it really hits on all cylinders for the player looking for a great glove at a reasonable price. There is a reason DSG can stay in business and it's because they leverage their unparalleled distribution to get major manufacturers to produce the item they know the public wants. This Highlights 11.5" glove is exactly what a lot of players needs and can use just great for a year or two. Great reviews, perfect price. If you don't want to order this online (or don't have a DSG in town) then check out a very similar glove like this on Amazon.

Brand: Rawlings
Model: 11.5" Hightlight
Original Price: $50
Pros
Cons
Pricing

Best Middle Infield Glove

4. Wilson A2000 1786
Pros
Cons
Pricing

Although it might be a bit long for a smaller second baseman, the 11.75" SC1975SS from Wilson is a fantastic, popular, durable, and top-of-the-line middle infield glove. Although there are a few others in the 11.75" that would win this category, we really love the supers skin back as well as the shallow H web. This glove also has the 'spin control' in the palm which we really like. On the downside, the glove is tough to work in so be patient with it. But, otherwise, expect a great product from the best in the business.

Brand: Wilson
Model: A2000 1786
Original Price: $300
Pros
Cons
Pricing

Best Outfield Glove

5. Rawlings HOH R2G
Pros
Cons
Pricing

This glove is brilliant in either the Heart of the Hide or the Pro Preferred. We are big fans of the trapeze webbing for our outfield gloves---if it is good enough for Mike Trout then it is good enough for us, too. Expect full leather, a great feel and a mild break-in time. If you play outfield at the high school or above level then no one will think twice about this top of the line glove. The 12.75" trap glove is an ideal glove for outfielders.

Brand: Rawlings
Model: HOH R2G
Original Price: $300
Pros
Cons
Pricing

Best 3rd Baseman Glove

6. Rawlings HOH R2G
Pros
Cons
Pricing

There are a lot of 3rd basemen who use an 11.5" glove. However, most generally agree that the 11.75" is reserved for the hot corner, the 11.5" is for the shortstop, and the 11.25" is a 2nd baseman's glove. Of course, to each his own, but we put our favorite 11.75" glove here. Wilson also makes a great 11.75", as is there a great glove in the Pro Preferred from Rawlings. But, when we take in user reviews, feel, and pro player usage, then this is the best 3rd baseman's glove.

Brand: Rawlings
Model: HOH R2G
Original Price: $300
Pros
Cons
Pricing

Best First Baseman Glove

7. Wilson A2000 1620 SS
Pros
Cons
Pricing

There are a lot of really good first baseman gloves on the market. We particularly like the Shoeless Joe Jackson line of gloves and think their 1B glove is brilliant. Still, though, in terms of access, value, durability, feel, and performance no glove beats the 1620 with SuperSkin from Wilson. The glove is perfect in every way. The Superskin makes it light, the lace and leather are top-shelf quality. The only thing we don't like is the price. But, welcome to the world of high-performance gloves. In any case, the 1620 SS from Wilson is the best first baseman glove readily available on the market today.

Brand: Wilson
Model: A2000 1620 SS
Original Price: $300
Pros
Cons
Pricing

Best Catchers Glove

8. All Star 35" Pro Elite Series
Pros
Cons
Pricing

Although Wilson, Marucci, and Rawlings make great catchers gloves, we think the best out there is All-Stars 35-inch Pro Elite is the best in the business. A number of pro guys use this gear and, considering the stranglehold that Wilson and Rawlings have on the business, it is quite the feat. These gloves aren't cheap and the work on these guys is gonna require a few run-ins with a mack truck. Even still, it is way worth it and it is the best catcher's glove on the market today.

Brand: All Star
Model: 35" Pro Elite Series
Original Price: $400
Pros
Cons
Pricing

Best Pitchers Glove

9. Rawlings 12" GG Elite Series
DSG
Pros
Cons
Pricing

Pitcher's like their glove web to be closed. This makes it harder, one could believe, to see the direction of the wrist and ball and, therefore, make it harder to pick up on what pitch is coming. Most amateur players don't pitch only. So, having another high-end glove in the bag for pitching outings seems silly---although plenty do it. Instead, if you want a more affordable option for your pitching glove then we really, really like the Rawlings GG Elite Series in a closed web for a 12-inch in mostly black that prices out sub $200 and is often on sale.

Brand: Rawlings
Model: 12" GG Elite Series
Original Price: $180
Pros
Cons
Pricing

Best Baseball Glove Brand

10. Wilson A2000
Pros
Cons
Pricing

The best glove brand for baseball is the A2000. And, to be sure, it is close. Rawlings Heart of the Hide and Pro Preferred as well as Wilsons very own A2K line of gloves are outstanding gloves. But, when we consider the overall user satisfaction, quality, price point, durability and straight nostalgia of the worlds favorite glove line, the Wilson A2000 comes out on top. No one doesn't like their A2000. No one. And a lot of people straight love it.

Brand: Wilson
Model: A2000
Original Price: $250
Pros
Cons
Pricing

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<< Best Gear

5 Baseball Bat Cross Necklaces You Should Consider

By Brian Duryea | @BatDigestLast Updated: November 25, 2022

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5 Baseball Bat Cross Necklaces You Should Consider

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<< Best Gear

Best Batting Tees | The Case for a Top End Tee

By Brian Duryea | @BatDigestLast Updated: November 25, 2022

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Best Batting Tees | The Case for a Top End Tee

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<< Best Gear

Best Baseball Sunglasses

By Brian Duryea | @BatDigestLast Updated: November 25, 2022

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Best Baseball Sunglasses

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<< Best Gear

Best WIFFLE ® Ball Bat | Plastic Dingers

Are you looking for the best Wiffle ball bat? After more research and testing than we’d like to admit, we got you covered

By Brian Duryea | @BatDigestLast Updated: August 4, 2022

We’ve tested more Wiffle ball bats than we care to admit. But, after a good summer of testing, we think the best Wiffle Ball bat is the Blitzball Bat. If we had more money than sense, then the Moonshot line is a fantastic choice. It is a full composite; the single-piece Bat explicitly made for playing Wiffle Ball. It only, cough, runs $300.

For the Blitzball, we like its length, balance, durability, and the fact you can find it in many places.

Of course, traditionalists will call us out on the Wiffle Ball bat. Indeed, “Wiffle” ball bats are WIFFLE® ball bats. WIFFLE® (all capitals) is the brand name for mainly plastic baseball bats and plastic balls.

Best Wiffle Ball Bats

In the purest form, the best Wiffle ball bat is the ONLY WIFFLE® ball bat. There can be no other one. But we still like the Blitzball better.

 

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Best WIFFLE ® Ball Bat | Plastic Dingers

Best Wiffle Ball Bat

1. Louisville C271 (The Ken Griffey, Jr. Bat)
Pros
  • Cheap
  • Classic
  • Smooth
Cons
  • None
Pricing

This replica of the infamous bat used by the iconic Ken Griffey, Jr. comprises injection-molded plastic. Due to its construction is a very durable piece of equipment that is void of compromising mass. It measures 33 inches, providing an adequate reach across any strike zone. Unfortunately, the bat does possess a slight bend, but it does not appear to affect its performance. Also, note that there is a slight wobble if it is swung hard.

Brand: Louisville
Model: C271 (The Ken Griffey, Jr. Bat)
Original Price: $
Pros
  • Cheap
  • Classic
  • Smooth
Cons
  • None
Pricing

Best Wiffle Ball Bat Runner up

2. Blitz Ball
Pros
  • Cheap
  • Durable
  • Long
Cons
  • None
Pricing

The Blitzball bat is the same as the Louisville C271. The only difference is the color; this bat is blue. The Blitzball bat provides an excellent feel and balance as well as impressive pop. Just as well the Griffey bat, there is a slight curvature, but performance is not hindered.

Brand: Blitz Ball
Model:
Original Price: $17
Pros
  • Cheap
  • Durable
  • Long
Cons
  • None
Pricing

Best Cheap Wiffle Ball bat

3. Franklin Sports Plastic Baseball
Pros
  • Cheap
  • MLB Approved
Cons
  • Not durable for adults.
Pricing

This is about as cheap and readily available as it comes.

This is a real basic kid tee ball bat. Dont' expect to use this is an adult game, stay with the Blitzball for that. But, if you just need a simple plastic/wiffle ball bat then this is your ticket.

Brand: Franklin Sports
Model: Plastic Baseball
Original Price: $15
Pros
  • Cheap
  • MLB Approved
Cons
  • Not durable for adults.
Pricing

This is about as cheap and readily available as it comes.

Best Expensive Wiffle Ball bat

4. Moonshot K12 REV2
Pros
  • Amazing
  • Hit the Crap out of a Plastic Ball
Cons
  • Very Expensive
Pricing

Moonshot bats range in prices from as low as a couple of hundred dollars to well over three hundred dollars. And the only place you can buy them, as far as we could tell, was directly on their site.

These bats are ridiculous. Full single-piece composite bats built for the very serious Wiffle Ball player. They feel great, hit the ball a mile and can last forever if you take care of it. If you're in a serious Wiffle Ball league then this is a place to look. We're not sure we'd ever pay $300 for a plastic bat, but to each his own.

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Brand: Moonshot
Model: K12 REV2
Original Price: $270
Pros
  • Amazing
  • Hit the Crap out of a Plastic Ball
Cons
  • Very Expensive
Pricing

Moonshot bats range in prices from as low as a couple of hundred dollars to well over three hundred dollars. And the only place you can buy them, as far as we could tell, was directly on their site.

Best Plastic Bat and Ball Set

6. Ortiz34 Grand Slam Graffiti
Pros
  • Cool
  • Big Papi
  • It works?
Cons
  • Not As Cheap As Other kid Sets
Pricing

Don’t overthink this one too much. This is a marketing and branding play. You’ll spend more to get David Ortiz’s brand in your hands. In the end, it’s a kid’s plastic bat.

If you're kid is an Ortiz fan, they might really like the Ortiz Branded plastic bat and ball set. It's not made for adult leagues, but kids. But, it does look cool and if your kid is big into the big Pappi, then check this one out.

Brand: Ortiz34
Model: Grand Slam Graffiti
Original Price: $35
Pros
  • Cool
  • Big Papi
  • It works?
Cons
  • Not As Cheap As Other kid Sets
Pricing

Don’t overthink this one too much. This is a marketing and branding play. You’ll spend more to get David Ortiz’s brand in your hands. In the end, it’s a kid’s plastic bat.

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Best Wiffle Ball Bats

1 WIFFLE® Ball Bat $$
2 Slugger C271 $$
3 Blitzball Bat $$
4 Easton PRO Stix $$
5 Moonshot KSCX $$$$$$
6 LOCOBat $$
7 Palisades WBL 36″ $$$
8 Junk Ball Bat $$
9 Cal Ripken Quickball Bat $$

Where to Plastic Baseball Bats?

WIFFLE® ball bats are ubiquitous. Check Wal-Mart, Check your local grocery store and it is likey they carry that product, or something close to it, in their toy isle. In terms of pure price savings, then Wal-Mart is likely the best place. You can also go the Amazon route if you do not want to leave your house.You likely intended to gather from an article titled this one as the best plastic bat for hitting dinger with a plastic baseball. And, that said, baseball also has some holes in it. (Note, too, that a WIFFLE® ball only has holes on one side. That ball is also a patented design which can only be a WIFFLE®). The below is our list of best WIFFLE® ball bats in order of how much we, and others, liked them.

Modified WIFFLE® Ball Bats

 

Modified WIFFLE® ball bats are quite the thing. In fact, a quick search on YouTube shows several fun summer projects for the kids. Here was one of our favorites:

Items Needed to Modify a WIFFLE® Ball Bat

  • WIFFLE® Ball Bat
  • Garden Rake Handle (or wooden dowel)
  • Electrical Tape
  • 1/4 Screws
  • Screwdriver
  • Optional: Lizard Skin Grip
  • Optional: Packing Peanuts

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Best Athletic Cups

By Brian Duryea | @BatDigestLast Updated: November 25, 2022

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Best Athletic Cups

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Best Catcher Thumb Guards

If you are looking for the right or best thumb guard, you’ve come to the right place. Most of these options are specifically for a catcher, but they can be used for any baseball or fast pitch position.

By Brian Duryea | @BatDigestLast Updated: August 10, 2022

Only those who have caught some serious heat understand the impact and damage on your hands after a few bullpen sessions, let alone a season of work. With that in mind, after consulting with some experts, we’ve considered the best thumb guards. Overall, if we had to choose, we would like EvoShield’s thumb guard best. But we are also partial to All-Star’s inner padded glove. If none sounds exciting, maybe a new, high-end catcher’s glove is for you.

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Best Catcher Thumb Guards

Best Thumb Guard - Baseball or Fastpitch

1. Evoshield Thumb Guard
Pros
  • Really Works
  • Great Ratings
  • Accessible
Cons
  • Not Cheap
Pricing

Evoshield thumb guards are $25 in most places we looked.

Probably the most common thumb guard you'll see is the EvoShield thumb protector.  They are relatively easy to find in big box stores like Dick's Sporting Goods and are inexpensive, costing around $25 for one.  They are also straightforward and reasonably easy to use.

EvoShield protective devices come in a sealed foil package in a gel form that once you open, you form the device to the player's body part they are protecting, and it hardens into a protective shell that sets in about 20 minutes and fits your player well. While it is not difficult to form the thumb guard for your catcher, watching an EvoShiled's how-to YouTube video is recommended for a visual example, taking out any guesswork.

Brand: Evoshield
Model: Thumb Guard
Original Price: $25
Pros
  • Really Works
  • Great Ratings
  • Accessible
Cons
  • Not Cheap
Pricing

Evoshield thumb guards are $25 in most places we looked.

Best Catcher's Thumb Guard

2. Catcher's Thumb
Pros
  • Really works.
  • Durable
Cons
  • Takes a lot to get it to form to your thumb
  • Not accessible (only on their site).
Pricing

These are $35 for one, slightly more than the EvoShield.

The Catcher's Thumb is another thumb guard available for catchers specifically.  It uses a plastic device fitted to the thumb.  The process is a little more intricate than the EvoShield, as it requires making a template of part of your hand, cutting the material, fitting and then trimming the material up for best fit.  Once hardened, it protects well, but if you trim too much you may be left without a usable product and out the $35 that it costs.

Brand: Catcher's Thumb
Model:
Original Price: $35
Pros
  • Really works.
  • Durable
Cons
  • Takes a lot to get it to form to your thumb
  • Not accessible (only on their site).
Pricing

These are $35 for one, slightly more than the EvoShield.

Good Thumb Guard Option

3. Endoskel
Pros
  • Inexpensive
  • Adaptable
  • It Works
Cons
  • Not as Cool as Evoshield
Pricing

These are on Amazon for about $30. We struggled to find these anywhere else.

The Endoskel is a thumb guard that takes a different approach than the wearable thumb guards.  The Endoskel is an aluminum/alloy composite that is covered in foam and rubber for comfort.  The Endoskel is a single piece that instead of wrapping around the thumb is slid into the glove's thumb hole and tied in place.  The Endoskel remains in the glove so it removes the risk of the player losing his thumb guard, which we all know is a high probability with younger ball players.  The Endoskel is competitively priced at $30.

Brand: Endoskel
Model:
Original Price: $30
Pros
  • Inexpensive
  • Adaptable
  • It Works
Cons
  • Not as Cool as Evoshield
Pricing

These are on Amazon for about $30. We struggled to find these anywhere else.

All Stars Inner Glove

4.
Pros
  • Cheap
  • They Work
  • Versitile
Cons
  • Not exactly a “Thumb Guard”
Pricing

These padded gloves from All-Star are your cheapest options to getting in on added protection for your thumb and hand as a catcher.

 

If you're looking to take the sting out of your catcher's hand from a big heater then why not forget about the thumb guard and go for an inner glove from the leader in catchers gear? All star inner protective gloves  are similar to batting gloves but with additional foam in the high-impact areas of the hand.

The D30 retails for around $22. They also have their D30 protective glove sponge, a foam finger that slips over the index finger for protection, though it does nothing for the thumb. It retails for around $10. If you are not set on a thumb guard specifically, and really just want some added protection for your hands while catching, these might be the right choice.

Brand:
Model:
Original Price: $22
Pros
  • Cheap
  • They Work
  • Versitile
Cons
  • Not exactly a “Thumb Guard”
Pricing

These padded gloves from All-Star are your cheapest options to getting in on added protection for your thumb and hand as a catcher.

Better Catcher's Glove

5. All Star Catcher's Glove
Pros
  • Awesome
  • Pro Level Quality Gloves
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Hard to work in.
Pricing

Wilson’s A2000 and A2K gloves are not cheap. But you can find some deals in the mid to $200 if you don’t care much about colorways and design features.

The answer might be an elite/high-level catching mitt if your thumb hurts while catching. These aren't cheap, and they are a real commitment. But, if you're using an old or more inexpensive glove and are just starting to catch some real hits, consider checking out Wilson's line of top-end catcher's mitts. The upgrade will be worth it, and you might not even need a thumb guard.

Brand: All Star
Model: Catcher's Glove
Original Price: $350
Pros
  • Awesome
  • Pro Level Quality Gloves
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Hard to work in.
Pricing

Wilson’s A2000 and A2K gloves are not cheap. But you can find some deals in the mid to $200 if you don’t care much about colorways and design features.

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Why use a Thumb Guard?

Catcher's Thumb Guards

Catchers take a lot of abuse behind the plate, and one body part is particularly prone to injury in their hands.  A catcher’s thumb guard is a piece of protective material slid over their catching thumb.  A catcher’s thumb can be continually pounded by especially hard-throwing pitchers but is also in danger of hyper-extension from foul-tipped balls driving the thumb backward farther than intended.

Though a catcher won’t usually need a thumb guard until around age 12 and up, when pitchers mature more and begin to throw harder, younger catchers may need one to help handle hard throwers.  Younger than 12 or 13 won’t see many foul-tipped balls straight back for that to be much of a problem.

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Best Baseball Coaching Apps | Three Must Haves

By Brian Duryea | @BatDigestLast Updated: November 25, 2022

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Best Baseball Coaching Apps | Three Must Haves

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