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In This Issue

2014 Louisville Attack 2 3/4 (-10): SLAT14-RX Senior League

Is your kid not batting as well as he used to? Are you sick and tired of other parents giving you hitting tips? Blow off their bad batting advice. Get your kid a better stick. The Attack (-10) 2 3/4 in diameter is Louisville's top-of-the-line big barrel bat. Full 360 composite, this stick swings light. Attack drives a burst of bat speed into your boy's swing. Even better, its three piece connection is stiff. When he assaults the ball, this bat infuses all his energy into the hit. And your kid will have no fear of feedback. Attack's handle-barrel connection vanquishes handle vibration and sting. This sticks ginormous 2 3/4 inch barrel is the biggest allowed. A massive big barrel means more contact. A bigger blast. So have your son say 'farwell' to the foul ball. Turn his first base dribbles into hard-firing line drives. And those other parents? Well when your son's the star hitter, they can come ask you for hitting advice. Get your son the Attack (-10) 2 3/4 in. big barrel bat today.

Get yours today!

News From Bat Honcho

Building a Backyard Pitching Set-Up

05/29/2014

Greetings!

Summer is almost here and baseball is in full swing. For many families, this means travel ball and a great deal of practice, especially pitching practice. My sons can't always get to the park, so several years ago I created a backyard pitching set-up for them. My boys like the convenience. I like it because I don't always have to be there to catch them, and I know where they are. After several years, I've perfected the set-up. This article lists several key items to consider when setting up a pitching area in your backyard.

All the best,

Kevin Muir, Owner

Bat Honcho

512-215-0241

Austin, TX 78753

support@bathoncho.com

Building a Backyard Pitching Set-Up

My sons and I resurfacing our current pitching mound.

Space Requirements

To build a pitching set-up, you'll need a flat, treeless section of backyard. Eventually you'll need 60' 6", the standard distance for high school pitching. If your house lot isn't this size, you can always arrange your set-up diagonally across your backyard. Whatever you do, don't set the pitching line close to any windows. Below you'll find a chart giving the pitching distance by age.

Age of Player	Pitching Distance Required
10 U	46 feet
11U-12U	50 feet
13U	54 feet
14U through high school	60 feet 6 inches

Fencing Requirements

Our backyard has a wood fence that originally served to stop any balls that missed the pitching target. However, I ended up replacing 3-4 fence boards each month, and it made the neighbors unhappy. To resolve the problem, I built a chain link fence six inches off of the existing wood fence posts. If you don't have an existing wood fence, you'll need to buy the chain link posts. You'll also need to buy or borrow a chain link stretcher for installation. We've had the chain link fence for over three years and I haven't replaced a board since that time. More importantly, it has improved our relations with the neighbors.

Pitching Mound

Building a dirt mound is costly and tricky. The slope has to be just right. That's why most folks either buy a portable pitching mound or build their own out of plywood. Portable mounds can cost $700-$1500, but if you're moderately handy you can make your own for about $100-$200, a substantial savings.

Several years ago, I bought plans on the internet to build my own pitching mound. I can't recall the source, but below I've listed two sets of instructions that are available for free.

This e-zine article by Jim Bain, a former Minor League player, provides a set of plans: http://EzineArticles.com/6791039

Additionally, PowerChalk CEO Chaz Henry gives you a step-by-step guide to building your own pitching mound.

http://blog.powerchalk.com/2012/07/building-a-portable-pitching-mound-for-under-100/

When we built our pitching mound, I installed two cabinet handles on each side to make it easier to move. The only trouble we've had with our mound is the carpeting. Don't buy the cheapest indoor/outdoor carpeting available because it won't hold up under the stress. When carpeting, be aware that the glue dries fast, and you have to lay the carpet quickly. Use tons of glue and have several people help you.

Make sure you get help when carpeting the pitching mound as the glue dries fast.

Pitching Target

If you don't always have time to catch your kids, buy a pitching target or trainer. These screens have pockets to catch the ball. In addition, they are lightweight so the kids can move them back and forth to adjust the pitching distance. There are several brands available, but we like the Zone-In Pitching Target. It isolates different sections of the pitching zone. While a pitching target is helpful, remember your kids will sometimes need a catcher to develop superior accuracy.