Question about Uniforms

[CarolinaSpur12]

I know our Football UNIs are underarmour, the contract that we signed, does it include baseball unis too?

[akn4bkn]

UA baseball uniforms? for sitting in a dugout for half an inning and then standing on a field for the other half?? sounds like a huge waste of money if they did

[robgusc76]

Does anyone know if we are signing a contract with Under Armour cause it would be awsome to see some new uniforms. Just kidding, som 2007 pre football season humor. I dont think underarmour does baseball Jerseys and i think the only team under the under armour contract is football. Basketball is still wearing russell which sucks because they are terrible.

[FlorenceCock]

UA does do softball uniforms and I believe I have seen them do baseball uniforms as well. I really like our current old school looking uniforms. I would not want some new age looking uniforms for our baseball team myself. That is fine if UA wants to give the school more $ and uniforms but still make them look old school.

[cboom4250]

Does anyone know if we are signing a contract with Under Armour cause it would be awsome to see some new uniforms. Just kidding, som 2007 pre football season humor. I dont think underarmour does baseball Jerseys and i think the only team under the under armour contract is football. Basketball is still wearing russell which sucks because they are terrible.

under armour does make baseball jerseys. see auburn. and they look fine.

and just fyi, basketball is Nike, not Russell.

[Cocky2001]

UA baseball uniforms? for sitting in a dugout for half an inning and then standing on a field for the other half?? sounds like a huge waste of money if they did

The best description of baseball that I have seen in a long time...:thumbsup:

[robgusc76]

under armour does make baseball jerseys. see auburn. and they look fine.

and just fyi, basketball is Nike, not Russell.

Have they always been nike? regardless i think they need to change atleast the way the jerseys wear on the players because they are supper supper baggy, i like the jerseys that syracuse wears.

[AllGamecock]

Under Armour wants to outfit the baseball team but sadly it wont happen for a very very long time. Baseball has a crazy long contract right now with Easton as far as cleats and thats one of the major factors for Under Armour to say no. If they cant outfit the team from head to toe they wont do it.

[gacock]

"Under Armour wants to outfit the baseball team but sadly it wont happen for a very very long time. Baseball has a crazy long contract right now with Easton as far as cleats and thats one of the major factors for Under Armour to say no. If they cant outfit the team from head to toe they wont do it..."

As far as our Easton contract goes it covers bats, gloves, catcher's protective gear, bags and cleats. An occasional Easton batting helmet slips in there, but the kids still prefer the good-ole ABC helmet for the most part.

I would hate to sacrifice the time, research and development that Easton has placed in its bats... from the time of aluminum (they produced the first aluminum bat in '69), to the latest composite bats.

Some of Easton's newer composite bats were field tested by a couple of our players last year. Most of our guys testing them were high on its characteristics, and the players/coaches love the hands-on attention they get from Easton (concerning their input and follow-up) as a whole. We have a very good relationship with them as it stands.

Given Easton's track record with providing some damned explosive bats, it is one piece of baseball equipment which cannot... and should not... be sacrificed for a full line of UA products. It has paid dividends for our hitters using them, and hitters are extremely selective when it comes to their bats.

IMO, we should stick with Easton for as long as they produce the best bats in college baseball. A uniform really doesn't help you hit the ball better or longer. Just pleases the fans.

Go Gamecocks!!!

gacock

[Freehawk]

I love talking about uniforms.

I agree the basketball unis are too baggy. But that is not a Nike thing, that is how our players apparently like them. I don't think Dave Odom says "yo dog, let it all hang out" or anything like that.

Our basketball unis are also the "Stanford model" which are ok with me, if they were a little less baggy. I don't like Nike's crazy Oregon mad scientist -couturier experiments, nor do I like the generic template a lot of teams use, with the two horizontal lines across the front shoulders.

Now, to baseball. I don't understand the dislike of Russell, a good American company (Nike is Alien and Oregon is not America). The baseball uniforms are cool IMO. I like how they have so many looks they use. Tanner does a great job with uniforms.

I have started to take a liking to the whole UA thing, although I was resistent at first. Personally, their clothing is expensive and performance fabrics are not that comfortable -- like wearing saran wrap. I like my women wearing saran wrap, and my athlete heroes wearing UA. Our football uniforms are excellent. I still wish he had white facemasks, like SOSs teams at Duke and UF.

[2000grad]

Basketball unis need to be more like this:

http://www.sportsonline.com.au/images/Products/7629.jpg

[acejrock]

Now, to baseball. I don't understand the dislike of Russell, a good American company (Nike is Alien and Oregon is not America). The baseball uniforms are cool IMO. I like how they have so many looks they use. Tanner does a great job with uniforms.

:lol:

[gamecockphan]

Our football uniforms are excellent. I still wish he had white facemasks, like SOSs teams at Duke and UF.

That sounds sweet. Can someone make this happen I would love to see what that looks like.

[cack]

UA has just started it's Baseball/Softball line ... they have some VERY nice cleats with that line ... as for the Easton contract with gloves, bats etc ... i wouldn't see how that'd effect anything with UA ... since the only thing they make that would compete would be cleats ... UA doesn't make gloves, bats, or helmets ... yet

as for the unis in general ... i LOVE our baseball unis ... they're very classy and professional looking

[2000grad]

Harvard's football unis are pretty sweet

[gacock]

"... as for the Easton contract with gloves, bats etc ... i wouldn't see how that'd effect anything with UA ..."

If UA specifies its cleats to be the only ones worn by the baseball team, its requirement to do so puts a lean on Easton's present contract with us.

It would create a "Mexican standoff" as to how the contract(s) for both companies would be filled. Judging from the deal struck with the football team, UA seems pretty adamant that it is either "all or nothing". If Easton's cleats figure into the equation for both companies, I'd much rather keep the bats.

I would rather have one Easton bat per hitter, than multiple pairs of UA cleats for them to wear. I've never seen a true hitter bat with a cleat, nor have I heard a pro scout remark "that hitter knows how to clear the bases with one swing of his cleat"... have you? :^)

:swingcoc: <<<< As Cocky (left) reveals, it is the bat that makes the difference in baseball, not cleats nor an apparel contract.

Go Gamecocks!!!

gacock

[ewjake]

heres the UA baseball site, I dont think players would like the tight fitting clothes

http://www.underarmour.com/shop/mens/sports/baseball

[cack]

heres the UA baseball site, I dont think players would like the tight fitting clothes

http://www.underarmour.com/shop/mens/sports/baseball

actually REAL Baseball players prefer tigther clothes (you can run faster) ... this new baggy look is mostly worn by players that don't have a lot of speed ... or just want to look pretty (yes i know some players that are fast wear the baggy pants now)

[cack]

"... as for the Easton contract with gloves, bats etc ... i wouldn't see how that'd effect anything with UA ..."

If UA specifies its cleats to be the only ones worn by the baseball team, its requirement to do so puts a lean on Easton's present contract with us.

It would create a "Mexican standoff" as to how the contract(s) for both companies would be filled. Judging from the deal struck with the football team, UA seems pretty adamant that it is either "all or nothing". If Easton's cleats figure into the equation for both companies, I'd much rather keep the bats.

I would rather have one Easton bat per hitter, than multiple pairs of UA cleats for them to wear. I've never seen a true hitter bat with a cleat, nor have I heard a pro scout remark "that hitter knows how to clear the bases with one swing of his cleat"... have you? :^)

:swingcoc: <<<< As Cocky (left) reveals, it is the bat that makes the difference in baseball, not cleats nor an apparel contract.

Go Gamecocks!!!

gacock

you notice i didn't mention cleats in that equation

also ... Easton is not very big in the Cleat race in Baseball ... Adidas and Nike are your major cleat providers ... so i could see Easton giving a bit in that area ... if it came down to it ... i'd leave everything the way it is now ... i have no complaints about our unis ... i love them top to bottom

[Freehawk]

actually REAL Baseball players prefer tigther clothes (you can run faster) ... this new baggy look is mostly worn by players that don't have a lot of speed ... or just want to look pretty (yes i know some players that are fast wear the baggy pants now)

I absolutely hate the baseball pants being worn long so that they "break" on the shoes like bellbottom slacks. Does not look athletic to me.

My son's little league was all UA stuff. Which I thought of as a Sign of the Times. The younger generation loves UA.

I really like Easton bats, gloves etc. Whatever cleats are fine.

The Gamecocks have a cool mix of unis. Those pinstripes with shirts that button, the garnet jerseys, the black, some of them mix in gray as an accent uniform color which I think is cool.

Tanner personifies cool. Whatever he says about baseball is AOK with me.

[willy]

UA does do softball uniforms and I believe I have seen them do baseball uniforms as well. I really like our current old school looking uniforms. I would not want some new age looking uniforms for our baseball team myself. That is fine if UA wants to give the school more $ and uniforms but still make them look old school.



I am with you Florence. Leave the uniforms alone we ain't in no fashion show.

[gacock]

"... Easton is not very big in the Cleat race in Baseball ... Adidas and Nike are your major cleat providers ... so i could see Easton giving a bit in that area ..."

Actually, they have been cutting similar deals with alot of the major H.S. around the country for sometime. I've noticed many an Easton banner in H.S. parks, and Easton gear being worn 100% by the team.

The carry-over into the college ranks has been good for them; 50 Div. 1 teams carry the same or similar agreements as Carolina, including 8 of 12 SEC teams.

Nike and Adidas have long been cleats of choice, for all sports; the baseball market (using their bats to promote other Easton products) is what Easton aspires to maintain and promote. That sport is their bread and butter.

Click onto this website http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/gallery_index.html, look at the photos from the '06-'07 seasons, specifically the footwear... besides, it is always fun to check out the Yardcocks!!!

Every one of our guys have Easton cleats, designed for baseball. I don't believe you could readily convince Easton to back down off of the sole use of their cleats; they can gain market share as long as the name is out there.

They want to maintain their exclusive baseball tie-in, at the competitive level which uses their aluminum or composite bats. They don't make the push into the pro level, because that is not their market. Too many big fish in that small pond already.

The same reason why UA would want to promote their cleats in baseball... and develop marketshare in a sport they've recently entered.

Go Gamecocks!!!

gacock

[Freehawk]

Basketball unis need to be more like this:

http://www.sportsonline.com.au/images/Products/7629.jpg

LOL. Is that a white guy?

I don't say go back to the 60s through the 80s and the Doctors of Dunk with their ridiculous tight pants. But the bagginess has got to stop.

I really like the Nike Air Force 2 high, with the colored triangle at the heel.
http://www.pickyourshoes.com/af2_wht_navy.jpg
Those are the best bball shoes of all time.

I also like the basketball shorts with a wide band at the cuff.

[Freehawk]

"... Easton is not very big in the Cleat race in Baseball ... Adidas and Nike are your major cleat providers ... so i could see Easton giving a bit in that area ..."

Actually, they have been cutting similar deals with alot of the major H.S. around the country for sometime. I've noticed many an Easton banner in H.S. parks, and Easton gear being worn 100% by the team.

The carry-over into the college ranks has been good for them; 50 Div. 1 teams carry the same or similar agreements as Carolina, including 8 of 12 SEC teams.

Nike and Adidas have long been cleats of choice, for all sports; the baseball market (using their bats to promote other Easton products) is what Easton aspires to maintain and promote. That sport is their bread and butter.

Click onto this website http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/gallery_index.html, look at the photos from the '06-'07 seasons, specifically the footwear... besides, it is always fun to check out the Yardcocks!!!

Every one of our guys have Easton cleats, designed for baseball. I don't believe you could readily convince Easton to back down off of the sole use of their cleats; they can gain market share as long as the name is out there.

They want to maintain their exclusive baseball tie-in, at the competitive level which uses their aluminum or composite bats. They don't make the push into the pro level, because that is not their market. Too many big fish in that small pond already.

The same reason why UA would want to promote their cleats in baseball... and develop marketshare in a sport they've recently entered.

Go Gamecocks!!!

gacock

I guess it would be nice if Nike or UA or somebody wanted to pay us a gazillion dollars to wear nothing but that.

But as it is, it is cool that USC Baseball is a little different than the other sports. Such as the interlocking "SC" logo that I refer to as "The Mating Flukeworms." Go MFs!

[Luke Skycocker]

i wear mizuno

[Luke Skycocker]

UA has just started it's Baseball/Softball line ... they have some VERY nice cleats with that line ... as for the Easton contract with gloves, bats etc ... i wouldn't see how that'd effect anything with UA ... since the only thing they make that would compete would be cleats ... UA doesn't make gloves, bats, or helmets ... yet

as for the unis in general ... i LOVE our baseball unis ... they're very classy and professional looking


they do make gloves and batting gloves and bat bags

[Luke Skycocker]

and the unis look great. i wouldnt change them ever.

[heathbates]

UA does do softball uniforms and I believe I have seen them do baseball uniforms as well. I really like our current old school looking uniforms. I would not want some new age looking uniforms for our baseball team myself. That is fine if UA wants to give the school more $ and uniforms but still make them look old school.

AMEN

[heathbates]

my old stuff is also Mizuno

[Bosscock]

UA will not be outfitting the baseball team. Each coach negotiates their uni's contract by themselves. Ie., Spurrier with SOS, Fogler (his last year) and DO with Nike, Women's soccer with Nike, Men's soccer with Addidas, Tanner with Easton.

Actually I really like the Russell uniforms for baseball. I did not like them for football and I would prefer to have Nike but the Russell uni's look good.

That said I have always thought that since Coach Tanner has been here and came up with the interlocking scripted SC we have had "baseball" looking unis.

[4littlecocks]

From what I understand our contract is for all but baseball. JR has a contract with Russell that he cannot break.
:wink:

[Freehawk]

i wear mizuno

"I usually don't wear underwear, but when I do, it is something unusual."

- Carl the greenskeeper

[CarolinaSpur12]

I mean, i HIGHLY doubt, possible, but i HIGHLY doubt UA will develope any kind of bat. they may come out with mitts or catchers gear, but no bats. So far and Uniforms, i dont understand when you could just keep the bats and wear the UA uniforms. just a thought tho.

[GamecockDad1531]

All I know is that my new UA hoodie rocks!!!!!!!!!!!

[uscnoklahoma]

If they change our baseball uni's or even consider it they should be drawn and quartered.

[ColaCock]

Under Armour does make softball/baseball uniforms, they just haven't captured that market yet. Auburn wears them and I personally don't like them much. One reason is that UA is geared toward new age designs and uniform templates- which has become accepted in the football world. Baseball is a little bit tougher to crack because it has remained pretty traditional in terms of uniform design...a big resistance to change.

Another reason I think is that baseball uniforms aren't as complex, and rightly so, as football uniform: A baseball uniform doesn't need the features of a football uniform due to the nature of the sport. A football outfit needs moisture control, ability to stretch and stay close to the body to resist tackles, and many other things to assist in playing the sport. Basically, the BODY isn't a big factor in baseball...or at least the contact of bodies.

But you WILL see UA start to develop more for baseball. I am sure baseball bats will roll out very soon. Nike didn't really hit the baseball product market until late...they always did cleats because of their footwear business- but eventually, they started to make gloves and mits, bats, helmets, etc.

We have one of the most beautiful baseball sets in college. People always assume the design has to change with the sponsor, but that isn't true either. When Auburn moved to UA, the uniform design didn't change...although certain details of the material did. I wouldn't be against UA for our baseball program because they would probably address the fine details, although very little, of how a uniform effects performance in baseball.

[ColaCock]

I absolutely hate the baseball pants being worn long so that they "break" on the shoes like bellbottom slacks. Does not look athletic to me.
In baseball, I always wore my pants down...and you couldn't help that they went over the cleat to some extent because there was no elastic at the bottom. Now I am not talking about long and wide at the bottom to the point where it touches the bottom of the cleat...I am talking an inch or so down from the top. From my understanding, you can order pants with elastic at the bottom or without...at least that is how our pants were. I hated the elastic at the bottom and didn't wear them.

I really despise the legs pulled up look...for one, it makes them look like a chicken and a sissy. Second, you will find ONE or TWO people on the team that do this (to look flashy for some reason) and it looks so tacky to me. Even we have a few culprits I noticed....Wynn Pelzer pulled his up I believe.

Keep them down.

[warriorchief]

In baseball, I always wore my pants down...and you couldn't help that they went over the cleat to some extent because there was no elastic at the bottom. Now I am not talking about long and wide at the bottom to the point where it touches the bottom of the cleat...I am talking an inch or so down from the top. From my understanding, you can order pants with elastic at the bottom or without...at least that is how our pants were. I hated the elastic at the bottom and didn't wear them.

I really despise the legs pulled up look...for one, it makes them look like a chicken and a sissy. Second, you will find ONE or TWO people on the team that do this (to look flashy for some reason) and it looks so tacky to me. Even we have a few culprits I noticed....Wynn Pelzer pulled his up I believe.

Keep them down.
Thats why I like Clemson's baseball unis. I hate the way the "Tigers" script looks, but thats another story. Jack makes sure EVERY player wears their uni the same way. no tilted hats, no exposed socks. everybody's got their jersey over the same color shirt, pants down to the cleats, that way nobody stands out, except in their on-field performance. However, the sunglasses, wristbands, and eye black are up to the players.

[GapoGamecock51]

If they change our baseball uni's or even consider it they should be drawn and quartered.

Ouch! A little extreme dont you think? :thumbsup:

[JAYBEZ]

"Under Armour wants to outfit the baseball team but sadly it wont happen for a very very long time. Baseball has a crazy long contract right now with Easton as far as cleats and thats one of the major factors for Under Armour to say no. If they cant outfit the team from head to toe they wont do it..."

As far as our Easton contract goes it covers bats, gloves, catcher's protective gear, bags and cleats. An occasional Easton batting helmet slips in there, but the kids still prefer the good-ole ABC helmet for the most part.

I would hate to sacrifice the time, research and development that Easton has placed in its bats... from the time of aluminum (they produced the first aluminum bat in '69), to the latest composite bats.

Some of Easton's newer composite bats were field tested by a couple of our players last year. Most of our guys testing them were high on its characteristics, and the players/coaches love the hands-on attention they get from Easton (concerning their input and follow-up) as a whole. We have a very good relationship with them as it stands.

Given Easton's track record with providing some damned explosive bats, it is one piece of baseball equipment which cannot... and should not... be sacrificed for a full line of UA products. It has paid dividends for our hitters using them, and hitters are extremely selective when it comes to their bats.

IMO, we should stick with Easton for as long as they produce the best bats in college baseball. A uniform really doesn't help you hit the ball better or longer. Just pleases the fans.

Go Gamecocks!!!

gacock

Um, you can have both. UA would just want to cloth the team. Shoes and jerseys. They don't make bats and gloves and all that stuff. Easton could still have a big equipment deal, we could still get a load from UA, and you won't have to be so bitter.

[ColaCock]

I would hate to sacrifice the time, research and development that Easton has placed in its bats... from the time of aluminum (they produced the first aluminum bat in '69), to the latest composite bats.

Just wanted to let you know that you are wrong about that. Easton was about 10 years late in the aluminum bat market.

[uscnoklahoma]

Worth produced the first Aluminum bat in 1970 but the first metal bat goes back to 1924.

[ColaCock]

Worth produced the first Aluminum bat in 1970 but the first metal bat goes back to 1924.

That is correct.

[SNEEZ]

i think metal bats should be outlawed in college athletics.

they are engineered by biomechanists to enhance the swing of the athlete.

take it down to wooden bats again and I'll enjoy it more..that metallic ping sounds too much like a softball game, bring in the snaps and clunks and pieces of flying shrapnel, thats baseball.

[ColaCock]

i think metal bats should be outlawed in college athletics.

they are engineered by biomechanists to enhance the swing of the athlete.

take it down to wooden bats again and I'll enjoy it more..that metallic ping sounds too much like a softball game, bring in the snaps and clunks and pieces of flying shrapnel, thats baseball.

hmm...gotta disagree with you here. i love that PIIINNNGGG sound on a nice spring weekend...especially when everyone jerks their heads towards the outfield wall after hearing it! it is a beautiful moment.

[NastyNash]

i love the baseball uniforms i hope they dont change

[dbcocksfan550]

hmm...gotta disagree with you here. i love that PIIINNNGGG sound on a nice spring weekend...especially when everyone jerks their heads towards the outfield wall after hearing it! it is a beautiful
moment.

Agreed. I love the ping sound.

[gacock]

Taken from baseball-bats.net:

The Rise of Aluminum Bats

"In 1924 a patent was issued to William Shroyer for the first metal baseball bat. Despite this early patent, metal bats were not seen in the game of baseball until 1970, when Worth introduced the games first aluminum baseball bat. Soon after, Worth produced the first one-piece aluminum bat and the first little league aluminum bat. Easton arrived in the aluminum bat scene in the late 1970's with a stronger grade of aluminum that is credited with significantly increasing the popularity of aluminum baseball bats. Despite the popularity of the bats with the baseball players nationwide, Major League Baseball (for competitive and safety reasons) has never allowed anything other than wood bats to be used. In 1993 Worth and Easton both introduced Titanium bats, and in 1995 Easton and Louisville Slugger introduced the strongest, lightest grade of aluminum bats to date. Improvements to baseball bats continue today as developments such as double walled bats and scandium-aluminum bats arrive in sporting goods stores. There is no doubt that today's high-end, scientifically designed aluminum bats are a far distant relative to the heavy, hickory bats used by players nearly 150 years ago!"

According to Easton's website:

"As the industry leader for over 30 years, Easton Baseball/Softball has continued to raise the bar with innovation, originality and ingenuity.

It began in 1969, when Easton produced the first true aluminum bat, and has continued throughout the past three decades with virtually all significant industry "firsts" having been pioneered by Easton: first CU31 bat; first C405 bat; first titanium bat; first Carbon Core bat; first Scandium bat; etc.

The trend continues today with bats such as the Tri-Shell and the ConneXion. The patented Tri-Shell design features a super elastic rubber sleeve sandwiched in between thin outer shells for unparalleled performance, feel, and durability.

The patented ConneXion design takes a separate handle and barrel piece and mechanically interlocks them using a ConneXion” elastomer piece for outstanding flex, feel, performance, and vibration reduction.

In the spring of 2002, Easton introduced the Tri-Shell ConneXion, merging the technological advancements of the two bats into one.

The bats are just a part of Easton's Baseball/Softball product stable. Easton carries a wide range of high-performance baseball and softball equipment including ball gloves and batting gloves, sport bags and other accessories. Each Easton product is engineered with the player's needs and specifications in mind to provide a competitive edge in the games of fastpitch and slow-pitch softball and adult, senior youth and youth baseball..."

Cola Cock, you may be right about the history of the aluminum bat. Could be a case of semantics, but that is not my point.

My point is Easton is a key player in this particular industry... has been through innovation/research & design for over 30 years. They rely on feedback from almost half of the D1 college teams ( they have sponsorships with 50 D-1 teams) using their bats, one of which is Carolina. That unique relationship between supplier and end-user has been a good one for our players and for Easton.

The biggest problem aluminum bat manufacturers have faced has always been the same... dented bats. When a +90 mph fastball is delivered and is met with an aluminum bat, something has to give. Over time, it is the aluminum... since baseballs are replaced regularly in games.

That is where Easton has an edge on their competition; its durability, strength and lightweight qualities fit the demands of college baseball perfectly.

The fact that Coach Tanner is convinced of Easton's quality and leadership in this area of the game speaks volumes to me. I believe he knows the qualities of what a company like Easton provides, and I trust his judgement on such matters.

Until there is a drop-off, Easton is more than likely to stay the choice of Yardcock baseball for some time.

Go Gamecocks!!!

gacock

[ColaCock]

^^I don't disagree with you that Easton is a good supplier of products for our baseball team. Yet, I don't think they are the only option and I don't think it is impossible for Under Armour to come out with a product to match or exceed Easton's standards in the years to come. UA is a billion dollar company who can afford the research and they are HOT.

It is just like Nike with golf...all the "true" golfers shunned it at first and thought it was just a fashion show-off and wouldn't give it a chance. Tiger starts using it and then everyone takes it seriously and gives it a chance...and they were very fresh to the game of golf.

[gacock]

Yet, I don't think they are the only option and I don't think it is impossible for Under Armour to come out with a product to match or exceed Easton's standards in the years to come. UA is a billion dollar company who can afford the research and they are HOT.


True enough, but I guess that will be decided by Coach Tanner, when he chooses to make a move. I also believe that Coach Tanner is not the kind of man that can be swayed by a billion dollar company or Tiger Woods, as much as he can be persuaded by his players and their feedback about the equipment they use.

In 2004, when we played UGa in Athens and wrapped up a spot in the SEC Tournament by winning the Sunday game. Had UGa swept us that weekend, we may have been the 8th seed or eliminated... we were in a very precarious position going into the tourney the final day of the regular season.

Landon Powell had, I believe, two HR's in that game. His hits sparked our guys to an 8-2 victory; questionable doubts concerning our tournament hopes were answered. Mission accomplished in Athens.

I spoke briefly with him congratulating him on his hitting that day, because his "spark" placed us in a better situation qualifying for the tourney. He said he felt good and loved his "new" bat (at the time... it was Easton's Stealth bat), told me it was getting rave reviews among the players.

That day told me all I needed to know about baseball players; their superstitions and the way they view their equipment, given their G-d given talents.

Someone on this thread said it best... that baseball players, among most other athletes are a superstitious lot when it comes to their equipment. They (players) don't except change too readily. Change comes slowly.

As for UA and bats, you might be right. They may have to do some "head-hunting" among some of the R&D folks at DeMarini, Easton or a host of smaller companies producing bats (in a niche market) to get the edge they'll need in that market. It'll take time and money, not to mention patience.

Then they'll have to convince our Coach (other coaches) and his (their) players it is a better product. That will be their toughest sell, IMO.

Go Gamecocks!!!

gacock

[Freehawk]

True enough, but I guess that will be decided by Coach Tanner, when he chooses to make a move. I also believe that Coach Tanner is not the kind of man that can be swayed by a billion dollar company or Tiger Woods, as much as he can be persuaded by his players and their feedback about the equipment they use.

That day told me all I needed to know about baseball players; their superstitions and the way they view their equipment, given their G-d given talents.


Nike golf is a good example. Tiger Woods could play and beat everybody using persimmon woods if he wanted to (that is to say, if NIKE paid$$$ him to). I don't know if their equipment is better or worse than anybody else's, but what it is, is advertising hype.

Why didn't you type "God" when referring to God given talents? I've never seen that before. That's not taking His name in vain.

Easton bats are good bats.

[gacock]

"That's not taking His name in vain..."

Freehawk, I type His name that way for the same reason you typed "his" with a capital letter. In the Jewish faith, G-d has a certain amount of reverance and respect.

I have great respect for G-d's will and a part of that respect calls for not spelling G-d's name out when spelling it. It is "old school", I know... but certainly done in reverance to the all mighty.

As for Tiger playing with persimmon... you are correct. While watching him clean house at the Masters on a Sunday afternoon in '97, it became apparant to me that he could play with just a 7-iron and a "comb" ('30s sand wedge) in his bag.

He would still come in to sign his card three under the second best golfer on the course. It was an awesome display of golf, the best I've ever seen.

Go Gamecocks!!!

gacock

[Luke Skycocker]

i like the aluminum because it makes for more home runs

[NastyNash]

no just Football