Bat Jack: soft or hard?

[SBFAMILY]

None of my players say they dislike it. We just played in those type of conditions and never thought of it helping, but I guess it would. I got mine on line thru Jim's web site. I have a few that don't use it. One being my DD , who was taught the proper grip by hitter years ago and grip is not an issue with her. My only concern was bat warranty if you hit the same spot on the bat, because of the safety tape issue. This was not an issue because the safety tape doesn't restrict you from moving the bat jack into a different spot each time. This prevents you from hitting the same spot on the bat.

 

[FPMark]

It actually sounds like a good way to be sure to rotate the bat each at bat. I think my DD (without the bat jack) sometimes forgets where she hit last time and doesn't necessarily rotate the bat properly.

 

[Jim]

SB or Jim a few questions.

We had practice last evening heat index was 110, everyone was sweaty and a few were having trouble holding on to the bat.

Do you think the Bat Jack would help with this problem?

Have you had any kids that did not like it?

Is it sold on line only or at any retail stores?

Thanks!

PEPPERS,

The Bat Jack is only available online at this time. The Bat Jack Grip Trainer - Baseball / Softball Swing Aid Develops Proper Bat Grip For Hitting

I would recommend the SOFT version over the FIRM for players under the age of 12. Both the SOFT and the FIRM are liked by players above that age group (on average).

Jim

 

[Jim]

It actually sounds like a good way to be sure to rotate the bat each at bat. I think my DD (without the bat jack) sometimes forgets where she hit last time and doesn't necessarily rotate the bat properly.

It is a good way to know which side of the bat they hit with last. They would then just slightly rotate The Bat Jack a bit on the handle and hit on a different area of the bat. This lengthens the life and pop of the bat.

It's funny because I'm in professional baseball (wood bats) and our hitters use it to learn how to hit with one side of the bat every time. (on the grains of the wood)

 

[SBFAMILY]

http://www.ohsaa.org/sports/sb/girls/2012/11-12SoftballRulesPressRelease2.pdf

Jim it would appear that rule changes with 1-5-2a, will now allow the bat jack to be used in high school. The issue last year in ASA with safety tape is not mentioned in the NFHS rules. This should open up a larger market for.

 

[Jim]

http://www.ohsaa.org/sports/sb/girls/2012/11-12SoftballRulesPressRelease2.pdf

Jim it would appear that rule changes with 1-5-2a, will now allow the bat jack to be used in high school. The issue last year in ASA with safety tape is not mentioned in the NFHS rules. This should open up a larger market for.

Thanks for the information.

This has been a strange topic to say the least. The Bat Jack was originally to be used as a practice device. The fact that the girls have so much confidence in our product that they want to take it into the batter's box with them during a game has been humbling.

Crystl Bustos' endorsement line of "Lime Green and Black" Bat Jacks are currently being developed. We are also working on "Team Colors" being available soon as well. The Bat Jack Grip Trainer - Baseball / Softball Swing Aid Develops Proper Bat Grip For Hitting

 

[mkral]

Just ordered mine I went with the hard ones my DD's are 13 and 14. Is this a mistake Jim going with the hard ones? Youngest DD is very strong and swings with bad intentions on every swing.
Also SBFamily are you covering the whole thing in tape or just the top? I believe to be legal it all needs covered, is this correct?
Thanks
MK

 

[FiveFrameSwing]

Just an opinion ... but I personally wouldn't become dependent on such a gadget, but instead use it to learn how to properly grip the handle with the fingers. Once you 'feel' it, and learn the value of how the fingers control the barrel, then you can pretty much go without it.

 

[SBFAMILY]

Use soft. ASA only had to put tape on top and it looks like high school doesn't get into the safety tape issue, if I'm reading the rules correctly. I do agree this is a training device to teach the correct grip. Many have issues with the grip and like using it in a game. My dd and others who have used the corrrect grip for years do not use it in a game. This, like any device should be used to fix an issue that you hope the kid will no longer need.. That is what a hitting coach should be doing with a kid. I will say this is the best GADGET on the market to fix this one problem. I have tried many and kids still move the fingers during the swing and you can see it when you film them.

 

[Jim]

Just ordered mine I went with the hard ones my DD's are 13 and 14. Is this a mistake Jim going with the hard ones? Youngest DD is very strong and swings with bad intentions on every swing.
Also SBFamily are you covering the whole thing in tape or just the top? I believe to be legal it all needs covered, is this correct?
Thanks
MK

Not a mistake at all going with the "firm" option. The "firm" Bat Jacks do still have some flex to them and they do break-in after some use. Your girls should like them. We wish your girls much success!