Grip

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Topic has been discussed but a new product/device is now on the market. I talked to Howard and CB about this device and ordered two of them. It is called the Bat Jack. Goggle it to read about it. It is the best new device on the market. Plus under ASA 3-1D you can use it during a game. With this device the player must grip the bat correctly. It was invented by a MLB hitting coach in Cleveland, Ohio. This device works. My players love it and many won't go to bat without it. We used the hair Tie , but you can cheat with it on your finger, this won't allow you to cheat. You can hear the ball coming off the bat harder , when you grip the bat correctly.

 

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That sounds good. If you can really use it in a game I may have to get one or two. They really aren't expensive at all.

 

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To use it in a game under ASA rules, it has to be attached to the grip with safety tape.

I don't think you'd want to keep it taped on though or you'd keep hitting the same part of the bat, especially during BP/lessons.

 

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It uses Velcro and more than one umpire stated it was OK under 3-1D, which this new rule was written for these type of devices. No way will the device come off the bat while in use ,the way it is designed. If you look up Ohio ASA this is one of the new changes for this year. http://thebatjack.com/products.html I should also have stated get the soft. Plus since I volunteered to test them , he now has sent me one for each of my players, so no issue taking them on and off.

 

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You are correct as to not keeping the grip in the same spot or you risk damaging the bat. However, the Velcro allows you to turn the grip with out much difficulty.

We have been using these for about three weeks and the grip works very well. We have taught this type grip for many years and our kids have felt and seen the difference verses burying the bat in the top hand. There is a simple test we do at clinics to show gripping differences as to which are stronger so the kids can see it, feel it and fix it.

We have seen the wrist rollers have issues with just the grip being incorrect. An example is when the bottom hand thumb is extended and held in the top hand palm. As you get to contact you will feel the bat roll and usually you will pull the ball.

You can actually feel the bat go further through the contact zone by taking the baby finger of the bottom hand and wrapping it around the knob of the bat. In my opinion the bat ball collision last only about 2 milliseconds and being able to hit the ball squarely is critical.

By wrapping the baby around the knob you can feel less restriction in the palm of the hand. Look at the Rocket Tech and you can see why they use a smaller knob.

Howard

 

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I can see umpires disallowing this no matter what the rule actually is. Has anybody had difficulties during equipment check or games?

 

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We had them on at Shreve and had multi umpires check our bats and no issues. We did show the new ASA 2011 rule book to one umpire and he said yes it clearly allows it.

 

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If the Bat Jack is used as a training device I have no problem with it, but I can't believe this device is allowed to be used during game-play. What a shame.

Len

 

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Sounds like an interesting (and inexpensive) hitting aid...

Besides being allowed in ASA, any word on whether it is allowed in high school ball?

 

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I agree with Lenski, I don't like that they are allowed to be used during games. Training, sure.

 

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We had them on at Shreve and had multi umpires check our bats and no issues. We did show the new ASA 2011 rule book to one umpire and he said yes it clearly allows it.

which do you use and what would be the difference between the 2 they sell?

 

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We are using the soft. I was worried that the hard might break when we tossed the bat. If you read 3-1D ASA., it addresses this device. It does not change the performance of the bat. It only changes the grip on those that don't use the correct grip. Example my DD doesn't use it. So if it doesn't change the performance of the bat, I have no idea why someone would be upset that a kid could use something that helps them. So if a kid can afford a $300 bat and one kid can only afford a wally world bat, do we make sure they all have the same bat? If a glove helps them swing better do we not allow it? Sorry to rant, but I tired of the political correct arguments that we continue to hear about level playing fields.

 

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have no idea why someone would be upset that a kid could use something that helps them.

I agree but that is a opened ended statement.;&

 

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We are using the soft. I was worried that the hard might break when we tossed the bat. If you read 3-1D ASA., it addresses this device. It does not change the performance of the bat. It only changes the grip on those that don't use the correct grip. Example my DD doesn't use it. So if it doesn't change the performance of the bat, I have no idea why someone would be upset that a kid could use something that helps them. So if a kid can afford a $300 bat and one kid can only afford a wally world bat, do we make sure they all have the same bat? If a glove helps them swing better do we not allow it?

Oh I wouldn't be upset if someone used it. Not at all. Though I think it is a better device I equate it's usage (in theory) to the gloves that have the cushioned spacer to help with "proper" grip. My thoughts are is that you no longer have a round bat and I'd hate for someone to get hurt landing on the non-soft version of it. I do know if you are landing on a bat you are in jeopardy anyways but why add to it?

If I see one I'll probably ask the owner about it and what they think about it, etc. No objections if they are allowed according to rule.

 

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They are called Turbo Slot gloves and you are 100% correct. They teach the same thing if used correctly.

 

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WM 83 Most parents and I would even say Easton in my opinion do not understand nor explain how the Turbo Slot batting gloves work or are used.

Crystl Bustos endorsed those gloves until Turbo Slot sold their rights to Easton.

So this is first hand knowledge verses hearsay.

If the Bat Jack is used using the hard or soft is less of a problem than spikes or cleats. So landing on it in my opinion is not an issue as to safety as it is curved to fit the contour of the finger.

Again I am being redundant as the grip is not understood by most hitters or coaches.

See one and use one and you will probably understand it better.

Thanks Howard

 

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It is considered a grip and swing trainer on its own website. It is a device that has to be attached to a bat. During practice or training....sure, use the device. But in a game?? Come on! When does the Ball Jack, a device you put on your hand to make sure you grip the ball properly come on line? What about the Glove Jack? Give me a break. If a player is not properly gripping the bat and slotting the elbow during games, it sounds to me like the kid needs some additional training, not a game-time training crutch.

Len

 

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WM 83 Most parents and I would even say Easton in my opinion do not understand nor explain how the Turbo Slot batting gloves work or are used.

Crystl Bustos endorsed those gloves until Turbo Slot sold their rights to Easton.

So this is first hand knowledge verses hearsay.

If the Bat Jack is used using the hard or soft is less of a problem than spikes or cleats. So landing on it in my opinion is not an issue as to safety as it is curved to fit the contour of the finger.

Again I am being redundant as the grip is not understood by most hitters or coaches.

See one and use one and you will probably understand it better.

Thanks Howard

I'm not saying either doesn't work... I must not have been clear. What I meant was that I see their usage as equivalent during a game and therefore don't see them as enhancing the swing in the "against the rules" sense.

I certainly see the value of the Bat Jack and though I've picked a pair up I have no personal experience with the Turbo Slots.

 

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It is considered a grip and swing trainer on its own website. It is a device that has to be attached to a bat. During practice or training....sure, use the device. But in a game?? Come on! When does the Ball Jack, a device you put on your hand to make sure you grip the ball properly come on line? What about the Glove Jack? Give me a break. If a player is not properly gripping the bat and slotting the elbow during games, it sounds to me like the kid needs some additional training, not a game-time training crutch.

Len

This is my personal belief and is why I wouldn't have my player use it during games even if used during training, etc. In addition to the foreign object on the bat objection. And again if the rules allow it I would only have curiosity if I noticed a bat had it on there during a game.

 

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Rule 3 Section 1D: The safety grip can be made of cork, tape or other synthetic material and must be permanently attached and cover the handle region of the bat. No bare metal may be exposed in the area covered by safety grip. It shall not be less than 10 inches and not more than 15 inches. Any attachment such as a molded finger grip, flare cone, or choke up device must be attached to the grip with safety tape. Resin, pine tar, or spray substances are permissible on the safety grip only.