Travel Ball & Tournament Season: Organizational Tips From a Crazy, Busy Mom

What is 1.15 BPF?

2012 has brought about monstrous changes to the baseball world.  We have had the introduction of BBCOR, the banning of certain composite bats, and now, the mandatory 1.15 BPF stamp.  With the introduction of so many new rules and changes, Almega Sports has you covered for the season.  Let’s break down BPF.

What is 1.15 BPF?

• 1.15 BPF is a testing method for youth and senior league baseball bats.  It measures the performance of all bats.  Basically, BPF is measuring the exit speed of the ball when hit by non-wood bats.

What does BPF stand for?

• “Bat Performance Factor"

What does the 1.15 BPF stamp look like?

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What bats are required to carry the 1.15 BPF certification?

• As of January 1, 2012, all youth and senior league bats (small and big barrel) are required to have the 1.15 BPF mark.  Any bat not marked has been deemed illegal in USSSA play.

Why are there so many changes in baseball for 2012?

• Bottom line:  Player safety.  Technology is always improving, and so are the metals used to make bats.  The main concern of the industry is player safety.

Almega Sports has you covered with all of the translations and explanations you need to understand the science behind the USSSA 1.15 BPF updates.  We are your one stop baseball sports store in Panama City, Florida. 

What is BBCOR?

There are so many questions regarding the 2012 BBCOR season.  Almega Sports is here to help unravel the most frequently asked questions regarding BBCOR. 

 

Q.  What is BESR?

A.  BESR stands for Ball Exit Speed Ratio.  Simply put, BESR is test developed to measure the exit speed of a ball after being hit by a bat.

 

Q.  What is BBCOR?

A.  BBCOR stands for Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution.  The BBCOR test is a more complete test of the bat, as it takes into account how the bat will perform after it has been broken in (ABI).  The BBCOR standard ensures that all aluminum and composite bats will perform equivalent to wood bats.  

 

Q.  What is ABI?

A.  ABI stands for Accelerated Break-In Test.  This test simulates heavily used bats and tests the performance of the bat once it is considered "hot".  ABI is a part of the BBCOR standard.

 

Q.  Why did the NFHS change the way bats are tested?

A.  The increase in severe injury, particularly to pitchers and third baseman, sparked the need to take a closer look at bats.  There was also an unrealistic performance in composite bats, which lead to a home run explosion on the fields.  Basically, the bat would out-perform the player.

 

 

Q.  Are BBCOR certified bats the same as last year's bats?

A.  No.  BBCCOR certified bats are designed to perform as close to wood bats as possible.  The sweet spots are smaller and the trampoline effect is much less that the bats of 2011.

 

Q.  What does the BBCOR stamp look like?

A.  Every 2012 senior league recreational, high school, and college bat must bear the BBCOR stamp on the barrel, which looks like this:

 

Q.  Is my 2011 bat legal to use in regulation play in 2012?

A.  No.  Non-stamped bats are considered illegal in 2012 regulation play.  Those bats have just become your practice bats.

 

Almega Sports carries a full line of BBCOR bats.  Our expert team will guide you through the rules of BBCOR and have you ready for the field with confidence. 

Almega Sports has you covered!

Approved BBCOR Bat List

New year, new rules, and new equipment. The 2012 baseball season is just days away, are you BBCOR ready?  The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) has rewritten the rule books on bats.  All high school and college bats must posses the BBCOR stamp as of January 1, 2012.  Bats made prior to this season, and are not stamped BBCOR, are no longer considered legal equipment.  Almega Sports has you covered with the following list of legal equipment for the 2012 season.　

2012 Approved BBCOR Bat List:

• 2012 Akadema Apocalypse
• 2012 Combat B3
• 2012 Combat Caliber
• 2012 Demarini CF5
• 2012 Demarini Vexum
• 2012 Demarini Voodoo
• 2012 Easton Brigade S1
• 2012 Easton Brigade S2
• 2012 Eastn Brigade S3
• 2012 Easton Brigade XL1
• 2012 Easton Brigade XL2
• 2012 Easton Brigade XL3
• 2012 Louisville Slugger Exogrid2
• 2012 Louisville Slugger Omaha
• 2012 Louisville Slugger Z-1000
• 2012 Marucci Cat 5
• 2012 Mattingly Ripped
• 2012 Nike Aero MC2
• 2012 Nike Aero MI
• 2012 Rawlings 5150
• 2012 Worth Toxic

Our expert team is ready to help you hit the field with confidence.  We carry everything you need for this baseball season from helmets to cleats, and everything in between.  Don't forget, Almega Sports also makes custom team uniforms.  Don't worry...Almega Sports has you covered!

Are You Ready For BBCOR?

It's January 2012 and families all over the country are breaking out the baseball gear.  However, be wary of the bat you take to the diamond.  BBCOR rules are now in play and umpires across associations are ready to enforce them.  Almega Sports has a few tips to get you familiar with the BBCOR standard.

 BBCOR Rules Apply To:

• Middle School
• High School
• College Leagues
• Some Senior League Recreational Associations (confirm with your association)

Key Factors Pertaining To BBCOR:

• Bats must be stamped with the official BBCOR stamp on the barrel to be legal
• Rules apply to all alloy and composite bats
• Wood bats are not mandated to carry the BBCOR stamp, however, some manufactures, such as, Mizuno woods bats are BBCOR stamped.

The bottom line is this:  If your bats is not BBCOR stamped, it is ILLEGAL to use in official play.  Any bat without the BBCOR stamp has now become your practice bat. 

Almega Sports understands the need of every family to meet the requirements of the new season and the family budget.  We are here to help.  Come in, and allow our expert team guide you through BBCOR and keep your budget with in the foul lines.  Almega Sports has families covered!

How to Choose a Baseball Glove

There are literally thousands of options when it comes to choosing a baseball glove.  So many styles, colors, and manufacturers.  It can be an overwhelming experience to both parent and player.  Almega Sports is here to help.  We are going to answer a few of the most frequently asked questions about "How to Choose a Baseball Glove."

• What are the differences between baseball gloves? 
• Are there different gloves for different baseball positions?
• How much should I spend on a new glove?
• Is there a way to prolong the life of a glove?

 

Starting the baseball season should be an exciting and fun experience.  Don't allow purchasing baseball equipment to overwhelm you.  Almega Sports is here to help.  We will help you and your player every step of the way to enter the field with confidence. Gloves, bats, cleats, and all the accessories, we have it all.  We carry Northwest Florida's largest selection of baseball and softball gloves in all of the top brands such as:  Akadema, Mizuno, Easton, Worth, Rawlings, Louisville Slugger, and Wilson. 

 Almega Sports has you covered!

Team Uniforms

There is now more pressure than ever to save money in every area possible.  Unfortunately, extracurricular activities such as, school athletics often fall victim to necessary budget cuts.  Recreational leagues and travel ball clubs are also feeling the pinch when it comes to securing sponsors for their teams.  However, where there is a will there is a way and ball is being played on fields and courts across the country. 

Now that athletic directors, coaches, and team sponsors are required to be more creative than ever with  budget dollars, the question on where to purchase team uniforms will be a top priority.  Internet team dealers are sometimes chosen to provide uniforms at an inexpensive price.  However, buyers beware.  There are often downfalls to purchasing team uniforms at 
                                                   a bargain basement price. 

In a recent interview with Coach Mike Walker, co-owner of Almega Sports, he addresses the benefit of choosing a locally owned and operated uniform supplier over Internet sales.

We are experts in the area of team sales and custom uniforms.  Our dedicated and experienced team sales department will help you customize your team uniforms and have your players stand out on every field while keeping your team budget in bounds.  We have you covered!

What is a BBCOR Bat?

The 2012 baseball season is rapidly approaching and the new NFHS BBCOR rules are set to take effect January 1, 2012.  Still, there is much confusion on what BBCOR is and how the new rules will apply.  Almega Sports understands that unraveling these new rules can be frustrating and confusing.  We are here to help you understand BBCOR.

The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) states that January 1, 2012 all bats used in NFHS play must be BBCOR stamped.  BESR stamped bats will no longer be allowed in high school competition. Basically, the primary concern of the NFHS is safety followed very closely by out of control offensive performance.  In simple words, bats were becoming rocket launchers.   

The official statement of the NFHS is this: “the new standard ensures that performances by non-wood bats are more comparable to those of wood bats. It’s also expected to minimize risk, improve play and increase teaching opportunities”. They also state “After working with the NCAA and having access to its research, we’ve concluded it’s in our best interest to make this change. BBCOR includes the BESR standard, so we’re actually expanding upon our current standard, which will be more appropriate for our age and skill level."

So what is a BBCOR bat?  Simply stated, a BBCOR bat is a newly engineered, traditionally aluminum, baseball bat with this stamp on it. 

Essentially, BBCOR bats will offer the same performance as traditional wood bats.  While the majority of BBCOR bats will be made of aluminum, there will be a few composite exceptions.  The DeMarini CF5 and the Louisville Slugger Z1000 will be two of the legal, BBCOR stamped, composite bats in 2012.  The complication of composite bats and the potential new rules against them are still under evaluation.  However, be warned, the NFHS had reserved the right to declare bats as "illegal" on a case by case basis. 

2012 DeMarini VooDoo BBCOR Bat

2012 will change the world of baseball.  Traditional composite bats are out and BBCOR is in.  There will be many questions about what BBCOR bat is the best.  Truth is, only time will tell.  Time, experience, and usage of the new BBCOR bats will prove which bats are dominate on the playing field and which bats should stay in the dugout.

  

DeMarini is a brand that stands out in the baseball world.  The once small struggling company with a dirt floor has now grown into a national enterprise and is recognized around the world.  The DeMarini VooDoo series is a wildly popular bat on the baseball fields from youth to collegiate play.  The 2012 DeMarini VooDoo series has unique features that set it apart from the rest:

• Half + Half

  The revolutionary two-piece hitting system introduced by DeMarini that silences feedback on off-center hits and creates the largest, most responsive sweet spot by flexing before impact and re-coiling with a burst of ball-launching energy.

• Two piece end cap specifically designed for the Voodoo reducing vibration while pushing the energy to the sweet spot for more power

• Rotation Index

  The DeMarini Rotation Index helps players significantly prolong the life of DeMarini bats with a numerical index on the handle and barrel reminding player to incrementally rotate the bat after each hit

• SC4

• A DeMarini exclusive alloy that is 12% stronger allowing a bigger sweet spot

• Internal ring inserted close to the taper to meet BBCOR standards without adding additional weight to the end of the barrel.

• The triangle formation at the molecular level of the composite provides a fixed ratio of sides and angles, so it's strong, stable and predictable? without any unnecessary weight. Very high strength to weight ratio.

Almega Sports has the 2012 BBCOR season covered with a full line of BBCOR bats to choose from.  We are your full service baseball store with the brands you love at prices that will keep you on the field.

Almega Sports has you covered!

Marucci Cat 5 BBCOR Bat: The Hottest Bat for 2012?

In a sport where brand name means everything, Marucci is choosing to go against the grain.  What started out as a dad making a wood bat for his little slugger turned into a real life story of "necessity becoming the mother of invention."  Jack Marucci is now the father of America's fastest growing bat company and Marucci bats are now the preferred wood bat among major league players such as Chase Utley, Albert Pujols, and Ryan Howard.

There are many predictions on what will be the hottest BBCOR bat on the market for 2012.  Almega Sports is voting the Marucci Cat 5 BBCOR bat as the one to have.  Here are a just few of the reasons why we think the Cat 5 should be the bat in your bag.

• Patented anti-vibration technology = less sting.
• Optimal balance will increase bat swing and exit speed.
• Amazing pop.
• Long barrel for enhanced sweet spot.
• One piece aluminum construction.
• Great price for a premium BBCOR bat.

Almega Sports has you covered for the 2012 BBCOR season.  We carry everything you need from batting helmets to cleats to get your player on the field at prices that will keep the green in your wallet. 

Almega Sports has you covered!

Which BBCOR Bat Is The Best?



Ready or not, the changes to the game of baseball are coming!  The NFHS has mandated that all bats used in the 2012 high school season must meet the new BBCOR requirements of performance.  This new rule stands to level the playing field of bat performance.

  

How do you know which BBCOR bat is the best?  That's hard to say but we have listed our opinion of the hottest BBCOR high school bats on the market and have given you our Pro's and Con's for our favorite bats.

1. Marucci Cat 5
• One piece alloy bat.
• Pro's:
• This is one hot bat right out of the wrapper.
• The bat is evenly balanced.
• Most players agree that this bat has a tremendous pop.
• Con's:
• The bat had a previous history of the damper falling out.  Marucci has corrected this issue.
2. Rawlings 5150
• One piece alloy bat.
• Pro's:
• This is the best BBCOR bat for your buck.
• The bat is well balanced and has a large sweet spot.
• Good pop to the bat.
• Con's
• The paint color shows scratches easily.
• Some reports show that this bat may be prone to dent.
3. DeMarini VooDoo
• Two Piece bat with a composit handle and alloy barrel.
• Pro's:
• The bat is hot out of the wrapper with a large sweet spot.
• This bat has great reviews for being durable, lightweight, and well balanced.
• The Voodoo has amazing artistic design that will stand out from the rest.
• Con's:
• This is one of the most expensive of the BBCOR bats.
• The graphics on the bat will scratch with use.
4. Easton Brigade
• This series has six bats with both a one and two piece bat to offer.
• Pro's:
• Easton held nothing back with implementation of the newest BBCOR technology on the market.
• This series has a wide range of prices.
• The Brigade series is brand new to high school play but field tested by college players.
• Con's:
• The two piece designs may offer too much flexibility for some players.
• The bats are so new to the market that there is not enough field experience yet.
5.  Louisville Slugger Exogrid
• Hybrid bat that possesses an internal carbon composit sleeve.
• Pro's:
• This bat is well balanced with a large sweet spot.
• The Exogrid technology serves to offer reduced vibration.
• Con's:
• The paint tends to chip and scratch
• This is a more costly bat.
• The internal balance can come loose.

Almega Sports is the regions largest locally owned and operated baseball store in Panama City, FL.  We carry all of the names you expect at the prices that will keep you coming back for more. 

Almega Sports has you COVERED!

BBCOR 2012: Approved Bat List

BBCOR is all the talk on the baseball fields.  What is it?  Who does it apply to?  When will the rules take effect?  What bats will be allowed in 2012?  Almega Sports has you covered with the answers to your BBCOR questions.

BBCOR, simply explained, is the measurement of the trampoline or flexibility effect of a bat. This is in sharp contrast to the BESR method which measured the balls exit speed after a bat hits the ball.  The NFHS has ruled that the BBCOR standard actually includes the BESR standard. So why the change?  According to the NFHS the new standard was established as follows:  "The new standard ensures that performances by non-wood bats are more comparable to those of wood bats. It’s also expected to minimize risk, improve play and increase teaching opportunities." See the full press release from the NFHS.

BBCOR standards apply to middle school, high school, and college players.  In some instances, some associations senior league players may be required to comply with the BBCOR standard.  The new rules for BBCOR will apply in January 2012 for NFHS play and all bats will be required to have the BBCOR stamp.  The rules already apply to NCAA (college) player as of January 2011.  The NFHS states:  The new rule also states that non-wood bats must be labeled with a rectangular certification mark “a minimum of a half-inch on each side and located on the barrel of the bat in any contrasting color.”

So now you know what BBCOR is and when it takes effect.  Next up, you will need to know the bat that are going to be approved for 2012?  We have complied a list of the new 2012 premium BBCOR stamped bats.

2012 BBCOR Bat List

2012 Akadema Apocalypse

2012 Combat B3

2012 Combat Caliber

2012 Demarini CF5

2012 Demarini Vexum

2012 Demarini Voodoo

2012 Easton Brigade Series

2012 Louisville Slugger Exogrid2

2012 Louisville Slugger Omaha

2012 Louisville Slugger Z-1000

2012 Marucci Cat 5

2012 Mattingly Ripped

2012 Nike Aero MC2

2012 Nike Aero MI

2012 Rawlings 5150

2012 Worth Toxic

As always, Almega Sports has you covered with everything you need for your 2012 BBCOR baseball season!

BBCOR Blitz: What you need to know

The BBCOR  Standard

Just like the real estate boom, composite bats hit a grand slam and are now ejected from the game.  There are new rules coming your way in 2012 and Almega Sports has you covered for what you need to know about the new BBCOR standard.

Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution or (BBCOR) is the response of the NFHS to the problem that the original BESR testing proposed.  Simply put, it gives a constant measurement of the bats flexibility as opposed to the original format that strictly tested the balls exit speed. 

January 1, 2012, The NFHS will require that all non-wood bats meet the BBCOR performance standard.  See NFHS press release.

What does this change in rules mean to you?  It means that in 2012 any bat used in middle school, high school, and college play must have a BBCOR approval stamp. A BESR stamp is no longer acceptable.  The BBCOR stamp must be labeled “a minimum of a half-inch on each side and located on the barrel of the bat in any contrasting color.”





Here are just a few BBCOR bats on the approved list for 2012:

DeMarini 2011 Voodoo -3
DeMarini 2011 Vexxum -3
The 2011 Rawlings 5150 -3
Rawlings 2011 5150 -3
Anderson 2011 NanoTek XS -3
Louisville 2011 Omaha -3

*Stop by Almega Sports for a detailed list of the available products for 2012*

The market has been wiped clean.  Do your homework and don't make a rushed decision.  Almega Sports has you covered for all your baseball equipment needs.