A Coach's Perspective

For many living in the Florida Panhandle, youth sports are a way of life. Getting up on the weekends to play tournaments is what teams work toward. Spending weeknights practicing is just as natural as going to school or church. And countless hours are spent on the field building friendships and making memories. At the forefront of the experience are coaches, who dedicate their efforts to making sure kids learn not only the skills of the game, but skills of life as well.                                                     

Here in Panama City, one of the premier recreational leagues with a focus on youth sports is Southport Youth Baseball. Alemga Sports' owner Marie Walker conducted some on site interviews at Southport Baseball Park to understand more of what and why coaches do what they do.

Park co-director Jamie Pettis coaches the Southport Red Sox and 12U Allstars. He's a long time coach with intimate knowledge of the game and its values. Coach Pettis made a quick explanation of what has helped the park really succeed in recent years, and how quickly registration has grown. He closes the interview saying, "We just love being around kids and teaching them life and ball." Click the video to see the full interview.

Marie also interviewed park director Brock Poe who coaches the Southport Spartans and 8U Allstars. Also a seasoned coach, he knows how to succeed both on and off the field.
When asked what it takes to run a ballpark, he responded with, "Commitment. It takes a ton of commitment and a lot of good parents... We cant do what we do if we didn't have parents that were right here pushing us."
Coach Poe went on to explain how all coaches at the Southport park are nationally certified, and his program brings in some of  the best in the area.

Marie asked Coach Poe his take on people saying his job was a 'thankless one'. Coach Poe laughed lightly before saying, "It's a relentless job," but at the end of the day as a coach, kids leave you saying, "Wow. And I just want to be a part of that."
Marie also wanted the coach's view on one saying of the park- 'We're not raising boys, we're raising men.' Coach Poe grinned, "That's just what we do."

Even with all of this, we really wanted to know the answer to one question in particular; what motivates someone to not only be a coach, but to direct a program centered around helping kids become great at something. The coach didn't disappoint with his answer, "Seeing kids develop. It's a lot of fun to see and know that you had a part of something that could later on materialize into something great." Click the video below to watch the full interview.







Southport youth baseball is a phenomenal example of what youth sports mean to so many people. If you would like to register for the fast approaching fall season, just follow this link to their website! You can also check out their Facebook page here!

We've got you covered! | 2497 Highway 77, Panama City, Florida 32405 |850.215.5151 | Facebook.com/AlmegaSports

The Lady Warriors- #2 Team in the Country

Almega Sports has the opportunity to work with many incredible teams creating their custom uniforms and will soon have the honor of working with one of the top 11U fast-pitch teams in the country.

It’s really amazing to see what a group of young softball players are capable of when they play the game with everything they have. The Lady Warriors team from Callahan, Florida has played in numerous USSSA  tournaments in the North Florida area. This team brings passion to the field that makes the game even more exciting to watch.

The Warriors won several USSSA tournaments in their age group and even played in the 13u age group in the fall. The coaches are very involved with player development while keeping it fun for the girls. The players and coaches are serious about the game and worked hard for their title. Almega Sports is looking forward to working with these young ladies as they continue to make strides in the game.

The team with Coach Kevin Fagan from Central Florida State College. Where they finished 3rd in a 13u USSSA College Showcase Tournament!

Here are just some of their accomplishments from last season!

11U Tournaments

9/13         1st place in Fall Brawl Tournament

 13u Tournaments

10/11       1st place in Play For The Cure Tournament

10/25       2nd place in River City Spooktacular Tournament

11/2         4th place in the USSSA State Championship

11/15       3rd place in the Future Stars Showcase          

12/6         2nd place in Toys For Tots Tournament

Get Ready for the Dizzy Dean State Tournament



Get Ready for the Dizzy Dean State Tournament

Its All Star season! For many baseball players here in the Panhandle that means the best of the best are being selected to compete in tournaments of America’s greatest pass time. All Star season pulls together sportsmanship, competitive play, and an overall appreciation of teamwork to show players that if they compete at their best, and work their hardest, they can accomplish their goals. All that said, the finest players and coaches in Panama City are preparing for the Dizzy Dean State Tournament.



Coaches are looking desperately for the best equipment, gear, and uniforms with little or no time to spare. Well, our very own All Star team here at Almega Sports has you covered from beginning to end. We know the hectic nature of the game and how quickly your orders need to be filled. We specialize in custom team uniforms as well as garb for your team fans! With our walk in friendly embroidery and printing processes, Almega’s turn around time can’t be beat. Also don't forget our wide selection of gear that can meet any team’s needs. Want trophies for your winning picks? Almega Sports now does personalized awards so your players know the importance of the achievements they’ve made as a team. Let our friendly and knowledgeable staff as well as our low priced high quality items make your All Star season a little easier. Good luck to our fantastic teams, and may the best players win!

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?

<------

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. 

Top 10 List for Travel/Tournament Ball

It's tournament season!  This is the season of smelly cleats, clay in the car mats, and weekend road trips. The question is, do you have everything you need for tournament weekends?  Almega Sports has the top 10 must have items for the season.

1. Carry Wagon - this will be the best money you spend.
2. Folding Chairs - save your back, long days are ahead.                                 
3. Dryer Sheets and Bug Repellent - dryer sheets work wonders to keep gnats away!
4. Umbrella - better to be prepared than soaking wet.
5. Cash - no cash, no entry at the gate!
6. Tent (carry bag with wheels is best) - the summer sun is intense!
7. Sunscreen - second degree sunburns are no laughing matter.
8. Mini Fan - it's going to be HOT!
9. Extension Cord - it's a given that someone will need it.
10. Towels and Wet Wipes- sanitation at the ball field is well, compromised.

Almega Sports has you covered with all things sporting goods.  We are the only locally owned and operated full sports store in Panama City, Florida.  Almega carries lines such as Akadema, Mizuno, Worth, 3N2, and Easton.  One stop, one shop, done. 

What Are Team Mom Responsibilities?

Congratulations, you have been "elected" to be the team mom of your squad!  Do you know the responsibilities and obligations that accompany this title?  Don't worry, many don't.  Unfortunately, sports teams simply assign the team mom duties to a parent without consideration of their work, family, or other life obligations.  Almega Sports has put together a few tips to help you enjoy the position of team mom, rather than being stretched and stressed.

9 Common Duties of Team Mom:

1. Team registration and organization of birth certificates
2. Uniform sizing
3. Organization of fundraising opportunities
4. Publishing game schedules and practice times
5. Organization of post game snacks for the players
6. Recruiting volunteers (assigning tasks)
7. Travel packets to include:  driving directions, hotel accommodations, meeting, and meal times
8. Collecting of team money
9. Liaison between parents and coaches

Remember, just because you have been selected to be the team mom, doesn't mean that you are required to wear a cape and perform the impossible.  Our advice is to recruit, assign, organize, and accomplish the demand and needs, of the team, with your fellow team parents.  This will be an excellent teaching opportunity for the parents to show the true meaning of sportsmanship to their players. 

What is Catcher Equipment?

In the worlds of baseball and fastpitch softball, the catcher has one of the most important and dangerous positions.  It is critical to protect the catcher, with the proper equipment, and to ensure the equipment fits properly. Purchasing the most expensive equipment is not necessary.  Fit and integrity is more important.  We are often approached by parents and players with a wide range of questions about catcher's equipment.  The Almega Sports Team has put together a few tips to get you started.

There are 3 critical elements to catcher's equipment:

• Helmet -  Must fit snugly but sill allow the catcher to remove it quickly to field the ball.
• Chest Protector - The fit should be snug but also allow free movement of the catcher.
• Leg Guards - The fit should allow the catcher free mobility while still remaining in place.

Optional equipment:

• Throat Guard - Protects the catchers windpipe from random balls.
• Knee Savers - Takes the strain off the knee ligaments.
• Custom Gear Bag - Catcher's gear will not typically fit into traditional bat bags.

The professional team at Almega Sports is here to help your athlete suite up for the season.  We are your locally owned and operated baseball and softball sports store in Panama City, FL.  At Almega Sports, we carry the brands you love at the prices you deserve.

.Almega Sports has you covered

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 Pick and Choose Baseball Cleats

It's that time again.  Baseball season!  Time to pull the chairs out of the garage and get some clay on the cleats.  This should be a fun and exciting time for all levels of ball players.  Don't be alarmed if this is the first time for your athlete on the diamond.  Almega Sports has created several small "How To" videos to help you get your rising start ready to hit the field.  This blog will feature a great starting point when purchasing sports equipment.  "How To Pick and Choose Baseball Cleats."

  

Key factors when purchasing cleats:

• Fit:  Do not buy cleats that are too big.  Serious injury to the foot and ankle can occur if the cleat is not a proper fit.  It's just not worth the risk to buy cleats bigger to accommodate for growth spurts.
• Comfort: The player must feel completely comfortable in the cleat in order to run, turn, and slide correctly.  A cleat that is not comfortable to the player could result in the player adjusting his natural way of running to compensate for the shoe.
• Durability: We all have a budgets to keep.  Spending a little more on a well made shoe will ultimately save you money down the baseline. 
• Easy to "break in:": The cleat needs to be made of a material that will be easy to get "game ready."
• Rubber vs. Spike:  Know your association and the cleat requirements.  Metal spike cleats are not allowed in all associations.

Almega Sports is here to help!  Let our experienced and dedicated staff fit your ball player with the proper equipment to hit the field with safety and confidence.  We carry everything you will need at prices that will keep your budget in bounds. 

Almega Sports has you 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!

Custom Uniforms

There are so many choices when it comes to custom team uniforms.  Screen printing, embroidery, sublimation, and tackle twill are all great choices, but what is the difference between them?  Which choice is the best fit for my team and my budget?  Almega Sports has you covered.  We are specialist in custom team uniforms and we will explain the different options that are out there.

Screen printing is a very popular and affordable option for team uniforms.  Screens can be placed on virtually any fabric and come in multitude of colors and designs.  Screens can also be customized to any logo and transferred easily to jerseys and fan apparel.  This provides the most cost effective and versatile option while not sacrificing on your design and desired style for your team. 

Embroidery is often reserved to corporate team shirts, coaching shirts, and small logo designs.  This option is more expensive than screen printing.  However, embroidery offers a very professional and clean look for polo style coaching shirts, team bags, and even fan apparel and traditionally offers a longer life on the design.

Sublimation is a great choice for custom team uniforms.   It is the latest concept in uniform design.  Sublimation takes a blank white uniform and chemically injects colored dyes deep into the fabric.  While this option is more expensive then screen printing, it provides a long lasting product with greater versatility when it comes to unique designs. 

Tackle twill is most often seen in baseball, basketball and football jerseys.  This is a great option when the uniform is required to be used for multiple seasons.  This type of uniform offers a professional look and lengthy durability.  It is the choice of all professional sports uniforms.  Tackle twill is the customized stitching of machine cut fabric in multiple layers onto the surface of a uniform.  While tackle twill is the most expensive uniform available, the durability of the product proves to be most cost effective in the long run.

Almega Sports is your custom uniform team specialist.  We offer screen printing, embroidery, sublimation, and tackle twill team uniforms.  Our team of designers will assist you in every step of the uniform process from logo design to fan apparel. 

Almega Sports has team uniforms 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!

This is why we play travel ball

By Marie Walker

It has been said that travel ball for young kids is ridiculous, that participating in such a thing is stealing away their youth.  It has been said that it puts too much pressure on kids and that all travel ball is, is simply parents desperately clinging onto a memory from their youth and living vicariously through their children.  Finally, it has been said that the coaches are not in it for the kids at all but are only coaching for self glorification and gratification.

I am here to say that if this is what you have heard or if this is what you have said, then you are WRONG!  Very wrong!

I have personally experienced something remarkable over the past few months that will put any travel ball myth to shame.  I have seen individual boys with some talent become a TEAM with extraordinary skill and drive.  I have seen boys that are capable of turning double and triple plays with all the seriousness of the Major League still play in the dirt and become captivated by helicopters flying overhead.  I have seen boys tune out the screams from the stands and the taunting from the opposing dug out and fixate on the calls from their coaches and then look to each other for reassurance.  I have experienced families, coaches, and parents spend countless hours at practice, games, and tournaments and I have watched them drive hundreds of miles, sacrifice time and money, and stand up and stand in for one another all for the love of their boys.

Lastly, I have seen the passion of the coaches, with only absolute love for their team, teach them, guide them, correct them, and build them up to be strong, confident, and respectable young men.  I have seen the coaches make so many sacrifices not for their own glory but for the glory of the team.

I have seen passion, determination, and true grit from the field and I have seen a random group of boys become brothers.  And that is why we play travel ball!

Let the memories continue...and play on...