EASTON UNVEILS STEALTH COMP CNT: WORLD’S FIRST CARBON NANOTUBE TWO-PIECE ALL-COMPOSITE BATS
New Bat Line Features Patented CNT Technology and the Widest Sweet Spots in the Game for Maximum Performance
May 11, 2006 -- VAN NUYS, Calif. – Easton Sports, the leading manufacturer of sporting goods, today introduced the Stealth Comp CNT bat line, the world’s first carbon nanotube two-piece all-composite bats. Featuring numerous cutting edge technologies including patented CNT technology and patented two-piece ConneXion™ design, the new Stealth Comp CNT represents the best bats Easton Sports has ever made, according to Mike Zlaket, vice president baseball/softball for Easton Sports.“For the last 35 years, virtually every breakthrough non-wood bat technology has been pioneered by Easton, and the Stealth Comp CNT is no exception,” said Zlaket. “It is by far the most advanced product line we’ve ever launched. Players at all levels are going to be amazed by the feel and performance of these bats.”Unlike aluminum that has the same strength and stiffness in all directions, composite fibers have very high strength and stiffness in the direction of the fibers but much lower strength and stiffness across the fibers. This allows Easton’s research and development team to apply exclusive patented design technologies to customize bat barrels to create the widest sweet spots ever.The Stealth Comp CNT bats feature exclusive carbon nanotube technology made possible by Zyvex NanoSolve® materials. Sixteen times stronger than steel and one-billionth of a meter in size, CNT is perhaps the strongest fiber that will ever be made. The addition of CNT strengthens composite structures to allow for bigger sweet spots and maximum performance along the entire length of the barrel.Finally, Easton’s patented ConneXion technology acts like a hinge to provide the most efficient energy transfer from handle to barrel, resulting in maximum bat head “whip” for a quicker bat and more power through the hitting zone.The Stealth Comp CNT bat line spans all of Easton’s bat categories including: Adult, Senior League, Youth, Slow-pitch and Fastpitch. Stealth Comp CNT bats will be available in all major sporting good stores beginning June 2006.To receive more information or schedule an interview with an Easton Sports representative, contact (310) 578-7050 or e-mail dianella@formulapr.com.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Easton Takes Home Innovative Product Award
EASTON SPORTS WINS INNOVATIVE PRODUCT AWARD AT NANO 50
Easton’s Stealth Comp CNT Bat is Recognized for Its Usage of Advanced Technological Material
December 28, 2006 -- VAN NUYS, Calif. (December 28, 2006) – The 2006 Nano 50 Awards, which are voted on by a distinguished panel of judges from the science and technology industries, listed Easton Sports’ Stealth Comp CNT baseball bat as one of the top 50 products that will have a significant impact on the future of nanotechnology. The Nano 50 Awards, which are presented by Nanotech Briefs at the NASA Tech Brief’s National Nano Engineering Conference, presented Easton Sports with the ‘Product Award’ under the ‘Materials’ category, according to Matt Arndt, Easton Sports’ senior vice president of baseball/softball. “This award is a testament that the technology we apply to our products is real; it’s not just claims and jargon,” Arndt commented. “Carbon Nanotube Technology is a major advancement in baseball and softball bats and we’re so proud of our research and development team for all the days, months and years they put into developing it. It was a long and difficult process, but the results are off the charts. The performance and productivity of the Comp CNT bats are the best in the industry.”Nanotechnology, or sometimes called molecular technology, is a broad field of applied science and technology focused on working with the structure of matter on a scale smaller than whatever seemed imaginable. Nanotechnology is breaking strides in product materials, medical and bio-technology, electronics, and in Easton Sports’ case – sports equipment. The Stealth Comp CNT bats feature Carbon Nanotube Technology (CNT) that is made exclusively possible by Zyvex NanoSolve® materials. Unlike the aluminum bat that had the same strength and stiffness in all directions of the carbon fibers, Easton’s R&D team reinforced the carbon fibers by strategically placing nanotubes in the gaps to create the widest ‘sweet spot’ ever. CNT replaces what traditionally was only resin in aluminum bats. CNT is sixteen times stronger than steel and one-billionth of a meter in size; CNT perhaps is the strongest fiber that will ever be made.To receive more information or schedule an interview with an Easton Sports representative, contact (310) 578-7050 or e-mail dianella@formulapr.com.
Easton’s Stealth Comp CNT Bat is Recognized for Its Usage of Advanced Technological Material
December 28, 2006 -- VAN NUYS, Calif. (December 28, 2006) – The 2006 Nano 50 Awards, which are voted on by a distinguished panel of judges from the science and technology industries, listed Easton Sports’ Stealth Comp CNT baseball bat as one of the top 50 products that will have a significant impact on the future of nanotechnology. The Nano 50 Awards, which are presented by Nanotech Briefs at the NASA Tech Brief’s National Nano Engineering Conference, presented Easton Sports with the ‘Product Award’ under the ‘Materials’ category, according to Matt Arndt, Easton Sports’ senior vice president of baseball/softball. “This award is a testament that the technology we apply to our products is real; it’s not just claims and jargon,” Arndt commented. “Carbon Nanotube Technology is a major advancement in baseball and softball bats and we’re so proud of our research and development team for all the days, months and years they put into developing it. It was a long and difficult process, but the results are off the charts. The performance and productivity of the Comp CNT bats are the best in the industry.”Nanotechnology, or sometimes called molecular technology, is a broad field of applied science and technology focused on working with the structure of matter on a scale smaller than whatever seemed imaginable. Nanotechnology is breaking strides in product materials, medical and bio-technology, electronics, and in Easton Sports’ case – sports equipment. The Stealth Comp CNT bats feature Carbon Nanotube Technology (CNT) that is made exclusively possible by Zyvex NanoSolve® materials. Unlike the aluminum bat that had the same strength and stiffness in all directions of the carbon fibers, Easton’s R&D team reinforced the carbon fibers by strategically placing nanotubes in the gaps to create the widest ‘sweet spot’ ever. CNT replaces what traditionally was only resin in aluminum bats. CNT is sixteen times stronger than steel and one-billionth of a meter in size; CNT perhaps is the strongest fiber that will ever be made.To receive more information or schedule an interview with an Easton Sports representative, contact (310) 578-7050 or e-mail dianella@formulapr.com.
Easton Stealth CNT New Line
EASTON BUILDS ON MONUMENTAL SUCCESS OF COMP CNT BATS WITH LAUNCH OF
Composite CNT Adult Bat Line Now Includes REGULAR and STIFF Flex Models
May 1, 2007 -- VAN NUYS, Calif. (May 1, 2007) – Easton Sports, pioneer of the world’s first carbon nanotube two-piece all-composite bat, has expanded its composite bat line for 2008 from 10 to 19 models across all bat categories – Adult, Senior, Youth, Slow-pitch and Fast-pitch. The most significant addition is the expanded offering in the adult bat category: The Stealth Comp CNT is now available in REGULAR and STIFF models for added versatility on the ball field, according to Matt Arndt, vice president of Easton’s baseball/softball division.“Last year’s introduction of composite CNT bats was the most significant introduction in the non-wood bat category since aluminum bats were introduced in the ’60s. The question we’ve since asked is, ‘Where do we go from here?’ In short, we decided to expand the line,” Arndt said. “With expansions across the board, including the REGULAR and STIFF models in the adult bat category, we’ve made composite CNT technology available to every type of player.”As the flagship of Easton’s leading bat line, the 2008 Stealth Comp CNT features an array of advanced technologies. Notable features include Carbon Nanotube Technology (CNT) and Patented IMX™ – Integrated MatriX – technology, which strengthen composite structures, optimizing designs and materials for maximum performance. A patented Extended Flex™ design lengthens the sweet spot to provide maximum hitting area along the entire length of the barrel. Patented ConneXion™ technology acts like a hinge to provide the most efficient energy transfer from handle to barrel for maximum bat head “whip” and a quicker bat with more power through the hitting zone.Easton’s patented Opti-Flex™ CNT composite handle technology is where the REGULAR and STIFF models differ. REGULAR, designed for more whip and contact hitters, provides maximum handle flex – three times greater than aluminum. STIFF, catered to stronger hitters looking for more power, has a flex 1.5 times greater than aluminum.The 2008 Stealth Comp CNT REGULAR features a silver barrel with a blue handle, while the STIFF model features an orange barrel with a blue handle. The 2008 Stealth Comp CNT bats will be available in all major sporting good stores beginning June 2007.To receive more information or schedule an interview with an Easton Sports representative, contact (310) 578-7050 or e-mail dianella@formulapr.com.
Composite CNT Adult Bat Line Now Includes REGULAR and STIFF Flex Models
May 1, 2007 -- VAN NUYS, Calif. (May 1, 2007) – Easton Sports, pioneer of the world’s first carbon nanotube two-piece all-composite bat, has expanded its composite bat line for 2008 from 10 to 19 models across all bat categories – Adult, Senior, Youth, Slow-pitch and Fast-pitch. The most significant addition is the expanded offering in the adult bat category: The Stealth Comp CNT is now available in REGULAR and STIFF models for added versatility on the ball field, according to Matt Arndt, vice president of Easton’s baseball/softball division.“Last year’s introduction of composite CNT bats was the most significant introduction in the non-wood bat category since aluminum bats were introduced in the ’60s. The question we’ve since asked is, ‘Where do we go from here?’ In short, we decided to expand the line,” Arndt said. “With expansions across the board, including the REGULAR and STIFF models in the adult bat category, we’ve made composite CNT technology available to every type of player.”As the flagship of Easton’s leading bat line, the 2008 Stealth Comp CNT features an array of advanced technologies. Notable features include Carbon Nanotube Technology (CNT) and Patented IMX™ – Integrated MatriX – technology, which strengthen composite structures, optimizing designs and materials for maximum performance. A patented Extended Flex™ design lengthens the sweet spot to provide maximum hitting area along the entire length of the barrel. Patented ConneXion™ technology acts like a hinge to provide the most efficient energy transfer from handle to barrel for maximum bat head “whip” and a quicker bat with more power through the hitting zone.Easton’s patented Opti-Flex™ CNT composite handle technology is where the REGULAR and STIFF models differ. REGULAR, designed for more whip and contact hitters, provides maximum handle flex – three times greater than aluminum. STIFF, catered to stronger hitters looking for more power, has a flex 1.5 times greater than aluminum.The 2008 Stealth Comp CNT REGULAR features a silver barrel with a blue handle, while the STIFF model features an orange barrel with a blue handle. The 2008 Stealth Comp CNT bats will be available in all major sporting good stores beginning June 2007.To receive more information or schedule an interview with an Easton Sports representative, contact (310) 578-7050 or e-mail dianella@formulapr.com.
Easton HitMatrix
INDUSTRY-LEADER EASTON SPORTS INTRODUCES THE WORLD’S FIRST COMPLETE HITTING SYSTEM, THE HITMATRIX
Revolutionary Hitting System utilizes multiple materials, technologies, flexes
April 1, 2008 -- VAN NUYS, Calif. (April 1, 2008) – Easton Sports, the industry leader in bat technology, today introduced the HitMatrix – the World’s First Complete Hitting System. Working closely with players and coaches, Easton’s R&D and marketing teams defined the most critical properties hitters want in a bat when they step to the plate. The results consisted of multiple materials, numerous technologies, various flexes and different swing weights – properties no single bat could provide. Built for every swing, the HitMatrix is a unique system of bats available in all-composite, composite handle/aluminum barrel and all-aluminum options. “No golfer goes to a course with a bag of 5-irons; so why should a baseball player?” said Matt Arndt, senior vice president of Easton’s baseball/softball division. “For the first time ever, you can tailor your bat selection for an at-bat rather than a season.”The HitMatrix utilizes a “2 x 2 = 4” combination. Two patented Easton technologies (ConneXion technology and Single System Bat technology), plus the game’s two highest-performance materials (IMX Composite and V12 Scandium Alloy) to create the following four distinct bats:• Stealth IMX “Clutch”: The Stealth IMX utilizes patented Integrated Matrix Technology (IMX) which strengthens composite structures, optimizing design, process, and materials for maximum performance. Aerospace grade composite fibers are layered and angled to create a massive hitting area along the entire length of the barrel. In addition, this bat features Easton's patented ConneXion Design System (CXN) which uses "hinge" technology to efficiently transfer energy from handle to barrel, completely eliminate vibration upon contact, and provide an extraordinary feel. • Synergy IMX “Instinct”: This bat provides the benefit of a high performance barrel, by using a design featuring IMX composite technology, while also providing players with a stiffer handle design and ultimate bat control and balance through Easton's Single System Technology. This one piece, full composite bat allows players to receive solid feedback at contact while maintaining an expansive hitting area. • SV12 “Reaction”: The new SV12 combines Easton's new V12 alloy barrel with a composite IMX flex rated handle through the use of CXN technology. By optimizing the material levels of 12 different elements in a new scandium alloy formulation, Easton has created the highest performing, strongest, and toughest alloy ever known to aluminum bat technology. In addition, the SV12 maximizes the performance along the length of the barrel with the implementation of Easton's Optimal Hitting Zone Technology (O-Zone), which thickens the barrel design at the taper and end cap to increase trampoline off of the massive hitting area. With a streamlined V12 barrel design and CXN "hinge" technology, this bat provides awesome bat speed, max energy transfer, and complete vibration elimination. • V12 “Velocity”: The V12 is a pure aluminum one piece design. Utilizing Easton's new V12 Scandium alloy and Single System Technology, this bat has been designed with a streamlined profile from handle to barrel to create the lightest swing weight in the industry. Also featuring O-Zone Technology for awesome barrel performance, the V12 provides incredible bat speed, supreme balance and control through the hitting zone, and solid feedback for players at contact.For in-depth analysis, more on Easton’s newest technologies and Easton’s revolutionary HitMatrix system, visit hitmatrix.com, a micro-site complete with video featuring MLB talent, detailed technology graphics and statistical descriptions – dedicated entirely to the World’s First Complete Hitting System. Consumers who visit hitmatrix.com will also have the chance to enter to win the HitMatrix bat of their choosing.To receive more information or schedule an interview with an Easton Sports representative, contact (310) 578-7050 or e-mail Kovacs@formulapr.com.
Revolutionary Hitting System utilizes multiple materials, technologies, flexes
April 1, 2008 -- VAN NUYS, Calif. (April 1, 2008) – Easton Sports, the industry leader in bat technology, today introduced the HitMatrix – the World’s First Complete Hitting System. Working closely with players and coaches, Easton’s R&D and marketing teams defined the most critical properties hitters want in a bat when they step to the plate. The results consisted of multiple materials, numerous technologies, various flexes and different swing weights – properties no single bat could provide. Built for every swing, the HitMatrix is a unique system of bats available in all-composite, composite handle/aluminum barrel and all-aluminum options. “No golfer goes to a course with a bag of 5-irons; so why should a baseball player?” said Matt Arndt, senior vice president of Easton’s baseball/softball division. “For the first time ever, you can tailor your bat selection for an at-bat rather than a season.”The HitMatrix utilizes a “2 x 2 = 4” combination. Two patented Easton technologies (ConneXion technology and Single System Bat technology), plus the game’s two highest-performance materials (IMX Composite and V12 Scandium Alloy) to create the following four distinct bats:• Stealth IMX “Clutch”: The Stealth IMX utilizes patented Integrated Matrix Technology (IMX) which strengthens composite structures, optimizing design, process, and materials for maximum performance. Aerospace grade composite fibers are layered and angled to create a massive hitting area along the entire length of the barrel. In addition, this bat features Easton's patented ConneXion Design System (CXN) which uses "hinge" technology to efficiently transfer energy from handle to barrel, completely eliminate vibration upon contact, and provide an extraordinary feel. • Synergy IMX “Instinct”: This bat provides the benefit of a high performance barrel, by using a design featuring IMX composite technology, while also providing players with a stiffer handle design and ultimate bat control and balance through Easton's Single System Technology. This one piece, full composite bat allows players to receive solid feedback at contact while maintaining an expansive hitting area. • SV12 “Reaction”: The new SV12 combines Easton's new V12 alloy barrel with a composite IMX flex rated handle through the use of CXN technology. By optimizing the material levels of 12 different elements in a new scandium alloy formulation, Easton has created the highest performing, strongest, and toughest alloy ever known to aluminum bat technology. In addition, the SV12 maximizes the performance along the length of the barrel with the implementation of Easton's Optimal Hitting Zone Technology (O-Zone), which thickens the barrel design at the taper and end cap to increase trampoline off of the massive hitting area. With a streamlined V12 barrel design and CXN "hinge" technology, this bat provides awesome bat speed, max energy transfer, and complete vibration elimination. • V12 “Velocity”: The V12 is a pure aluminum one piece design. Utilizing Easton's new V12 Scandium alloy and Single System Technology, this bat has been designed with a streamlined profile from handle to barrel to create the lightest swing weight in the industry. Also featuring O-Zone Technology for awesome barrel performance, the V12 provides incredible bat speed, supreme balance and control through the hitting zone, and solid feedback for players at contact.For in-depth analysis, more on Easton’s newest technologies and Easton’s revolutionary HitMatrix system, visit hitmatrix.com, a micro-site complete with video featuring MLB talent, detailed technology graphics and statistical descriptions – dedicated entirely to the World’s First Complete Hitting System. Consumers who visit hitmatrix.com will also have the chance to enter to win the HitMatrix bat of their choosing.To receive more information or schedule an interview with an Easton Sports representative, contact (310) 578-7050 or e-mail Kovacs@formulapr.com.
Easton and the CWS
EASTON CWS NEWS
July 2, 2008 -- The contact was as pure as the swing. The ball popped off Ryan Peisel's bat and sailed for center field. Peisel was thinking home run - better yet, season-saving grand slam."When I hit it, there was no doubt in my mind it was a home run," he said.In any other college ballpark, he was right. But at Rosenblatt Stadium, with flags drooping, it was an inning-ending, bases-loaded flyout to the warning track.Peisel has replayed that moment since last week's loss to Fresno State in the finale of the national title series. He's wondered that if he'd been swinging a bat from Fresno State's rack, would the ball have carried over the wall? If Georgia wasn't forced to use Nike bats, would Georgia be reliving a championship season today instead of reliving its collapse in Omaha, Neb.?Georgia athletic director Damon Evans made the right choice Wednesday by agreeing in principle to sign Georgia coach David Perno to a new five-year contract.Now, it's time Evans and his administration re-examines Georgia's all-sports contract with the most powerful sporting goods store in the world - Nike.Georgia was an Easton baseball school until it signed a lucrative contract with Nike after the 2004 baseball season.The contract stipulates that all Georgia sports teams must wear Nike apparel and use Nike equipment if it's available. Baseball bats included.But two things became crystal clear last week in Omaha. First, Fresno State was the better team for the final two games against Georgia and deserved the championship. Even Peisel acknowledges that.Secondly, though, Georgia and other all-Nike schools, such as North Carolina and Miami, are at a technological disadvantage when it comes to college baseball. Not only do Nike's bats seem as durable as matchsticks, they seem like toothpicks compared to their bazooka-like counterparts in the market. Easton, TPX (Louisville Slugger) and DeMarini seem so far ahead of Nike's bat development, it remains to be seen if the shoe giant can ever catch up.With Gordon Beckham, the nation's co-leader in home runs, Georgia hit 96 homers this season, which was second most in school history. Georgia hit none at Regions Park in Hoover, Ala., during the SEC Tournament and hit just four at Rosenblatt Stadium. Those are two spacious, professional ballparks where the glaring difference between Nike's product and the rest of the metal bat world shows up. The alleys are wider and deeper. The walls are pushed back.Including Beckham, who hit two homers in Omaha, Georgia had five hitters with the potential to hit home runs in those ballparks. Conversely, Fresno State had home-run potential throughout its lineup because of its Eastons. From Danny Muno, its tiny, freshman leadoff hitter, to its No. 9 hitter Jordan Ribera, a .186 hitter before the CWS who hit two of Fresno State's 14 homers, size and consistency didn't matter for Fresno State. Only thing that mattered was the Eastons its hitters wielded."It seems like you're going into a boxing match with one arm tied around your back," Peisel said.Georgia's players were hoping that North Carolina, a fellow all-Nike school, would make the championship series because the bat would've been a non-factor, Peisel said. To refresh, North Carolina lost consecutive national title series to Oregon State, a DeMarini school. Georgia also knew Fresno State had been armed with Easton's new composite bats, which were introduced to the market in early April. Composite bats are a marriage of metal and carbon-fiber technology.Since the composites' introduction, Georgia had been 5-9-1 against Easton schools, including LSU, Florida, Alabama and Ole Miss. Those schools are Nike schools for football and basketball, but have no all-encompassing contract with the manufacturer that forces them to use its bats."It drives me nuts when I see somebody wearing Nike cleats and swinging Easton bats," Peisel said. "It's the best of both worlds. Everybody knows Nike cleats are the best and everybody knows Easton bats are the best."Nike unveiled a white-colored composite bat early in the season, but only Georgia's Matt Olson started using it midway through the season. He went 3-for-29 in Omaha and flew out to right for the series-ending out."We talked to some of the Miami players in Omaha," Peisel said. "Nike wanted Miami to swing the (composite) bats and they refused."Peisel estimates that more than 60 of Georgia's bats broke this season. They either cracked or the plastic tops popped off. During his first batting practice session in Omaha almost three weeks ago, Peisel broke three bats in about 10 minutes.Peisel used the same style of Nike bat for three years at Georgia. Only the paint scheme changed. He, along with Beckham, have moved on to the professional ranks where maple or ash is mandatory.They won't have to deal with Nike's bat grip on Georgia anymore. The players they left behind - the ones still at Georgia and the ones to come - shouldn't have to either.John Kaltefleiter is the sports editor of the Banner-Herald. Published in the Athens Banner-Herald on 07.03.08.
July 2, 2008 -- The contact was as pure as the swing. The ball popped off Ryan Peisel's bat and sailed for center field. Peisel was thinking home run - better yet, season-saving grand slam."When I hit it, there was no doubt in my mind it was a home run," he said.In any other college ballpark, he was right. But at Rosenblatt Stadium, with flags drooping, it was an inning-ending, bases-loaded flyout to the warning track.Peisel has replayed that moment since last week's loss to Fresno State in the finale of the national title series. He's wondered that if he'd been swinging a bat from Fresno State's rack, would the ball have carried over the wall? If Georgia wasn't forced to use Nike bats, would Georgia be reliving a championship season today instead of reliving its collapse in Omaha, Neb.?Georgia athletic director Damon Evans made the right choice Wednesday by agreeing in principle to sign Georgia coach David Perno to a new five-year contract.Now, it's time Evans and his administration re-examines Georgia's all-sports contract with the most powerful sporting goods store in the world - Nike.Georgia was an Easton baseball school until it signed a lucrative contract with Nike after the 2004 baseball season.The contract stipulates that all Georgia sports teams must wear Nike apparel and use Nike equipment if it's available. Baseball bats included.But two things became crystal clear last week in Omaha. First, Fresno State was the better team for the final two games against Georgia and deserved the championship. Even Peisel acknowledges that.Secondly, though, Georgia and other all-Nike schools, such as North Carolina and Miami, are at a technological disadvantage when it comes to college baseball. Not only do Nike's bats seem as durable as matchsticks, they seem like toothpicks compared to their bazooka-like counterparts in the market. Easton, TPX (Louisville Slugger) and DeMarini seem so far ahead of Nike's bat development, it remains to be seen if the shoe giant can ever catch up.With Gordon Beckham, the nation's co-leader in home runs, Georgia hit 96 homers this season, which was second most in school history. Georgia hit none at Regions Park in Hoover, Ala., during the SEC Tournament and hit just four at Rosenblatt Stadium. Those are two spacious, professional ballparks where the glaring difference between Nike's product and the rest of the metal bat world shows up. The alleys are wider and deeper. The walls are pushed back.Including Beckham, who hit two homers in Omaha, Georgia had five hitters with the potential to hit home runs in those ballparks. Conversely, Fresno State had home-run potential throughout its lineup because of its Eastons. From Danny Muno, its tiny, freshman leadoff hitter, to its No. 9 hitter Jordan Ribera, a .186 hitter before the CWS who hit two of Fresno State's 14 homers, size and consistency didn't matter for Fresno State. Only thing that mattered was the Eastons its hitters wielded."It seems like you're going into a boxing match with one arm tied around your back," Peisel said.Georgia's players were hoping that North Carolina, a fellow all-Nike school, would make the championship series because the bat would've been a non-factor, Peisel said. To refresh, North Carolina lost consecutive national title series to Oregon State, a DeMarini school. Georgia also knew Fresno State had been armed with Easton's new composite bats, which were introduced to the market in early April. Composite bats are a marriage of metal and carbon-fiber technology.Since the composites' introduction, Georgia had been 5-9-1 against Easton schools, including LSU, Florida, Alabama and Ole Miss. Those schools are Nike schools for football and basketball, but have no all-encompassing contract with the manufacturer that forces them to use its bats."It drives me nuts when I see somebody wearing Nike cleats and swinging Easton bats," Peisel said. "It's the best of both worlds. Everybody knows Nike cleats are the best and everybody knows Easton bats are the best."Nike unveiled a white-colored composite bat early in the season, but only Georgia's Matt Olson started using it midway through the season. He went 3-for-29 in Omaha and flew out to right for the series-ending out."We talked to some of the Miami players in Omaha," Peisel said. "Nike wanted Miami to swing the (composite) bats and they refused."Peisel estimates that more than 60 of Georgia's bats broke this season. They either cracked or the plastic tops popped off. During his first batting practice session in Omaha almost three weeks ago, Peisel broke three bats in about 10 minutes.Peisel used the same style of Nike bat for three years at Georgia. Only the paint scheme changed. He, along with Beckham, have moved on to the professional ranks where maple or ash is mandatory.They won't have to deal with Nike's bat grip on Georgia anymore. The players they left behind - the ones still at Georgia and the ones to come - shouldn't have to either.John Kaltefleiter is the sports editor of the Banner-Herald. Published in the Athens Banner-Herald on 07.03.08.
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