Data and analytics continue to be a driving force in baseball. While we see it at the major-league level, it doesn’t start there.
Marucci and Diamond Kinetics teamed up to create its newest product: The Marucci CATX Smart.
Imagine combining a sweet bat and the numbers behind a comfortable swing to show what you’re able to perfect.
“Most importantly, for us, the ability not just to create data, but then it’s, ‘What do you do with that data?'” CJ Handron, Co-Founder and CEO of Diamond Kinetics, told The Comeback.
It’s a first-of-its-kind bat with a limited release.
What makes it unique?
Well, the performance alone of the bat gives the hitter a smooth swing, but with a little bit of extra incentive: An ability to gather performance data all within the DK app. It’s also the first smart bat to be sanctioned and approve by the United States Specialty Sports Association for in-game use.
The app itself hopes to show data that will “visualize swing metrics across aspects of power, speed, quickness, and control, as well as monitor their progress from practice swings to live in-game at-bats, and enjoy interactive games and training content.”
This isn’t the first time Marucci has introduced data into their product.
“Marucci leverages data from various sources to inform the design and construction of our bats, to ensure our products are at the forefront of innovation and performance,” Marucci Sports CEO & Co-Founder Kurt Ainsworth told The Comeback. “We gather data and analytics from the field, our in-house test lab, and our Baseball Performance Lab. This diverse, widespread collection allows us to design for different levels of play, bat compositions, performance certification limits, and hitter types.”
Those using the end cap won’t notice a difference, either — making the measurements more accurate. There’s no added weight or bulk.
They don’t discredit the eye-test, however, but this data could enhance that. It enables certain strategic decisions for a player
“We’ve been at this for some time, and we’ve worked from the highest level of the game with MLB teams, a number of college programs, scouting and recruiting,” Handron said.
The coaches appear to be finding success with the technology as well.
“We’ve experienced this where, if you are working closely with a coach who, you know, maybe is interpreting data for you, they’re using data to try to develop a personalization plan for you or identify a weakness and try to put either some awareness to that weakness in front of the player or more interestingly, a set of drills or a development plan,” Handron added.
They appreciate an additional resource, as well.
The bat was available for purchase on Dec. 6 through the Marrucci website with a wider release in 2024.
