Baseball Gifts Under $50
Book: THE ART OF FIELDING by Chad Harbach
$14 hardcover, $12.99 Kindle at Amazon
Released in September, 2011, it was named to the New York Times best books of 2011 and won #1 best book of 2011 from Amazon.
ESPN Films 30 for 30 Gift Set Collection
$39 Vol 1, $48 Vol 2 at Amazon
Only 4 of the 30 films are about baseball, but they're very popular with sports fans in general. Volume 1 includes a film about the birth of Rotisserie Fantasy Baseball, and Volume 2 includes films on Michael Jordan playing Minor League baseball, the amazing 2004 Red Sox comeback and World Series win, and 1981's FernandoMANIA with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Bergino gift baseballs
$20 to $25 at Bergino.com
These cool gift baseballs aren't for the field, but they're perfect for the office or a collection at home. And if you're ever in New York City, you have to check out their amazing "clubhouse" store.
official MLB baseballs
$19-$30 at RawlingsGear.com
They have the regular official MLB ball as well as special editions like from the All-star game, Futures game, or even to commemorate Jeter's 3000th hit and Mariano Rivera's 602nd save.
baseball caps
various prices at Lids
Can't go wrong with an official MLB New Era cap like their favorite team wears on the field, or a special edition cap they might not have seen.
Baseball America magazine subscription
starts at $33 for 6 issues at BaseballAmerica.com
The most complete news about prospects as they come up from high school through college and the minors.
book: THE SCIENCE OF HITTING by Ted Williams
$11 at Amazon
An oldie but a goodie, and I'm shocked that so many baseball fans and players haven't heard of it. Who wouldn't want to learn what the greatest hitter who ever lived said about how to do the most difficult thing in sports.
Batting Gloves
$30-$40 for nice ones, look at BaseballRampage, BaseballSavings, and BaseballExpress
Baseball players quickly wear through batting gloves but many are reluctant to buy new ones. Not sure why. Having another good quality pair never hurts, and most players enjoy trying a new brand or style and trading with their teammates. Even non-player fans get a kick out of batting gloves because it's an easy way to feel a little bit like a player again, and it's fun to wear them as regular gloves sometimes.
Baseball Shopping! Black Friday and Holiday $ales
Holiday season is here... and that means you are probably already behind on holiday shopping. Luckily there are some great deals and promos for baseball gear around the web. We have collected some of the best we've found just for you.
Free Shipping, Closeout Prices, Daily Deals... it's all here. Just click the store name below and browse some of the best deals of this holiday season. Having trouble finding exactly what you're looking for? Email us at team@morebaseball.com and we'll gladly help.
- Homerun Monkey (Take even more off of clearance prices)
- Baseball Savings (Closeout Prices... seriously... CLOSEOUT)
- Rawlings Gear (Daily deals and free shipping)
- Baseball Express (Phiten, Evoshield, Rawlings, Nike, TPX, and more deals)
- MLB.com Shop (20% off order, additional 25% off clearance)
ENDS TODAY - Friday, Nov. 25.
If you spend more than $50.00 on Clearance Items, take an additional 20% off all items in the Clearance section using the coupon code BLKFRIDAY20. Click here to check out the clearance items.
This offer may not be combined with any other offer or coupon and only one coupon can be used per order.
Extra 10% off storewide products and free shipping on orders over $99.
Here are some of the best deals we found, but check out the entire closeout list here.
82% off Under Armour Men's Heat Gear Piped Pants (was $50, now $8.98)
75% off Under Armour Boys HeatGear Slider Shorts (was $24.99, now $6.28)
50% off Majestic MLB Therma Base Triple Peak Premier Jackets (was $125, now $62.97, many teams available)
40% off Majestic MLB Therma Base YOUTH Triple Peak Premier Jackets (was $60, now $35.97, many teams available)
44% off Nike Men's Air Max Edge 10+ Trainers (was $80, now $42.97, many colors available)
82% off Mizuno Youth DryLite 2-Button Jerseys (was $24.95, now $4.48, Red, Navy, Black, White, Royal)
80% off Majestic Adult Pro Style Piped Baseball Pants (was $26.80, now $5.38, many colors available)
46% off Majestic Youth Authentic Replica Jerseys (was $50, now $26.97, many teams available)
37% off Lousiville Slugger Pro Flare Gloves (was $199.95, now $125.97, limited size options)
- Nov. 24 - Nov. 28 - receive FREE SHIPPING on any order over $49.99.
- Nov. 16 - Nov. 30 - 15% off all outerwear.
- Until Nov. 30 - Chance to win a Rawlings Maple Ace Wood Bat
- November 30 - December 15 - Daily holiday sales on gloves, pants, bats, sunglasses and more! Below are a few highlights from the list, click here for the entire holiday sale.
Dec. 1 - 43% off the REVO SOLID CORE 350 Series 11.5 inch Glove (was $70, now $39.99)
Dec. 9 - 30% off Adult or Youth Flare Relaxed Fit Pro Weight Pants (was $40, now $27.99)
Dec. 12 - 29% off Adult or Youth Pullover (was $35, now $24.99)
Dec. 14 - 47% off Half-Rim Athletic Wrap Sunglasses (was $29.99, now $15.99)
DEALS EXPIRE DEC. 23
20% off Phiten when you buy 2 or more - Click BBEXP and search BBXMORE_1
25% off Evoshield when you buy 2 or more - Click BBEXP and search BBXMORE_2
20% off Pro Flare Pants when you buy 20 or more - Click BBEXP and search BBXMORE_3
$10 off Majestic Pants when you order 2 or more - Click BBEXP and search BBXMORE_4
Team Express Tees (2 for $25 or 3+ for $10 each) - Click BBEXP and search BBXMORE_5
18% off Pant belt sock combo - Click BBEXP and search BBXSET_1
$80 off All star Catchers set - Click BBEXP and search BBXSET_2
$10 off Rawlings Pro Flare combo - Click BBEXP and search BBXSET_3
$10 off Nike Shorts and Tee combo - Click BBEXP and search BBXSET_4
$15 off Louisville Bat Glove Wristband Combo - Click BBEXP and search BBXSET_5
Black Friday Deal Ends tonight, Nov. 25 at 11:59 pm.
Clearance Deal Ends Sunday, Nov. 27 at 11:59 pm.
Nike Huarache 2K5 Cleats: Still Cool, and Very Cheap
If you want quality cleats, but don't need the newest and most expensive ones available, check out the Nike Air Huarache 2K5. At the time of their release for the 2005 season, the Nike Air Huarache 2K5 Baseball Cleats were HUGE!They were close to $100 at their arrival, but as the years have gone by and Nike has put out more and more cleats, that price has plummeted from $85.00 to $19.99.
The style is barely different from the new Nike Air Huarache LWP90 Cleats that are $89.00 at Eastbay and the most popular footwear in baseball.
If you wear a size 15-16 you're in luck. You can find the Huarache 2K5 in basically any color combo for $19.99. If you're a smaller size, they're still a bargain at $39.99.
Where to Buy:
Eastbay
6pm
Footlocker
Best Cleats to Wear with Long Baseball Pants
- Updated April 13, 2011 by Q -
Choosing the right cleats is important to make your long pants look good and stay down without hassle.The most important thing to remember is that shoes with a flap that covers the laces are not the best for long pants.There is more bulk to the area just above the ankle bone... this is the same place the pant leg has to lay over.
Low Cleats with Flap - Worst Option
In addition, the flap usually doesn't stay down for more than a month of use. Some are made with Velcro to help keep the flap down, but it usually wears out. The majority of these are found on low cleats such as the Adidas Excelsior Low Metal Baseball Cleats ($79.99 at Baseball Express), Mizuno Classic G5 Low Metal Baseball Cleat ($49.98 at Team Express), and the Verdero Low Metal II Baseball Cleats ($84.99 at Team Express). If you wear your pants up, these are great cleats, but for the stylish long pant look they aren't your best option.
Low Cleats Without Flap - Better, but not great
The next option is a low cleat without a flap such as the Mizuno Vapor Elite G4 Low Metal Baseball Cleats ($79.99 at Team Express) or the Nike Shox Fuse 2 Low Metal Baseball Cleats ($79.98 at Baseball Express). Without the flap your pants are more likely to cover the laces, but because of the low height it's still easy for the pants to collect above the shoe.
Mid Cleats with free laces ... Almost there!
A mid-height cleat such as the Under Armour Clean Up Mid Metal Baseball Cleats ($29.99 at Foot Locker), or the Mizuno 9-Spike Classic G5 Mid Metal Baseball Cleat ($69.99 at Baseball Rampage) allow more of pant leg to cover the cleat, which lessens the chance they will come up over the shoe and bunch like they do with low cleats.
Mid Cleats with Lace Strap - Best Cleat for Long Pants
What I've found is that even with mid-height cleats, the laces still cause problems. The best way to ensure your pant legs will stay down over your shoes for the entirety of a game is to go with the Nike Huarache Mid Metal Baseball Cleat ($69.98 at Baseball Express). These have an upper ankle lace strap that keeps your laces and shoe tight around you foot, it also helps keep your pant legs from rising above the ankle. The strap makes the shoe height even higher than your average mid-height cleat. The only drawback to these cleats is the weight. At 14.6 ounces, they can be over 2 ounces heavier than a low cleat.
Where to Buy:
Low Baseball Cleats
Adidas Excelsior Low Metal Baseball Cleats
Baseball Express
Mizuno Classic G5 Low Metal Baseball Cleat
Team Express
Verdero Low Metal II Baseball Cleat
Team Express
Mizuno Vapor Elite G4 Low Metal Baseball Cleat
Team Express
Nike Shox Fuse 2 Low Metal Baseball Cleat
Baseball Express
Mid Baseball Cleats
Under Armour Clean Up Mid Metal Baseball Cleat (Selective Sizing)
Foot Locker
Mizuno 9-Spike Classic G5 Mid Metal Baseball Cleat
Baseball Rampage
Nike Huarache Mid Metal Baseball Cleat
Baseball Express
The Rundown: Gonzalez’s Walk-off Cycle, Crawford’s 400th SB, and Reliever Wardrobe Malfunction
- Rockies left firlder Carlos Gonzalez completed the sixth cycle in Rockies history Saturday night. After the Rockies surrendered a three run lead in the eighth inning, Gonzalez became the first player ever to hit for the cycle with a walk-off home run. His solo shot gave the Rockies a 6-5 victory over the Cubs. "I heard everyone saying I was going to do it. You just believe in yourself. I guess it was meant to be. It was my night." [USA Today]
- Last night the Red Sox won their second straight game in walk-off fashion. Darnell McDonald scored the winning run when Marco Scutaro's sacrifice bunt was errantly thrown into right field. The Red Sox went into the ninth with a 3-0 lead, only one Tiger had reached second base on BoSox starter Clay Buchholz. Johnathan Papelbon received the win despite surrendering three runs and the lead. Saturday night David Ortiz was the hero after his game ending 3-run double. [NBC Sports]
- Carl Crawford stole his 400th career base against the Yankees this weekend. The Yankees attempted a pitchout on Crawford, but he beat the throw for his milestone. He became only the seventh player to have 400 stolen bases before the age of 29. [MLB.com]
- Milwaukee reliever Chris Capuano wore the wrong jersey for his 2-inning outing Saturday night. Capuano wore the home alternate jersey which has "Brewers" across the chest instead of the new road alternate jerseys that say "Milwaukee." The umpires must not have noticed because he finished his outing with no interruption. [MLB.com]
- Cardinals righty Adam Wainwright improved upon his MLB best home record, making it 11-0 with a 9-1 win against the Pirates. He K'd five batters without giving up a walk and lowered his ERA to 1.22 at home (2.19 overall). [Yahoo Sports]
- Cubs right-hander Carlos Silva left Sunday's game against the Rockies with an abnormal heart rate. Alan Tramell, who was managing the game instead of Lou Piniella was unaware of any history of this problem. Silva's heart rate returned to normal on the way to the hospital. [NBC Sports]
Ichiro Cleats Chronicled on Asics Japan Baseball Website
Ichiro's cleats have always looked different than spikes worn by most other MLB players.
Surprising, because you don't see much Asics baseball gear in the U.S. (There's no mention of baseball on AsicsAmerica's website.) Oddly familiar, because the uppers remind you of Asics wrestling shoes. And mysteriously appealing, because you have to wonder if their sleek fit would add even the tiniest bit of Ichiro's speed and grace to the way you move.
Although we might never get to try a pair of Ichiro's player-exclusive Asics cleats, at least we can see exactly what he's worn each year, courtesy of Asics Japan's ICHIRO SPIKE HISTORY. (for robotic English translation, click here)
Asics lays out a timeline, taking you through Ichiro's cleats year-by-year from the current 2010 models all the way back to the low-tops Ichiro wore in 1995, midway through his career with NPB's Orix BlueWave.
For each year Asics comments on the materials and artistic inspiration used in the design, as well as notes on striving to satisfy Ichiro's obsession with making his cleats lighter and lighter -- all the way down to 250 grams, or just 8.8 ounces! (The popular Nike Air Huarache cleats weigh over 14 ounces each.)
A few notable years for Ichiro's cleats
- 1995-97 & 2000 - leather soles
- 1999 - first high-tops, his signature today
- 2001 - 10-spike configuration used through 2010
- 2009 - World Baseball Classic special edition with Japan flag
Links
Ichiro Spike History - original Japanese
Ichiro Spike History - translated to English (sounds weird, but you can pick out some key words)
More proof of the focus on light weight...here are press releases from 2007 and 2008, announcing Ichiro's new AND LIGHTER! baseball spikes.
P.S. You might notice the word "yakyu" in the URLs on the Asics Japan Baseball website.
Main page - http://www.asics.co.jp/yakyu
Ichiro page - http://www.asics.co.jp/yakyu/ichiro
"Yakyu" is how they say "baseball" in Japanese.
Best Long Baseball Pants Review: Rawlings, Nike, Mizuno
Let's face it, baseball pants have become a fashion statement. It's happened in basically all sports... in football receivers opt out of using thigh or knee pads, players roll up their jersey sleeves to look sleeker. In basketball the shorts are huge and jerseys always on the verge on coming untucked (bad fashion maybe, but fashion nonetheless). In baseball the pants are worn down over the shoe to produce a clean smooth look. If you've tried to utilize this look, you understand that not all pants are created equal. Some curl up or fold over at your ankle after every swing or every bend, they always seem to bunch up after you sit down and can become a nuisance. But... instead of going back to my younger days when I would simply roll the pant leg just below the knee like Alfonso Soriano, I did a little research.
After trying out numerous pants here are my results.
The Nike Phenom Baseball Pants ($54.99 at Eastbay) are decently comfortable, but not extremely durable or functional. Unlike their cleats and many other products, I found the Nike Phenom Pants to be rather poor quality for the expensive price. To me, they are made for appearance and not performance. As you can see, in motion the pants pulled up over my laces, but fell nicely over my Nike Shox Cleats the majority of the time. They looked nice, but there are better, cheaper options. They're selling the brand name along with decent pants.
Rawlings Flare Relaxed Fit Pro Weight Baseball Pants
The Rawlings Flare Relaxed Fit Pro Weight Pants ($39.99 at RawlingsGear) are the pants Manny Ramirez wears, and I should have realized what I was getting myself into. They were comfortable pants, but obviously way too baggy. My legs are spread a little here and you can still tell there is tons of extra space and material. They layed nicely over my cleats because of the extra material. Would I recommend these? Well... it's basically like playing in sweat pants... so if you're okay with that, then go ahead.
Mizuno Mens Premier Relaxed Full-Length Piped Pants
The Mizuno Premier Relaxed Pants are durable, very comfortable, and look nice. I only had a few complaints including the bagginess and the way they lay on the cleats. They are baggy around the thigh and knee. It's a personal preference, but I like comfort and flexibility without looking shorter and a little less classy (like Manny). Also, they come extremely long. I'm 5'10" with a 34 inch waist, I ordered a Medium and they fit great other than the length which you'll need hemmed. While wearing my Mizuno Classic G4 Low cleats, the pants kept ruffling just above the shoe. Overall, for $10 cheaper than most pants of this quality, they are a great buy if you have the right cleats to go with them. Not my favorite due to the extra space around my knees, but very solid pants.
Rawlings Pro Flare Baseball Pants
Cream of the crop. The Rawlings Pro Flare Baseball Pants (Piped are $49.99 at Baseball Express, Solid Grey or White are $39.99 at Baseball Express) are comfortable, durable, flexible and loose, but not baggy. You'll find that they're well worth a little extra cash. I ordered a Medium of this and they fit, but the sizing is a little tight. When I sit or bend to field a ground ball they come up over my shoes just a bit, with a Large (36-38 inch waist) this wouldn't be a problem.
They are extremely similar to the Mizuno Premier Relaxed Full-Length Piped Pants, but aren't baggy or extremely long when purchased. They feel and look the exact same other than the difference in fit. The logo is even in the same place. The only differences are the button placement on the front, and that the Rawlings Pro Flare's don't have buttons on the pockets.
If you like a baggy feel, go with the Mizuno Pants, if you want the same comfort and a thinner leg, the Rawlings Pro Flare Pants are the way to go.
Where to Buy:
Nike Phenom Baseball Pants
Rawlings Flare Relaxed Fit Pro Weight Baseball Pants
Rawlings Gear
Mizuno Mens Premier Relaxed Full-Length Piped Pants
Baseball Savings
Rawlings Pro Flare Baseball Pants
Piped - Baseball Express
Solid - Baseball Express
The Rundown: Collin Curtis Hits First Career HR, MLB Wife Guilty of Kidnapping
- Collin Curtis was asked to pinch-hit in a hole. Yankees center fielder Brett Gardner had just been ejected after arguing a called strike, leaving Curtis with an 0-2 count. After three straight balls, Curtis launched his first career home run, a 3-run shot that put the Yankees ahead 10-5 followed by a curtain call. "You hit it and you see it go out, and it's the first one of your career in a big situation. I was real excited just running around and trying to hold back a big smile." [MLB.com]
- Amalia Tabata-Pereira, wife of Pirates center fielder Jose Tabata, has pled guilty to kidnapping, interference with custody, and impersonating a public official. In March Tabata-Periera posed as an immigration official and threatened a woman and her boyfriend with deportation unless they handed over their child. Tabata Periera faked a pregnancy and stole the baby to fool Jose into believing he was a father. Tabata has avoided his wife and is continuing work towards a divorce. [NBC Sports]
- Carl Crawford is tougher than any man I know. Even after the direct shot to his boys, he still refuses to wear a cup, saying that it is too restrictive. "You couldn't hit it in a better spot. It just took the wind out of me. Right now it's real sore, but the doctor said there was no damage." NBC put together a compilation of videos to scare Crawford into self-protection. [NBC Sports]
- Pedro Martinez has decided to not pitch in the 2010 season. His agent said, "Martinez, who will turn 39 in October, decided that he was enjoying the time off with his family this summer too much to embark on a comeback for the second season in a row." But... Pedro said he is "wide open" to pitching in 2011. [NBC Sports]
- Just a day after Cubs manager Lou Peniella announced he will retire following this season, Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg clarified his position on the opening spot. "There is a lot to managing, and with almost four years under my belt, I believe I'm ready. I'm not interested in on-the-job learning or on-the-job training. At this point, I'm interested in winning ballgames at the major league level." [ESPN.com]
- Clayton Kershaw was suspended five games while Joe Torre and bench coach Bob Schaefer were suspended one game each for intentionally hitting Giants outfielder Aaron Rowand. [USA Today]
SkyBall is the New Home Run Derby
The Sky Ball is supposed to bounce up to 75 feet off the ground, thanks to being filled with helium and pressurized air, so obviously you can hit it a mile too.
After the Sky Ball sold like hot cakes by itself, and naturally people were hitting it with all kinds of bats, Maui Toys stepped up to the plate with a Sky Ball and Bat set that is sold with the promise of hitting up to 300 feet.
Darren Rovell, CNBC's sports business reporter, named it "Sports Toy of the Year" because he can't hit a Wiffle ball but the Skyball makes him "feel good about [himself]."
Rovell also reported that Maui Toys is launching a Sky Ball set with a bam-bam fat bat for toddlers, a lock for his 2011 Sports Toy of the Year.
Skyball even got a little blurb in the July 26 issue of ESPN magazine (Aaron Rodgers cover, page 36). Paul Kix reported, "Kids aren't he only ones who want in on the action. The Yankees are mulling a session of Skyball before an upcoming game"
Where to Get Skyballs and Sky Ball & Bat sets
VAT19.com: SkyBalls in five colors
Amazon: Sky Ball and Bat set - Sky Balls 2-pack - Sky Ball JUMBO 2x size
Toys R Us: Skyball Jumbo