Improving the Rush

My title is Product Field Test Coordinator, which basically means that any of our products from Rawlings, Worth, and Miken have the potential of being put in my hands for field testing. I have to make contact with players of all levels as well as baseball and softball coaches. I go through them to set up tests with our prototype equipment. Some of the tests are live tests in which I set up our innovative SCI-FLY system that tracks batted ball speed, distance, and various other factors of performance. We also conduct durability testing which seems simple but is quite helpful in deciding whether or not to go into production with a certain bat or type of ball. For this testing I usually have a coach or instructor take possession of the prototype and control the test on their own over a period of typically 1-3 weeks. When enough testers have put enough hits on the bat to have it pass as durable and provided us with feedback, we get it back and run some final tests before making decisions on what still needs improved or what is ready for production. I compile all of the feedback that I receive (both GOOD AND BAD) and report it in a more organized manner to our test group that's made up of a bunch of engineers. From here, they really dig into the issues of the bat that need improvement and do their best to modify and fix any problems that may exist so that the future of our bats have a better outlook every year!

Specifically with the Rush line of bats, I hear plenty of good feedback overall but there always seems to be the debate of which is better, the Rush Gold or the Rush Composite. I tell players that it really depends on their size, swing speed, and swing type, and the best way to figure out if you hit better with the 2-piece Rush Gold or the 1-piece Rush Composite is to try them out. You can't go wrong with either, but there is always a "best choice" for each individual player.

Actually, some people may have already heard that the next generation Rush is coming out in the spring of 2008, and let me tell you, these bats look nice! I've had a few of these bats in the field and after testing, the reviews have been stellar! Our test groups feel that the future of the Rawlings bats is a very positive one! I think its safe to say these new Rush bats will be even bigger on the market than our past Rush line because once players start hitting bombs in the games with them, everyone will want their own! Keep your eyes open this coming spring!

Chad Caldwell
Product Field Test Coordinator