V-Grip School

There’s something that differentiates Mattingly Sports from other bat companies: we personally care about a player’s performance. That’s the point of the V-Grip — it is designed to help kids swing the bat correctly, and put them into the best position to hit the ball.

The passion behind the V-Grip design — that of helping others — extends throughout the company. Once in a while, we get a “pat on the back” from a happy customer. For example, this letter to Mattingly’s Operations Manager Joe Smeraglino:

Dear Joe Smeraglino,
I’m writing this letter to let you know what an impact you and your company have had on my 10-year-old grandson. After talking to you and receiving the bat and book by Don Mattingly, the sessions in the backyard and the teaching, have become like a school. Everything that you told me was right on the money.

I tell Dan to do something and I’m able to show him why and how, and make sense about what I’m trying to teach. The basic things about hitting that are like a well-kept secret. Without your help, Dan would be caught in the Little League system: play ball, win at all costs, and get through as best you can.

I could go on and on, but know this: with your help Dan at least will know the fundamentals of batting and hitting.

THANK YOU for taking the time to help a grandfather who was reaching out for help. I spent so much money on tapes, lessons and bats before speaking to you and learning about the V-Grip — know that you did an old man a great big favor.

– Frank Butler & Daniel Butler

Mattingly Featured in Portfolio

Don Mattingly and Mattingly Sports were profiled in the online edition of Conde Nast’s magazine Portfolio.

The article, titled “Swinging for the Fences“, describes Donnie’s transition from All-Star baseball player to pioneering businessman.

You can see the whole article by visiting Portfolio.com’s “Culture and Lifestyle” section, or click here for direct access.

Baseball America Beast Awards

The national publication of amateur baseball, Baseball America, announced the Mattingly Beast Award Winners for May. They are Eric Hosmer, Tim Beckham, Jaff Decker, and Kyle Beverly.

These four high schoolers are having outstanding seasons, and were rated as top prospects and potential first rounders in the June Major League amateur draft — in fact, Beckham turned out to be the first overall pick in the draft!

Following are profiles of these “Beastly” hitters.

Eric Hosmer (Cooper City, FL) - Through May 9 Hosmer was second on his team with 11 home runs and was batting .451/.588/.951 in 82 at-bats. He has the best power of any high school player eligible for the 2008 draft and rivals some of the top college hitters. In 31 games, his team, American Heritage High School, has connected for 74 home runs, an unprecedented number for high school baseball.

 

 

 

 

Jaff Decker (Peoria, AZ) - Decker simply destroyed Arizona prep pitchers this season. He broke the state records for batting average (.565) and doubles (16), while smashing 17 home runs and 53 RBIs in 85 at-bats. He also starred on the mound, but his team fell just short of their state title run, losing a close ball game to Scottsdale’s Horizon High.

 

 

 

 

Tim Beckham (Griffin, GA) - Arguably the most athletic player in the draft, Beckham had an extremely impressive summer in 2007 and has continued to put up big numbers in his final high school campaign. In 78 at-bats he was hitting an even .500 with 40 runs scored and 31 RBIs. He also had stolen 16 bases. He has a chance to be a five-tool player and has been speculated as the first pick overall in June.

 

 

 

 

Kyle Beverly (Midvale, UT) - He may not be a high draft pick like others, but Oregon State would be very excited to get Beverly’s services beginning in the fall of 2008. He is very athletic and has fundamentally sound swing. STATS : .323 avg, 22 H, 7 2B, 1 3B, 5 HR, 26 R, 26 RBIs, 18 BB, 7 SB