On Deck Sports

On Deck Sports partners with area insurance leaders

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:42:00 +0000

On Deck Sports is proud to be a client of Cavallo & Signorello Insurance in Mansfield, Mass., which was recently featured in the Boston Business Journal.

By Sean McFadden | smcfadden@bizjournals.com

The adage “This is not your father’s company” is very much the case for C&S Insurance Agency Inc.

Ben Cavallo and Keith Signoriello — ages 35 and 37, respectively — have built upon the legacy of their fathers, B. Benjamin Cavallo and Frank Signoriello, who founded the regional independent insurance agency, then known as Cavallo & Signoriello Insurance, in Mansfield in 1959. Of late, the second generation has embarked on a major expansion strategy.

“From a business standpoint, we have a whole lot more opportunity than we ever did,” Cavallo said. “Even five years ago, we might have had a 100 great ideas, but we didn’t have the bodies to execute on them. We could’ve had great products, but we didn’t have the manpower to go out and sell them.”

That dynamic has changed considerably: Since the younger Cavallo and Signoriello took over the business in 2005, the agency has tripled in size. Today, it has 30 employees in four locations — two in Mansfield, one in Taunton and one in Attleboro. The agency serves roughly 12,000 clients for whom it provides personal and commercial lines services. Revenue for C&S is expected to increase to more than $2 million this year from about $1.2 million in 2011, said the principals.

Cavallo and Signoriello’s strategy has been one of growth through acquisition: In 2009, the agency purchased Corbett Insurance Agency, an Attleboro-based company with four staff members and about 2,500 clients.

That acquisition was followed earlier this year by two more: Colonial Insurance Services of Mansfield, which had five staffers and 3,500 clients, and KR Slattery of Attleboro, which had four staffers and 1,000 clients. (Cavallo’s and Signoriello’s fathers had already opened a second C&S office — in Taunton — prior to them taking over.) While the principals wouldn’t disclose how much they paid for those businesses, they said C&S
funded the acquisitions through internal cash flow.

“It came to a point where we realized we could grow only so much organically,” said Signoriello. “We realized the best way to grow is through acquiring. And fortunately, the market has lent itself to that.”

For other agencies looking to adopt a similar acquisition agency, Cavallo and Signoriello advise having the appropriate funds and a strong support team in place beforehand. They also advised looking for acquisition targets that are profitable businesses and that have a compatible corporate culture.

In addition to increasing their employee base — which, Cavallo said, “allowed us to develop a layer of middle management in our organization” — C&S gained a handful of new insurance carriers from the acquisitions, which has brought their total number of carriers to about 18.

“The way we look at it, as an insurance agent, our job is to have a good mixture of companies,” said Cavallo. “The more carriers you have, the more unique underwriting points of view you can have. And, that’s what gives you better pricing overall.”

Facility Profile: Extra Innings, Hagerstown, Md.

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:59:00 +0000

With more than 35 locations throughout the country, Extra Innings has become one of the nation’s largest networks of indoor baseball and softball facilities.

One of Extra Innings’ most successful facilities is located in Hagerstown, Md., 75 miles west of Baltimore. Opened in 2007, the 20,000-square-foot complex with 30-foot-high ceilings includes five 70’ x 15’ indoor batting tunnels, a 60’ x 30’ training area, three coin-operated cages, a workout room with exercise equipment, and a fully-stocked pro shop.

With On Deck’s help installing and supplying the facility, Extra Innings Hagerstown was opened in December 2006 by Rick Johnson, a retired area police officer of over 30 years. Johnson had seen a need for a year-round facility in the Tri-State (MD/PA/WV) area; previously, the only batting cages in the area were outdoors, and none of them offered any training or instruction.

The facility’s day-to-day operations are managed by Rick’s son Matt, a four-year starter in the outfield at Division III Bridgewater (Va.) College. Five instructors do the bulk of the year-round baseball and softball instruction, while a handful of other staff members operate the front desk, assist in the pro shop, and help with other daily duties. Clinics in both baseball and softball are offered throughout the year, as are private lessons and tunnel rentals.

The work the Johnsons have put into their business has paid off, as it was named Extra Innings’ “Facility of the Year” in 2008 and 2009. The facility is also active in social media, currently counting over 1,800 Facebook fans and nearly 300 followers on Twitter.

Seeing the success of the Hagerstown location, Johnson opened another Extra Innings franchise in nearby Frederick in 2009, which offers many of the same amenities featured by the Hagerstown location.

Find out more about the Extra Innings Hagerstown location, or view the full facility catalog to see the hundreds of facilities throughout the nation which On Deck has helped to supply.

New facilities in the New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

On Deck Sports continues to supply artificial turf, netting, equipment and more to indoor sports facilities throughout the country. Over the last few months, On Deck's staff has outfitted several new complexes.

Among them:

Ninja Sports Performance (left), a 6,000-square-foot facility in Mount Washington, Ky. Ninja includes eight 82’ x 18’ cages that can be configured in a variety of ways, or even moved to create a 60’ infield. On Deck supplied netting, baseballs, softballs, the 10 x 10 field screen, a Premium Series L-screen, and more.

Athletes' Advantage in Huxley, Iowa. The 6,000-square-foot complex, which On Deck supplied with netting and turf, has six retractable cages.

Longball Alley in Pelham, Ala. On Deck supplied 6,100 square feet of PM34 padded turf, six Clay Pro Batting Mats, 3 Casey 2 combo machines, and netting for its six cages.

SWAT Elite Sports in Howell, Mich., with six cages and over 10,000 square feet of PM34 padded turf, four Premium Series L-screens, and two Casey Pro 3G pitching machines.

Double Play Sports and Fitness (right) in Cherry Valley, Mass. The facility is equipped with over 5,000 square feet of OD Pro turf, netting, a Promounds Professional 2-piece mound with clay turf, and 100 feet of custom wall padding. Double Play also took advantage of On Deck’s new line of rubber flooring, installing more than 700 square feet of 8 mm blue flooring.

Based in Brockton, Mass., On Deck Sports is the leader in designing, installing, and supplying indoor sports facilities throughout North America. For more information, visit the Facility Portfolio page on On DeckSports.com.

Artificial Turf in Retirement Communities

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:25:00 +0000

By Sean Lowry

Artificial turf can be used in a multitude of settings: sports complexes, businesses, home landscaping, golf greens and pet areas. Furthermore, the quality and selection of synthetic grass materials have vastly improved over the past decade, and new uses for artificial turf are frequently found.

One new trend is the use of artificial grass in retirement communities. People using wheelchairs, scooters and walkers find artificial grass to be smoother and easier for navigation (eliminating soft spots and holes which can cause falls). In addition, community management improves the appearance of its property, while also reducing their maintenance costs.

Most residential artificial grass also meets or exceeds the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which all senior living communities in the United States must be compliant with. Synthetic grass makes it easier for retirement communities to create an environment that looks professional, is easy to maintain, and meets government regulations.

Managing hundreds of aging patients is not an easy task. Replacing grass with synthetic turf helps retirement community owners save time. Once the turf is installed, the lawn becomes a hassle-free asset that helps attract new customers and saves owners money in maintenance fees.

Top 10 Benefits of Artificial Turf

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:12:00 +0000

By Sean Lowry, On Deck Sports

Homeowners are discovering many of the benefits of installing artificial turf on their lawns. The benefits which accompany installing synthetic grass at home include:

10. Quality of Grass/Options: There are wide varieties of colors, lengths and thickness to meet personal preferences. Synthetic turf is a high-quality, durable solution (often lasting 10+ years) commonly used for sports fields, home lawns, golf greens, pet areas, and retirement community centers.

9. Time Savings: No more cutting the grass. No more shopping for lawn mowers. No more going to get gas to put in the lawn mower. No more changing the oil in the lawn mower. No more weed-whacking. No more weeding.

8. Great Drainage: Mud is no longer a problem. The yard stays much drier than grass yards, making outdoor activities easier for the families.

7. Fresh-Cut Grass: Homeowners always have a “perfect yard” appearance. Many people driving by won’t realize the yard is artificial. No more rushing to mow the lawn before guests arrive.

6. Financial Benefits: Artificial turf increases the value of your home. It will also help you save money. Duke University environmentalist Bill Chameides reports that over $30 billion is spent on lawn care annually in the U.S. Each day, more than 7 billion gallons of water are used for residential irrigation. Turf eliminates the need to spend thousands on watering, lawn care equipment, gasoline and fertilizers.

5. Kid Safe: Kids and pets won’t be playing in toxic chemicals anymore. A detailed study by the Toxics In Action organization shows the danger of using fertilizers to acquire a “perfect” lawn. In addition, artificial lawns are much safer for recreation. The Department of Health and Human Development found that artificial turf results in 74% fewer muscle tears and 42% less ACL trauma.

4. Dogs Love It: Dogs love the comfort of synthetic grass. It’s also easier to clean up after pets, and there is no discoloration from pet waste. Also, pets will no longer be tracking dirt and grass into your home.

3. Pest-Resistant: Moles and insects are no longer multiplying in your backyard. Having dinner outside? Now, it’s less likely insects and bugs will bother your house. They’ll move to the neighbor’s yard, where they can live in a natural grass environment.

2. Environmentally Responsible: No more toxic chemicals, pesticides or lawn mower emissions. In addition, artificial grass uses recycled tires for its rubber filling, and saves water. Recycled synthetic grass is also now an option, giving a second life to discarded turf fields.

1. Not What It Used To Be: Artificial turf is no longer what is used to be: hard, carpet-like material with cement underneath. You will enjoy the benefits of a comfortable, easy-to-maintain lawn, while also saving money and helping the environment.

http://www.real-estate-info-articles.com/instantly-increase-the-value-of-your-home-with-synthetic-grass/

http://www.refusetousechemlawn.org/uploads/12/Refuse_to_Use_Chemlawn_Be_Truly_Green.pdf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyOEImcsbaE

http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/thegreengrok/lawns

Facility Profile: In the Zone, Fall River, Mass.

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:36:00 +0000

Located next to the Nokona bat factory in Fall River, Mass., the In the Zone training center was opened by area baseball coach Ron Westmoreland in October 2009.

The 12,000-square-foot facility includes six batting cages with retractable netting, soft toss stations, and three pitching lanes. On Deck Sports helped to outfit the facility with ATEC Junior pitching machines, screens, netting, batting tees and more.

Individual, group and family memberships are available at the facility throughout the year. In the Zone also operates a travel baseball program for teams from U9 to U17, and travel softball squads from U12 to U17.

A part-owner of the New England Collegiate League’s Newport Gulls, Westmoreland coaches the varsity baseball team at nearby Portsmouth High School. He is the father of Boston Red Sox prospect Ryan Westmoreland (right), who is scheduled to return to action in 2012; he missed the entire 2010 and 2011 season after suffering a brain aneurysm.

A number of area youth coaches are instructors at the facility, as is Craig Albernaz (below), a Fall River native who has spent the last three seasons at the Triple-A and Double-A level in the Tampa Bay Rays’ system. Daniel Nava, who played for the Boston Red Sox in 2010 and the Pawtucket Red Sox, their Triple-A affiliate in 2011, worked out at the facility during the past season.

In the Zone offered a Pro Scout Clinic for talented players during the 2011 off-season, administered by Major League Baseball scouts from the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Milwaukee Brewers. Among the instructors were Matt Antonelli, currently on the Baltimore Orioles’ 40-man roster, and Mickey Wiswall, a Boston College standout who completed his second season in the Seattle Mariners’ organization in 2011.

Based in Brockton, Mass., On Deck Sports is the leader in designing, installing, and supplying indoor sports facilities throughout North America. For more information, visit the Facility Portfolio page on On DeckSports.com.

On Deck Sports facilities with big-league connections

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:54:00 +0000

Once their playing careers are over, many professional baseball players turn to coaching as a way to stay in the game. While some stay at the professional level, others work with college, high school, or youth baseball, either coaching entire teams or giving one-on-one instruction.

On Deck Sports has worked with several former major-leaguers to develop their own indoor training facilities, helping players of all ages throughout the country improve their baseball skills.

New Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine (left), who also piloted the Texas Rangers, New York Mets, and the Japanese major league’s Chiba Lotte Marines, worked with On Deck to develop Bobby Valentine’s Sports Academy in his hometown of Stamford, Conn. Valentine designed many of the drills and training methods used at the facility, which offers year-round baseball and softball instruction, as well as weight training in the facility’s separate gym.

Brian Turang, who played for the Seattle Mariners in 1993 and 1994, is the owner and an instructor at Turnin 2 Training Center in Corona, Calif. Mike Diaz, a first baseman with Pittsburgh, the Chicago Cubs, and the Chicago White Sox from 1983 to 1988, is also an instructor at the facility. On Deck designed and provided the premium nylon netting for the facility’s eight batting cages at the 13,000-square-foot facility.

Darren Bragg, an outfielder for nine different major-league clubs in 11 seasons, is the Head of Player Development at The Hit Club in Thomaston, Conn. Currently the outfield coordinator for the Cincinnati Reds’ minor-league system, Bragg is an instructor at The Hit Club during the off-season. On Deck Sports provided the facility with 1,200 square feet of PM34 turf, as well as premium nylon netting for The Hit Club’s batting cages.

17-year major-league veteran Rudy Seanez (left) owns and operates the Seanez Sports Academy in Imperial, Calif. The 15,000-square-foot facility features full-service, enclosed cages with state-of-the-art automated equipment, as well as cable-mounted retractable netting so that the batting cage area can be opened up into an indoor practice field. On Deck Sports also provided Premium Series L-Screens, ProMounds clay mounds, and the Jennie Finch Pitching Lane Pro.

In Bradenton, Fla., the Big League Experience is owned by two former Pittsburgh Pirates teammates, catcher Mike LaValliere and pitcher Don Robinson. The facility includes three ProMounds, six Iron Mike automated pitching machines, one Jugs machine and seven 67’ x 15’ tunnels on an artificial turf field. The hitting tunnels can be pulled back at any time to allow for team or individual fielding practice.

For the complete facility portfolio, visit OnDeckSports.com.

Facility Profile: Rams Athletic Complex, North Reading, Mass.

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:39:00 +0000

On Deck Sports recently outfitted the new Rams Athletic Complex in North Reading, Mass., which opened in October 2011.

The 30,000-square foot facility features eight batting cages, a full playing field that can accommodate youth-league games, and a dedicated weight-training area. The building is equipped with OD Plus artificial turf, #36 nylon netting for the cages, ProMounds Pro Model green mounds, ATEC Casey 2 pitching machines, and custom wall padding.

The Rams Athletic Complex is staffed by several coaches and players with ties to the area. The project was developed by Cary McConnell, the head baseball coach at Suffolk University in Boston, and Jeff Mejia, Suffolk’s assistant coach. The two founded the Boston Junior Rams AAU program in 2007; the club’s numerous teams call the facility home during the off-season.

Two of the facility’s instructors played professional baseball during the 2011 season. Matt Antonelli, a native of nearby Peabody, Mass, spent the 2011 campaign with the Washington Nationals’ AAA affiliate in Syracuse, N.Y., and played part of the 2008 season in the majors with the San Diego Padres. Currently on the Baltimore Orioles' major league 40-man roster, he was a first-round draft pick of the Padres in 2006 out of Wake Forest. Steve Palazzolo, originally from Winchester, Mass., pitched with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the independent Atlantic League in 2011, his eighth professional season. Palazzolo also pitched collegiately at nearby UMass-Lowell.

Instructor Roberto Valdez also played professional baseball in the California Angels and Milwaukee Brewers' systems, and spent over 15 years as a coach for several major-league organizations.

The complex is already busy, hosting a variety of five-week baseball clinics in several different disciplines (catching, hitting, fielding, arm strength) for 13- to 18-year olds, as well as camps for 6- to 12-year olds. Antonelli recently led a Thanksgiving Weekend camp for players age 8 to 15 which included video analysis of each player, and will host infield range and quickness clinics over winter break. Area youth football teams also use the indoor facility during inclement weather, while hour-long strength training lessons take place three times a day on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Facility Profile: Dirt Dawg Sports, Canton, Mass.

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:09:00 +0000

Seven miles from the company’s headquarters, On Deck Sports worked alongside the owners of Dirt Dawg Sports in Canton, Mass., to develop and furnish their facility, which opened in October.

The complex has sixteen batting tunnels and eight 90-foot pitching tunnels, which include adjustable pitching machines, A-Screen pro pitching screens, and ProMounds indoor pitching mounds. Three of the batting cages feature coin-operated pitching machines, which throw baseballs and softballs at a variety of speeds, and are open to the public on a walk-in basis any time the facility is open.

The netting between the cages can be moved and rearranged to create any size tunnel necessary, giving ample space for pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense lessons. Tunnels can range from 45’ x 15’ to a 90-foot infield or full-size youth field.

With cold weather’s arrival in the Northeast, Dirt Dawg has a busy schedule, featuring baseball and softball clinics over Thanksgiving and Christmas school vacations. A 6-on-6 indoor softball league is already under way, and the facility hosts drop-in dodgeball on Friday and Saturday nights for middle- and high-schoolers. Players looking to come to the complex on a consistent basis can purchase monthly or yearly memberships, while private lessons are available in both baseball and softball.

The 17,000-square foot facility was developed by owners Don Connors, Rich Jasmin and T.J. Fisher, longtime American Legion, Babe Ruth and youth coaches in neighboring Stoughton. With a limited number of months conducive to outdoor instruction and playing time in New England, the three conceived the idea of building an indoor facility 10 months ago.

Construction began after the owners visited over a dozen other training centers, and met with their operators to learn about the successes and challenges of running similar facilities. Once plans were developed, the build-out of Dirt Dawg was well-supported by members of the community, who donated their time and skills to do electrical and carpentry work.

Dirt Dawg’s operators will also be overseeing a new AAU team; players receive a 20% discount on baseball activities at the facility, and the full range of training and coaching from its staff.

With the main area complete, Dirt Dawg Sports’ future plans include an apparel shop and a strength and conditioning area within the building, as well as more flexibility for indoor games.

Based in Brockton, Mass., On Deck Sports is the leader in designing, installing, and supplying indoor sports facilities throughout North America. For more information, visit the Facility Portfolio page on On DeckSports.com.

Facility Profile: Metro West Sportscenter, Ashland, Mass.

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:18:00 +0000

The On Deck Sports team recently worked with the staff at Metro West Sportscenter in Ashland, Mass., to design and supply their new facility, which opened in September 2011.

Renovation of the 15,000-square-foot building, which previously housed a car dealer and auto repair shop, began in May. On Deck outfitted the space with five 70’ x 12’ batting cages, each of which have customized nylon netting, windscreen barriers, premium L-screens, pitcher’s mounds, and the Clay Batting Mat Pro. Four of the five cages include adjustable Jugs pitching machines, while the other uses an auto-feed machine.

On Deck also furnished the facility with netting that can divide the 5,000-square-foot turf floor into as many as three smaller fields.

With the onset of cold weather in New England, Metro West already has a busy winter schedule. Four- to nine-week baseball clinics are ongoing for a variety of ages and skill levels, while 3-week softball clinics with a variety of focuses (basic fundamentals, pitching, catching and slap hitting) are on tap. A 4-on-4 softball league for high school players starts in December, and a pair of one-day lacrosse camps were recently held. “Empower” one-hour fitness workouts take place at the complex four mornings per week.

The facility will also host the new Metro West Vipers AAU baseball team and the Abbey Villa youth soccer organization for off-season workouts.

A pair of former baseball teammates at Colby-Sawyer (N.H.) College helped to develop the complex: Ashland native Joey Magnani, who previously worked at the On Deck-supplied Extra Innings facility in Wrentham, Mass., and Mike Croatti, who grew up in neighboring Framingham and is the head baseball coach at Algonquin Regional High School. The two teamed with Metro West’s business and accounting manager, Chris Billings, to see the project to completion.

The facility’s staff also includes Rich Piergustavo, a former associate scout with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants, as the baseball and softball supervisor. A pair of four-year starters from Roger Williams (R.I.) University, as well as the head coach of an area showcase team, are among the softball instructors.

Based in Brockton, Mass., On Deck Sports is the leader in designing, installing, and supplying indoor sports facilities throughout North America. For more information, visit the Facility Portfolio page on OnDeckSports.com.

Bat Changes for High School and College Teams

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:39:00 +0000

College baseball teams across the country can expect a big change early next year. The NCAA has announced that starting in January of 2011, all NCAA baseball teams must use bats that are BBCOR certified. The NCAA announced back in September of 2008 that baseball bat manufactures will be replacing the Ball Exit Speed Ratio(BESR) with the Ball-Bat Coefficient Resolution (BBCOR) as the means of testing bat performance. The memo sent to the manufacturer’s states that “the NCAA Baseball Research Panel believes the BBCOR eliminates some discrepancies with different length bats and is a more direct measure of bat performance. Additionally, the Panel believes most bat designers understand and deal with the concept of the BBCOR more frequently than the BESR and that this should ease the process of trying to create bats that meet the NCAA performance standard. It should be noted that the actual testing procedure has not changed.”

The memo sent to the manufacturers also states that the NCAA Baseball Rules Committee has determined, based on a large sample of wood bats, that an appropriate standard for BBCOR is 0.50. This reaches the NCAA’s intention to maintain its non-wood standard using available scientific data and as nearly as possible achieving wood-like performance in non-wood bats. The 0.50 standard sets the performance line slightly higher than the best available wood bats. This will ensure that all wood bats continue to be legal under the new standard. The NCAA will maintain the current length-to-weight “difference” (i.e. -3); moment-of-inertia (MOI) standard, and bat diameter limit. There will be no “sliding scale” associated with the new BBCOR standard; thus, all bats must meet the 0.50 limit regardless of length. NCAA is also anticipating that this new standard will require an adjustment in the design of all bats currently legal under the BESR.

High school baseball teams will also be facing the same change, but not until the start of the 2012 season. The change to BBCOR means that high school level baseball teams will not have a much stricter standard than they did with the old BESR standard. The Baseball Bat Review Blog explains that the reason for the change in high school baseball is that “the new standard ensures that performances by non-wood bats are more comparable to those of wood bats. It’s also expected to minimize risk, improve play and increase teaching opportunities”. They say “After working with the NCAA and having access to its research, we’ve concluded it’s in our best interest to make this change”. “BBCOR includes the BESR standard, so we’re actually expanding upon our current standard, which will be more appropriate for our age and skill level.

It’s easy to get confused between the differences of BESR and BBCOR, but here's an easy way to remember. Thanks to sport writer Cheryl Mathis, you can think of it in terms of jumping up and down on a hard floor. It takes a lot of energy in your legs to get off the ground, but compare that feeling to jumping on a trampoline. Even with very little energy, you will still get a bounce because that energy isn't being absorbed by the trampoline. Instead, the trampoline is flexing with the impact and then "bouncing" back to its original shape, therefore launching you higher into the air. Although these changes will not take effect until January of 2011 and 2012, three bat manufacturing companies already have bats on the market that are BBCOR certified. DeMarini, Rawlings and Louisville Slugger combined have 4 new BBCOR bats on the market. Easton Sporting Goods will start selling their bats in November of 2010.

The below chart shows the BBCOR certified baseball bats that are available as of October, 2010. Easton bats will be carrying BBCOR certified bats starting on Black Friday in November.

	BBCOR Certified Bats	Manufacturer
1	Omaha College -3	Louisville Slugger
2	BBCOR 5150	Rawlings
3	Voodoo	DeMarini
4	Vexxum	DeMarini

The picture above features BBCOR certified bats from Easton and DiMarini.

Keys to Success this Baseball Season? On Deck Sports Of Course!

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:17:00 +0000

The Virginia Cavaliers, UCLA, the Razorbacks of Arkansas, Ole Miss, Coastal Carolina, the Oklahoma Sooners, Vanderbilt & Oregon State; they all currently have 2 things in common. They're ranked among the top 25 college baseball teams in the country by Baseball America, and they're all customers of On Deck Sports. That's 8 teams in the top 25 & 3 teams in the top 10, including top ranked University of Virginia.

Head on over the NFCA Softball top 25 and you'll see more of the same. On Deck partner Jennie Finch's Alma Mater University of Arizona in the 3rd spot, UCLA two spots behind, and the UMass Minutewomen moving up to #23 this week.
Most impressive of all may be Sumrall (MS) High School, who installed a custom batting cage and mounds from On Deck Sports last year, and this past week was ranked by Baseball America as the 9th rated High School team in the entire United States.

Add these teams to Boston College, who last year went deep into the NCAA tournament and played the longest college baseball game ever against Texas, the Boston Red Sox, and everyone training at Extra Innings and all of the indoor facilities we've installed across the country, and its been a good run for On Deck Sports and our customers.

Obviously the hard work, talent and dedication of these athletes and coaches is the real key to their success. It is pretty cool to think, though, that just 8 years ago the first players were trying out the first ProMounds mound in a small gym in Westwood, MA, and now ProMounds & On Deck Sports products are being used by some of the best high school, college, and professional athletes in the country.

I can't wait to see who's standing in Omaha, and what's up next for On Deck Sports!

On Deck Sports Announce's Jennie Finch Night VIP Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:01:00 +0000

We are excited to announce the winner of our Jennie Finch VIP package. Congratulations to Mykala Dimond!

Just because you're not our VIP, doesn't mean your not a winner. Remember, everyone who registered is entitled to up to 4 tickets to come meet Jennie Finch, see her speak, and stay for the baseball game absolutely free! Additionally Jennie will be signing autographs during the game, we'll be raffling off a Jennie Finch USA jersey, and there will be fireworks after the game. It'll be a great night for everyone and best of all its 100% free!

We'll begin distributing tickets at 4PM on Saturday September 5th at Campanelli Stadium. Doors will open at 4:30 and Jennie will be speaking and answering questions at 5pm, followed by the first pitch at 6PM.

Keep spreading the word! Tickets are still available by registering at www.ondecksports.com/jenniefich. We'll also be using this list of registrants to give away another autographed Jennie Finch USA jersey.

Saturday September 5th is just over 1 week away. Can't wait to see you at Campanelli Stadium in Brockton, MA!

Special Thanks to:

The Brockton Rox

Abby Mae's Limousine Service

Planet Fastpitch

JJ Miller Design

The StrikeZone Plainville, MA

Mike Steniberg & All Sports Digital Media

Check out our site or call today for more details.
www.ondecksports.com/jenniefinch
508-580-6171

ProMounds Inc. Announces Addition of Olympic Gold Medalist Jennie Finch to "Pro Staff"

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:45:00 +0000

Softball Superstar Aligns with Company as Spokesperson & Partner through Jennie Finch Powerline Pitching Mat

Brockton, MA. – ProMounds Inc., the parent company of On Deck Sports, today announced that it has welcomed Olympic gold medalist Jennie Finch as the newest member of its Professional Staff Team. ProMounds is a leading manufacturer of baseball and softball products.

“Jennie’s talent, experience and insight into the game of softball, especially the pitching technique, make her an invaluable asset to our team,” stated Joe Murphy, founder and president of ProMounds.

Through this relationship, Finch and ProMounds have joined together to produce the Jennie Finch Powerline Pitching Mat. The mat’s design includes a powerline that keeps a player’s pitching motion consistent on every pitch, and a slide proof backing that ensures a safe training session on any surface. Finch and ProMounds will also be working together on a number of events around the country.

“I'm very excited about my partnership with ProMounds & On Deck Sports, especially our creation of the Powerline Pitching Mat as it’s an amazing tool for pitchers at any level,” stated Finch. “I can carry the mat wherever I go and know I’ll always have a realistic surface for practice. It’s the perfect tool to refine and develop your technique, whether you’re just starting out, or pitching your country to an Olympic medal.”

The Powerline Pitching Mat is now available at www.ondecksports.com, along with information on the company’s upcoming event with Finch.

Finch is one of America's best-known female athletes. Her success in softball began in high school where she earned multiple honors. During her college career at the University of Arizona, Finch was a two-time (2001 & 2002) winner of the Honda Award for Softball, presented to nation's best player. In addition, she was twice named PAC-10 Pitcher of the Year, was a two-time NFCA First-Team All American and holds the NCAA record for consecutive wins (60). Finch also helped Arizona reach the NCAA Women’s College World Series in each of her four years, winning the championship in 2001. After college, her achievements continued on the international level as Finch won numerous medals, including gold at the 2004 Olympics and, most recently, silver as a member of the USA Softball Team in the Beijing Olympics.

About ProMounds, Inc.:

Over the last eight years, ProMounds has grown into a leading manufacturer of baseball and softball products. Former Division I college baseball player and high school coach Joe Murphy began the company in 2001 with a portable pitching mound. Since then, the company has launched its retail division, On Deck Sports, and expanded its offerings to include netting, gym and physical education equipment and strength and conditioning products. Additionally, its products and services include synthetic grass for high-end landscaping and artificial turf removal, as well as supply. It has also designed and constructed nearly 400 indoor baseball and softball training facilities throughout the United States, and provided artificial turf to groups around the world, including U.S. troops. Based in Massachusetts, ProMounds staff consists of professionals with years of experience in all levels and areas of sports.

www.ProMounds.com

Save a Buck, Save the Environment

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:23:00 +0000

Convenience and aesthetics. These are the two reasons that come to mind whenever people discuss artificial lawn, and with good reason. The latest and greatest artificial grass looks amazing, and is virtually maintenance free. For many people this alone, is reason enough to make the investment. Dig a little deeper, however, and you'll find another reason. This "investment" is going save you money.

Its estimated that upwards of 50% of all household water consumption is used outdoors on lawns and gardens. In hotter climates, that number can easily jump to over 70%. With the average family of 4 using about 600 gallons of water daily, and water rates rising all the time, cutting your consumption in half with artificial grass has the potential to save over $400 annually.

With new synthetic grass prices starting over $2/sq ft, cost could still be a deterrent. In steps local government. Municipalities have forever been looking for ways to conserve water. In recent years water departments across the country have begun to encourage conservation by instituting rebate programs, subsidizing the purchase and installation of artificial lawn.

The state of Nevada has been the leader in such efforts.

"The Southern Nevada Water Authority announced in May 2008 they had reached 100 million square feet of converted landscape - saving in excess of 6 billion gallons of water, now available for other uses ... THE most successful conservation rebate program in the USA, SNWA's a great example of how, through planning and administration, self-funding rebate programs can help US citizens make great choices to reduce or eliminate waste of water and other natural resources"

Nevada offers residents rebates of $1.50/sq ft for the first 5000 square feet of natural grass removed and $1/sq ft beyond 5000 sq feet. This is the equivalent to a half off sale on artificial turf for residents.

Other warm weather states such as Arizona and California are also leading the charge in water conservation, and offering major rebates to those replacing natural grass with synthetic. Counties in California offer discounts ranging from $.30 to $.75 per sq foot and in Arizona individual cities and towns are offering rebates up to $1500. All areas have different processes and restrictions, so be sure to check with your local water department before making any purchases.

More and more states are developing rebate programs all the time, check out http://www.asgi.us for an up to date list.

Instead of breaking your back getting the lawn looking good for the summer, maybe its time to save some green by going green.

References: http://www.snwa.com/html/cons_wsl.html, http://www.socalwatersmart.com, http://www.bewaterwise.com, http://dpw.lacounty.gov/wwd/web/rebates.cfm

Up Next with On Deck Sports

noreply@blogger.com (Administrator) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:05:00 +0000

For the past 7 years On Deck Sports/ProMounds has been an industry leader in baseball supplies, sports facility infrastructure, and artificial turf. Like any successful business, we've learned a lot in that time, and our associates have an unmatched expertise in the field. The question is though, what's the best way to share this information with the world? A blog of course! In the future this will be your place to get answers about anything from pitching machines, to synthetic grass, to what makes the best safety netting for my sailboat(#36 Twisted Nylon). Check back often for the latest updates and news from On Deck Sports.