Delano Bat Company sparks my passion, has a noble mission and an elegant concept, all of which is enabled by impressive proprietary and disruptive technology.Our mission is to drive innovation to make the great game of baseball better. We do this by fusing cutting-edge technology with the traditions of the game.As Baseballism says - The sound of a wood bat hitting a baseball is the heartbeat of America. We completely agree and believe that the unmistakable sound, feel and look of a classic wood bat gives hitters a bond with their MLB heroes and ties them to the heritage of the game.Unfortunately, ~50 years ago, amateur baseball players lost a lot of that bond with the emergence of the metal bat. Logically, metal bats make a ton of sense. They are designed to be much more durable and provide better performance compared to solid wood. As a result, metal bats quickly became the de-facto standard at all amateur levels, and wood bats were relegated, beyond MLB, to novelty items, training tools or the occasional wood bat league or occasional tournament.We think what was gained in durability and performance was lost in disconnection or “bifurcation” from the traditions of the game. The crack of the bat is now replaced with the cold, loud (and IMHO annoying) “ping” of aluminum alloy or the dead thud of carbon composite. Here at Delano Bat Co, we believe that the great game of baseball, at the amateur level, has lost a little bit of its soul. Our elegant idea - WHAT IF?What if hitters could have the best of both worlds - a true wood bat with the look, feel, sound of the classic lumber AND all of the performance and durability of (the less soulful IMHO) metal? A simple, elegant, and disruptive concept tying the game closer to its roots. While simple in concept, there is serious science inside, thanks to the proprietary and patented FZN Technology. Our R&amp;D team has spent thousands of hours combining their experience with classic wood-bat making, advanced engineering and material science degrees, and lengthy resumes in state-of-the-art manufacturing to bring FZN Technology to market.One of my co-founders, Pete Kruse, wrote <a href="https://www.delanobats.com/blog/4">this great blog</a> earlier this year on why FZN Technology was developed, how it works, and why it’s different.We’re In The On Deck Circle!After much hard work, and a lot of lessons learned, we are getting close to submitting for certification and entering the market. The first bat in the FZN Technology Series will be a BBCOR model - this is the bat certification that’s required for all baseball after Little League, ie: 13U through college. We’ve branded our BBCOR model The Original Gamer - or The OG. We want to speak to those players that are elite competitors and appreciate the traditions and history of the game. They are happy to own monikers such as “throwback”, “old school” and of course ”gamer”. If you watch baseball (or any sport really) you know who I’m talking about.Overcoming Good Problems:Our first attempt at certification failed, we exceeded the performance limit, we were TOO hot. We had to do some design revisions to make the bat less powerful. Our recent prototype testing (we built a baseball cannon, and we’re not afraid to use it) is hinting that we are just within certification thresholds AND performing at or slightly above the highest ranked metal bats in the market today. GAME ON!!!The Founder Journey:Any journey is largely about with whom you take it, and it is in this regard that I feel particularly lucky. I am inspired by my founding partners everyday, most notably, my wife, Kathy, who brings 25 years of extensive marketing expertise to Delano Bat Company as our Chief Marketing Officer. Better still is having our 2 sons, who are in the target audience, serving as (unpaid) strategic advisors. The dinner table often serves as a conference table for marketing staff meetings and creative brainstorming. Going on this journey with them is truly special for me, and going on an entrepreneurial journey at the ages of 16 and 14 will hopefully give them experiences for a lifetime. The bonus is having the hottest bat on the market in their bag…at cost.Most founders say you gotta chase the passion, not the money. Don’t get me wrong, I think we can create a very lucrative business and premium brand that will disrupt a $500M market. However, regardless of whether it is a strike out, home run or a bleeder up the middle, I will know that I took my AB and swung for the fences.Hit me up anytime at <a href="mailto:michael@delanobats.com">michael@delanobats.com</a> if you want to talk baseball, bats or FZN technology. Otherwise, watch this space for updates - Get On Deck, too - sign up for our email updates and be sure to follow us on social. Link to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/delanobatco?igsh=ZThmdTk5NTRvdWFn&amp;utm_source=qr">IG</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/delanobats?mibextid=LQQJ4d">FB</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://Twitter.com/@Delanobats">X</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@delanobatco?_t=8jRXPlGbbaR&amp;_r=1">TT</a>.

From "bootstrapped" and "side-hustle" to getting ready for launch and to lean-in full-time

Delano Bat Company sparks my passion, has a noble mission and an elegant concept, all of which is enabled by impressive proprietary and disruptive technology.Our mission is to drive innovation to make the great game of baseball better. We do this by fusing cutting-edge technology with the traditions of the game.As Baseballism says - The [...]

Game On - Coming Out of Stealth Mode

Maybe your MLB team isn’t postseason-worthy this year. Maybe you are looking for good, clean family entertainment that won’t break the bank. Maybe the quality of baseball played during the NCAA Men’s College World Series blew you away, and you’re ready for more. No matter your circumstances, collegiate summer wood-bat baseball season offers everyone a slice of cherished nostalgic American Pie. Now’s the time to check one out before the season wraps in mid-August.In an era dominated by high-tech equipment and multimillion-dollar contracts, there's something undeniably captivating about the simplicity and authenticity of amateur baseball in the small towns &amp; venues of the collegiate wood bat circuits. At Delano Bat Company, we celebrate the enduring love for the game, the crack of wood bats, and the remarkable stories that unfold on these hallowed fields.Collegiate wood bat leagues can be found literally coast-to-coast - from the famed <a href="https://www.capecodbaseball.org/">Cape Cod League</a>, to the <a href="https://www.prospectleague.com/landing/index">Prospect League</a> in the midwest, and even the <a href="http://alaskabaseballleague.org/view/alaskabaseballleague/">Alaska Baseball League</a>. As a player there are many reasons to be excited by collegiate summer ball, but as a fan, there are just as many reasons to check out a local league game this summer. Here are just a few:The Rustic Charm of Wood Bats:We may be a bit biased here, but in an age where composite and aluminum bats reign supreme outside of the MLB, the use of solid wood bats evokes a sense of tradition and reverence. Almost 100% of collegiate summer leagues use wood bats. Wood bats have a connection to baseball's roots, and the challenges they pose to hitters, especially college-aged players honing their skills, makes for exciting baseball. From the distinctive sound of a solid connection to the feel of the wood in hand, there's an undeniable allure that takes us back to a bygone era.Legends of the Past and Rising Stars:Summer leagues in small towns have been the breeding ground for remarkable talents who have gone on to make their mark in the big leagues. Summer baseball is the key to success for college players who want to get drafted and move on to the professional ranks, especially those who play in small market schools, but even for newly minted MCWS champions like Josh Pearson &amp; Ty Floyd, who’ve played in the Cape Cod League and <a href="https://www.appyleague.com/">Appalachian League</a>, respectfully. The stories of legendary players who emerged from humble beginnings, leaving an indelible imprint on the game make each league a study in player development. While the stats vary by league, each wood bat league boasts of numerous (sometimes hundreds) alumni who’ve gone on to play professionally. The roster ranges from HOF-ers like Mike Schmidt &amp; Kirby Pucket who both played in the Prospect League as well as current stars like Jacob deGrom (<a href="http://floridaleague.com/view/fcsl">Florida Collegiate Summer League</a>) or Aaron Judge (Cape Cod League), and even members of the Philadelphia Phillies’ “Daycare” like Alec Bohm and Nick Maton, who both played in the <a href="https://coastalplain.com/">Coastal Plain League</a>). A nearby wood bat league game may just showcase the next rising stars who embody the dream of playing baseball at its purest form.Americana at its Finest:Small towns are the heart and soul of baseball, where close-knit communities gather to support their local teams. The passion and dedication of players, coaches, and fans who come together to create a vibrant atmosphere are the fabric of the tradition and sentiment of baseball. Imagine those hot summer nights illuminated by stadium lights of intimate ballparks. Meet fellow fans at post-game gatherings at the local diner or bar. Enjoy the creativity of homemade banners and the vibrant cheers, all without the exorbitant ticket prices and secondary market mark-ups. Almost feels like a scene from a Rockwell illustration. The Enduring Bonds:Collegiate summer leagues foster connections that transcend the game itself. The “boys of summer” forge lifelong friendships on these fields, and these baseball bonds have profound impact on the lives of players and fans alike. This sentiment has even been captured in books and movies such as <a href="https://baseballroundtable.com/the-last-best-league-coming-of-age-in-the-cape-cod-league/">The Last Best League: One Summer, One Season, One Dream</a>, or rom-com <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0234829/?ref_=tt_urv">Summer Catch</a>. It's not just a game; it's a shared journey that connects generations and instills a sense of belonging in these close-knit communities.So if you love the game, if you were wow’d by the level of play during the NCAA Men’s College World Series, or if you are just looking for a fun family-friendly night out, be sure to check out a collegiate wood bat league game this summer. Enjoy the nostalgia and purity of a game simply played for the love it - these are amateurs looking for wood bat experience, continued development, some MLB visibility and some good ‘ole fun. So, grab a glove, a box of Cracker Jack and head out to a local game or even hit one up while traveling this summer. Here are a few links to help find a collegiate league and team near you.<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Summer_Collegiate_Baseball">https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Summer_Collegiate_Baseball</a><a href="https://baseballnearyou.com/blog/best-collegiate-summer-baseball-leagues/">https://baseballnearyou.com/blog/best-collegiate-summer-baseball-leagues/</a>

Collegiate summer baseball is not only great wood-bat training for elite players, but also a nostalgic summer tradition and family-friendly entertainment

Maybe your MLB team isn’t postseason-worthy this year.  Maybe you are looking for good, clean family entertainment that won’t break the bank. Maybe the quality of baseball played during the NCAA Men’s College World Series blew you away, and you’re ready for more.  No matter your circumstances, collegiate summer wood-bat baseball season offers [...]

Summer Wood Bat Season: Nostalgia of Small Town Ball with Big League Promise

April 22 is Earth Day, and it’s a day to remember that this Earth is the only planet we have, at least until Elon Musk figures out that whole travel-to-Mars thing. In the meantime, as we celebrate our mother-ship on this special day, let’s recognize that we can all take some action to help solve climate change and other environmental issues. Small baby steps can add up to big benefits for the planet as a whole.Delano Bat Company ensures our supply of wood billets is responsibly sourced, and we continue to explore &amp; utilize the most environmentally-friendly manufacturing processes we can. We pledge to be mindful of the impact that our choices and actions have on the planet, and we hope to encourage others to do the same. For example, what can you do to up-cycle or recycle those old baseball bats you have laying around? We did a little research, and pulled together a few ideas. Some ideas are simple, some are elaborate, but all of them are opportunities to give old bats new life (and perhaps create a great conversation piece while you’re at it): DONATE! There are wonderful organizations that outfit under-resourced communities with sports equipment to ensure an equitable youth-sports experience regardless of player means. Delano is looking to partner with one of these organizations when we launch our FZN Series of products to help customers with the donation process, but until then, here are few links:<a href="https://www.levelingtheplayingfield.org/">Leveling the Playing Field</a><a href="https://pifbs.org/for-donors/donate-equipment/">Pitch-in for Baseball &amp; Softball</a><a href="https://www.abca.org/ABCA/ABCA/Partners/Turn_Two_for_Youth.aspx?hkey=16fd42e3-1fef-49a3-ab23-9b10665e45cd">Turn Two for Youth</a>Sell it&nbsp; &nbsp;Amazing how some bats retain value. Look to eBay or local marketplaces to sell your bat to a new generation of baller. The 2020 Meta still fetches a pretty penny, and one of Babe Ruth’s bats just sold at auction for $1.85MM - how’s that for value retention. WWOD? (What would Ohtani Do?) The Japanese effort to conserve aodamo ash, traditionally used in Japan for baseball bats, led the CEO (and former baseball player) of a chopsticks manufacturer to create&nbsp;<a href="https://hamon-japan.com/products/kattobashi-chopsticks-up-cycled-from-used-baseball-bats#">kattobashi</a>,&nbsp;chopsticks made from old and broken bats. The name is a mashup of the Japanese words for chopstick and a baseball chant that means “get a big hit”. You may not be interested in whittling your own spork, but it is a cool way to impact the planet and save some trees.Make it “Bedder”&nbsp; Who knew there were so many ways to up-cycle bats into furniture - wood, alloy, composite - all can be used to make things like&nbsp;<a href="https://thespotteddoor.com/products/baseball-bat-log-rocking-chair">chairs</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z91IEW6cIEc/TupsBTI7EHI/AAAAAAAAEUc/al8w3q4SLuM/s1600/DSC04320+%25281%2529.jpg">tables</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/3a/37/5d/3a375d2c3246c0d978ed0a040c6637de.jpg">lamps</a> and even&nbsp;<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/400524195/grand-slam-full-size-baseball-bed-2?epik=dj0yJnU9RDhLQmJSdnFzaEZtSHVEdFhyR19GMXJfeWFzUVdoNHkmcD0wJm49NTBWbEh5cDRrUDEyRm5BSHpSc25qQSZ0PUFBQUFBR1F2QWJn">beds</a> - whatever the imagination can dream up. Here is one of our favorites…&nbsp;<img src="/product_images/uploaded_images/baseball-bat-bench.jpeg" style="width: 164px;">Say I DO How many marriage proposals happen at the ballpark on the jumbo-tron? Why not seal the deal with <a href="https://www.etsy.com/market/baseball_bat_ring">wedding bands</a> made from recycled baseball bats? "Introducing, for the first time in public, Mr. and Mrs. October"Mugshot Some ballparks sell beer in mugs made from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/market/baseball_bat_mug">baseball bat barrels</a>, so why not try it yourself? Or use parts of the bat to make a <a href="https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/mlb-game-used-baseball-bat-bottle-openers">bottle opener</a> for the pre-game tailgate, or slice up your wood bat into coasters. Get Crafty&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.etsy.com/search?q=decore+made+from+baseball+bats&amp;ref=search_bar">Etsy</a> and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=crafts%20made%20from%20baseball%20bats&amp;rs=typed">Pinterest</a> are a homerun when looking for unique crafts &amp; creative ideas. We love this coat rack idea. Every gamer needs a good place to hang their hat(s).<img src="/product_images/uploaded_images/baseball-bat-rack-etsy-.jpeg" style="width: 166px;">Stay Scrappy Got some old aluminum bats? Look for a <a href="https://iscrapapp.com/">local scrap yard</a> - you can get some cash and the bats will be melted down and reused, keeping them out of the landfill. That’s a walk-off win for team Earth.Hopefully there is an idea here that sparks some others in you. Feel free to share. Any small step is a positive action you can take to help maintain our home field advantage in this fight against climate change.&nbsp;&nbsp;

How to recycle and reuse baseball bats to help the environment and keep them out of landfills

April 22 is Earth Day, and it’s a day to remember that this Earth is the only planet we have, at least until Elon Musk figures out that whole travel-to-Mars thing.  In the meantime, as we celebrate our mother-ship on this special day, let’s recognize that we can all take some action to help [...]

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