As part of a long-term strategic partnership that includes Major League Baseball (MLB) gaining an equity stake in the company, Diamond Kinetics (DK) becomes the new “Trusted Youth Development Platform of Major League Baseball” as the two organizations look to enhance the world of physical skill development through digital experiences.
The Diamond Kinetics partnership with MLB will place an emphasis on making player development fun for kids by providing hitting and throwing technology that allows players to enter into a digital gamification environment where they can earn achievements, challenge themselves, compete with friends, and track improvement – all the while, interacting with MLB clubs, game content, Statcast data, and partners in unique and exciting ways.
Youth players can take real swings and make real throws using DK’s bat sensor technology and smart baseballs – while merging MLB content directly into their everyday baseball activity through DK’s mobile apps. This contextually relevant integration will help young players establish a deeper connection with Major League Baseball and with the sport in general.
Starting this summer, Diamond Kinetics will begin rolling out a continuous stream of mobile-based, MLB-themed digital experiences that line up directly with real-life baseball fundamentals and skill development to help kids discover the game like never before.
“We believe the combination of Diamond Kinetics technology and MLB content will make swinging a bat and throwing a ball more fun than ever for today’s youth player,” said David James, MLB’s VP of Baseball and Softball Development. “We’re excited about the Diamond Kinetics partnership because it allows us to meet young players where they already are, in the digital world, and leveraging technology to make getting better at baseball even more enjoyable.”
Whether it’s at home, in the backyard, on the diamond, or in a facility, Diamond Kinetics mobile apps allow kids to engage in the sports of baseball and softball any place, anytime, and with anyone. They are able to play interactive games by themselves or compete with friends. Players can also share fun experiences with parents and family members or choose to work on more focused skill development with coaching content from partners such as USA Baseball and EL1.
MLB will expand Diamond Kinetics tech integration into key initiatives like PlayBall, RBI programs, and localized club activations. Additionally, because Diamond Kinetics technology is rooted in player evaluation and development, metrics-based analytics services will continue to support scouting efforts like the MLB Draft Combine and elite development programs such as USA Baseball’s Player Development Pipeline League (PDPL).
“We are excited to partner with Major League Baseball in such an integrated and powerful way”, said Diamond Kinetics co-founder and CEO C.J. Handron, “As Major League Baseball’s Trusted Youth Development Platform, together we will roll out fun, engaging, and instructional content through our apps to players at all skill levels, from beginners who want to discover the game and build their foundation to advanced players looking to fine-tune their skills and reach their potential.”
As part of separate but concurrent announcements last week, MLB and EL1 also introduced their new partnership. EL1 is a national youth sports training company created by athletes, coaches and educators who believe in the transformative power of sport and who operate under numerous banners including EL1 Baseball, the Dodgers Training Academy, Softball University, and Premier Sports Tournaments. EL1 and Diamond Kinetics already have a longstanding relationship and will soon be announcing a formal partnership to integrate EL1 instructional content and curriculum into virtual learning programs delivered through DK’s mobile apps. All three parties view the combination of teaching, technique and technology as a key to growing accessibility and engagement in youth baseball and softball.
Additionally, strong partnerships with youth organizations such as PONY, Babe Ruth League, Ripken Baseball, USA Baseball, and USA Softball help Diamond Kinetics reach millions of athletes every year. Today’s youth players spend significant time on mobile devices and DK offers a way for these organizations, along with MLB, to expand their relationship with those children as they learn the sport. Through these partners, DK can elevate the entertainment value while infusing instructional opportunities with layers of achievement and gamification that make the experience more rewarding for players at all levels.
CONTACT:
David Heidenreich for Diamond Kinetics, [email protected], (412) 370-5374
About Diamond Kinetics
Diamond Kinetics (DK) is a sports-technology company pioneering the future of baseball and softball. Diamond Kinetics is the market leader in mobile-based hitting and throwing technology that helps players, parents, coaches, and teams understand their performance, improve, and have fun playing the game they love. With an emphasis on connected devices, computer vision functionality, and virtual reality integration, DK provides affordable and portable mobile technology that enhances real-world play and accelerates learning, development, and overall passion for the game. Supported by investors, including Elysian Park Ventures (investment arm of the ownership group of the Los Angeles Dodgers), TNC Ventures (investment arm of the ownership group of the Pittsburgh Pirates) and SeventySix Capital, Diamond Kinetics is recognized as the Trusted Youth Development Platform of Major League Baseball. Diamond Kinetics also partners with youth organizations such as PONY, Babe Ruth League, Ripken Baseball, USA Baseball, and USA Softball to reach and engage today’s youth baseball and softball players. For more information about Diamond Kinetics, visit www.DiamondKinetics.com
About Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball (MLB) is the most historic professional sports league in the United States and consists of 30 member clubs in the U.S. and Canada, representing the highest level of professional baseball. Led by Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr., MLB remains committed to making an impact in the communities of the U.S., Canada and throughout the world, perpetuating the sport’s larger role in society and permeating every facet of baseball’s business, marketing, community relations and social responsibility endeavors. MLB currently features record levels of competitive balance, continues to expand its global reach through programming and content to fans all over the world, and registered records in games and minutes watched last season on MLB.TV. With the continued success of MLB Network and MLB digital platforms, MLB continues to find innovative ways for its fans to enjoy America’s National Pastime and a truly global game. For more information on Major League Baseball, visit www.MLB.com
About EL1 Sports
EL1 is a national youth sports training company created by athletes, coaches and educators who believe in the transformative power of sport. The company provides expert instruction and a full suite of administrative solutions in the service of athletes, teams, organizations, tournaments, and events. Co-founded in 2010 by former Seattle Mariners prospect Aaron Trolia and former Washington State football player Jameel Cante, both of whom continue to help drive the company today, EL1 operates under numerous banners including EL1 Baseball, the Dodgers Training Academy, Softball University, and Premier Sports Tournaments. EL1’s “Powered By” Programs offer a wide range of services for softball and baseball teams, ranging from administrative and accounting support to registration and roster management to specialized instruction. The company takes great pride in its ability to offer career paths in instruction and management to professional baseball and top collegiate softball alumni/players who wish to continue to give back to the game once their playing days are over. Former MLB All-Star Nomar Garciaparra is a founding member of the Board and continues to play an active role in designing the facilities and the instructional system.
