Sports Then and Now

A good portable pitching mound can turn any ol’ field into a baseball field, and any player into a pitcher.

What are Portable Mounds?

Pitching mounds were originally created so that pitchers would have a competitive advantage over batters. Being elevated 10” off the ground gives you the slight advantage of gravity, and gives the batter a harder time of getting a hit. If the pitcher were to pitch from flat ground, there would be a lot more home runs every game!

Because pitching mounds are so regularly used, in youth baseball and in the MLB, it is absolutely imperative that kids start pitching from a mound at an early age.

The creator of True Pitch Mounds started making portable mounds when his son pitched in a championship game and gave up runs due to the fact that he was not used to pitching from a mound!

If you’re a sports lover, then you might have noticed something: it’s not always the cheapest activity on earth. From the equipment to the clothes to supporting your local sports team, there’s always one cost or another to pay. But can we call it ‘expensive’? We’re not too sure. After all, there are millions – billions? – of people around the world who engage in some sort of physical activity, and most of them are not rich. Below, we take a look at the various costs attached to sports and try to come to some conclusion about the matter.

The Equipment

You need some equipment to play sports, even if that’s just a car to take you to the track. But most sports require much more than this. Let’s take, say, soccer. You’d need a ball, the right footwear, and a goal if you’re going to play a version of the sport that looks like the real thing. The ball will be cheap, but everything else? Those costs add up, and in the case of the footwear, will need to be replaced over time. The good news is that you generally only need to buy the bulky, most expensive pieces of equipment once.

Having the Right Gear

You can’t go out to engage in your favorite sport wearing your everyday clothes! You need the shorts, shoes, and shirts – not to mention various other apparel – that has been custom made for sports. And generally, you want to buy the best stuff: the sport is more comfortable to play if you’re wearing high-quality clothing that was designed for top-end performance. Walk into a sports store, and you might blink twice at the cost of these items, but there are cheaper ways to buy. Take a look at Nike discounts and deals, and you’ll be able to make big savings on your essential sportswear. The best clothing only looks expensive to begin with. Once you know where to look, things become much more manageable. Read the rest of this entry →

It would be amazing to see the reactions of some of the great athletes of the past if they could witness what’s happening in their sports today. While the games may not have changed much, there are a range of technologies at work to support better performance, more safety, and an exhilarating experience for sports fans. Here are just some of the ways technology has changed sports in recent years.

1. Better Facilities

Sports arenas have been adapted to use new technologies in ways that benefit both fans and athletes. Athletes can get fairer judgements from umpires and officials thanks to instant replay and digital technology that can narrow down events to a single photo frame or micro-second from multiple angles. Stadiums and outfitted with audio systems and giant screens so fans don’t miss any of the action. Today, athletic leagues are making security a priority with improved traffic flows, automated lighting, and CCTV camera systems scanning the crowd.

2. Equipment and Safety

The design and materials of the equipment used in nearly every sport is also evolving. Tennis racquets and golf clubs are now made of graphite instead of wood or steel. From hockey pucks to volley balls, there are now strictly enforced standards. But analytics and computerized design software are generating constant innovations intended to produce better results and more control. Safety is another key design issue, especially in high-contact sports like football or hockey where a range of new helmet designs are appearing to minimize concussions. Read the rest of this entry →

Mountain Men must be prepared for winter weather.

When the weather begins to change, it is time to prepare for all the sports that winter brings. For the most adventurous man, there are some things you must do to prepare for all the activities before snow hits. Between the snow and cold temperatures, there is a lot of uncertainty where traveling is concerned. Whether at work or play, there are many things a man needs for winter to make it more enjoyable.

Snow Tires
Nothing is tougher in winter weather than trying to drive in snow or ice. For those men who plan to be out and about during this time, a good set of tires for their vehicle is essential equipment http://simpletire.com/types-of-winter-tires. Along with a good set of tires, a true mountain man needs a good truck that can stand up to deep snows. Inspect your own and make sure it will be able to stand against the snow and ice and travel to any place you go this winter.

Sports Equipment
Rugged mountain men don’t let cold weather keep them from enjoying their favorite sports. Among two of the most popular sports associated with cold weather are skiing and hockey. There’s nothing better on a cold winter day than getting out on the slopes and gliding along with the powder, so buying a set of skis and possibly some new poles are always a good investment. Make sure the bottoms of your skis haven’t sustained any damage and get them repaired if they have to stay safe on the mountains. Hockey is long associated with winter, so buying a good stick, along with the right skates adds up to a great time on a frozen pond or outdoor rink. Make sure the blades are clean and still sharp. Read the rest of this entry →