The Official Miken™ Performance Blog

Miken is now on FACEBOOK!

2010-02-24T14:24:00.004-06:00

Visit our page at MIKEN FACEBOOK to stay updated with what's happening at Miken. New product releases, team info, special events. etc.

Miken Official Sponsor of the 2010 National Pro Fastpitch Draft

2010-02-08T11:25:00.006-06:00

2010 NPF College Senior Draft Presented by MIKEN

NASHVILLE - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) and its four-affiliate teams will hold the 2010 NPF Senior Draft on Wednesday February 10, 2010 at 8PM EST. The broadcast will be live from the Heritage Key Resort in Kissimmee, Florida. This will be the second consecutive year the NPF will broadcast the Draft live but the first time on MLB.com

"The College Senior Draft is a much anticipated event for the entire League. We are always looking forward to the next talented group of outstanding athletes who will undoubtedly contribute positively the future of the NPF," stated NPF Commissioner Cheri Kempf.

The 2009 Draftees made a huge impact during the NPF Season. Those players included Kaitlin Cochran (Akron) and NPF Rookie and Defensive Player of the Year Tammy Williams (Chicago.

Each team has at least three selections in the five-round draft. The USSSA Pride, the host of the 2010 Draft, will hold seven of the 20 overall picks due to a 2009 draft-day trade with the Akron Racers.

The order of the Draft is as follows:

First Round:

1. USSSA Pride

2. Tennessee Diamonds

3. USSSA Pride from Akron Racers - 2009 trade

4. Chicago Bandits

Second Round:

5. USSSA Pride

6. Tennessee Diamonds

7. Akron Racers

8. Chicago Bandits

Third Round:

9. USSSA Pride

10. Tennessee Diamonds

11. Akron Racers

12. Chicago Bandits

Fourth Round:

13. USSSA Pride

14. Tennessee Diamonds

15. USSSA Pride from Akron Racers - 2009 Trade

16. Chicago Bandits

Fifth Round:

17. USSSA Pride

18. Tennessee Diamonds

19. Akron Racers

20. Chicago Bandits

Visit www.profastpitch.com on February 10th for the LIVE link to watch the DRAFT!

National Pro Fastpitch is headquartered in Nashville, TN. The League created to give elite female fastpitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport, has operated since 1997 under the names of Women's Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women's Pro Softball League (WPSL).

Introducing New Miken MV-3 Baseball....MAXIMUM VELOCITY

2010-02-08T10:25:00.008-06:00

Advanced Innerflex maximizes velocity by delivering precisely calibrated handle flex and energy transfer to optimize barrel rebound. Advanced Innerflex is customized to barrel specifications for maximum distance and ball speed.

Multi-Layer Biaxial and MPa7 Resin System maximize sweetspot and push performance to the limits.

100 Comp - 100% composite is engineered utilizing 100% premium aerospace grade carbon fiber to deliver Miken's legendary performance and durability.

Also available in Hybrid -

Hybrid technology merges aerospace grade carbon fiber with high performance tempered alloy to deliver phenomenal performance at the plate.

Available in: Adult -3, Adult Hybrid -3, Senior League -8 and -10, Senior League Hybrid -10, Youth -10 and -12, Youth Hybrid -12, and Coaches Pitch -11.5

From the Field - Chicago, IL

2009-11-10T11:44:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to send you a few pictures of my men's 12 inch softball team. We play in the Chicagoland area where softball is taken very seriously!

I also just wanted to say that we now only use Miken Bats. A few years ago we used a mix of Worth, Demarini, and Easton bats. All have fallen apart and cracked.

The only bats still in use and that we have bought more of are the Mikens! The bat that I use personally is the Miken Freak Plus. It's truly amazing how this bat performs.

It was just a few years ago when our team couldn't even make the playoffs, and just last week our team took second out of the whole league.

I can honestly say that the Miken bats hgave made that possible.

Thanks so much!
Jonathan Escondo

From the Field - Parkersburg, WV

2009-09-18T12:44:00.004-05:00

Hi, my name is Jason Roberts, I am the head coach of the U-10 Diamond Express from Parkersburg West Virginia. We used the new Miken Rain bat all year and loved it. The bats performed great and gives our girls more confidence in their hitting. We had 5 Miken Rains of different sizes, the Miken Halo, and the Icon, but our favorite was the Rain. The head coach of last years' U-12 but decided to split the girls and do both age groups. Being a first year team last year we had our ups and downs. The World Series tournament in Columbus, Ohio was unbelievable. We started the tournament getting beat 17 to 0 and 12 to 0. The team was just completely overwhelmed with intimidation. When Saturday came they started the same way but came back to play really good against a good team, this gave our girls confidence that they could play with the other teams in the tournament. The next day we beat the #2 seeded team in our bracket, we were the #8 seed. This game alone made all of us coaches proud of what our girls accomplished for the season. The team in the ASA tournament picture is the West Virginia Wild Ones (best team we played all year). We preach sportsmanship and respect and we got it from our girls on and off the field. This is just a small part of our story and we would love to have it shared with others in the softball world. Thank you for your time.

Jason Roberts

Denny Crine Named 2009 Long Haul Bombers Stadium Power Tour Champion

2009-09-14T09:21:00.003-05:00

September 13, 2009 - San Diego, CA - The Long Haul Bombers paraded into Petco Park for the second time this season, but this time there were more nerves and the stakes were higher. This was the site for the 2009 Stadium Power Tour finals. Not only was the title of "Home Run Champion" on the line, but also the grand prize - a side-by-side Polaris Ranger RZR. The finals were the thirteenth stop for the top four Long Haul Bombers, who accumulated the most points during the previous twelve home run derbies.

The Bombers hit in the following order, as chosen by themselves:
1. Denny Crine, Team Miken
2. Jeff Hall, Team Worth
3. Brett Helmer, Team Easton
4. Brian Wegman, Team Easton

Three of the four manufacturers were present, making it a breeding ground for trash talking and game playing before the derby. "The big man has been dominating this season, but I'm ready," said Jeff Hall to Denny Crine. "I've had a good run lately. He had better watch out!" Crine was last year's champion and was looking for a repeat performance.

Brett Helmer recalled that scene from last season, as he was just one home run away from winning it himself. "Denny and I tied at the finals last year, and it came down to a hit-off," explained Helmer. Last year, both Bombers hit their first two pitches but not out of the park. Then Helmer hit a bomb into the stands behind right field. "I thought the title was mine, but the ball was called foul. It was heart breaking," said Helmer. Both each hit another, but neither were homeruns. Finally, Denny Crine smashed a ball into the stands and was instantly the 2008 champion. It was an exciting finish to last year, but Helmer was looking for first place and wouldn't settle for second.

As always, each hitter was given 15 swings to hit as many out of the park as possible. Crine started strong with a score of 11. He was followed by Hall who also started strong, hitting 9 home runs out of 10 swings. He had 5 swings remaining to hit 2 to tie or 3 to jump to the lead. Unfortunately, Hall choked and couldn't get the ball in the air. His finals score was 9 home runs. "I'm disappointed. I went 9 for 10 and thought I could do it. But I choked. I'm not upset, though. It was a great season, and I'm glad I was a part of it. You better bet you'll see me hitting here next year!"

Helmer stepped up to the plate next, looking to settle the score from last year. Unfortunately, he couldn't do it. He tallied 9 home runs, tying Jeff Hall for second. "I'm disappointed, but I gave a solid performance. Nine is a good score, but it wasn't enough to win it," said Brett.

Last up was Wegman who hit 6 of his first 8 into the stands. But Wegman couldn't catch Crine either. He accumulated 9 home runs total, tying Hall and Helmer for second. "We couldn't catch him!" said Wegman of Denny Crine, "But he deserves it. Denny led in scoring the whole season. The best man won."

There were many congratulations, laughs and more trash talking after the event wrapped. The Bombers are looking forward to an off-season, but already have their sights set on next year. "This year, the bar was raised yet again," said veteran Brett Helmer. "Every year the guys get better and better. This year, you had to consistently score in the double-digits in order to get in the finals. Next year it may take 13's and 14's to get you in there. It's amazing."

In addition to winning the title of "Home Run Champion, Denny Crine also won the Manufacturer's Cup along with his Team Miken teammate Geno Buck. The Manufacturer's Cup was awarded to the team with the most home runs during the regular season.

The LongHaul Bombers Prepare for the Finals

2009-09-09T10:04:00.006-05:00

Team Miken Takes Home the Manufacturer's Cup
September 8, 2009 - Minneapolis, MN - The Long Haul Bombers finished their regular season on August 28th in Cincinnati, OH, the twelfth stop along the Stadium Power Tour. The final scores are as follows:

Denny Crine and Geno Buck were awarded the prized Manufacturer's Cup (the award for most combined team points) for the second consecutive season, making the Miken name proud. "I'm really glad that we were able to bring home the Manufacturer's Cup. It was a close battle with Easton. They really gave us a run for our money," said Team Miken's Geno Buck. Denny Crine, who also took home the top individual points for the regular season, shared the same sentiment as his teammate, "I wanted to win in overall points even more than the individual points. This is a big win for Miken and shows that it is a great brand."

Now, the top four Long Haul Bombers continue on to the finals in San Diego, CA on September 13, 2009. While the points are what got each of the hitters to the finals, they don't matter anymore. The slate is wiped clean, and everyone starts with an even zero. The Long Haul Bomber who hits the most bombs will be crowned the 2009 Stadium Power Tour champion.

The Bombers were able to choose their batting order for the finals based on their rank from the regular season. They chose the following order:

1. Denny Crine - Team Miken
2. Jeff Hall - Team Worth
3. Brett Helmer - Team Easton
4. Brian Wegman - Team Easton

Fans can follow the Long Haul Bombers on TV's Softball 360 or online at www.softball360.com.

LongHaul Bombers Update

2009-06-22T16:02:00.007-05:00

From Greg Hartwick #17 -
LongHaul/Phonemasters/Miken
The 2009 Dudley was the coming out party for the LongHaul Bombers. Running through the tourney undefeated beating #1 Resmondo and defending USSSA champions Dan Smith twice along the way. They say the Dudley is when the season really starts, so maybe we are coming together at the right time. Awesome hitting and timely defense was a major recipe for success. Ryan Robbins has provided a huge base hitting spark at the top of the lineup. He is using the Psycho and putting together one of the best basehitting displays I have ever seen. Jeremy Isenhower has been steady all year and smashes the ball using the MV1. Brett McCollum hit the ball as far as anyone in the country using the MV1. I'm very impressed with Robert Blackburn's game. He works as hard as anyone and it shows. He always does the right thing and never misses a homerun opportunity. Geno Buck had a big weekend in front of the home crowd pitching brilliantly and smashing every pitch. Every single player was used in this victory and it was definitely a team win.

Miken's NEW MV-1

2009-06-11T10:41:00.004-05:00

From Greg Hartwick #17 -
LongHaul/Phonemasters/Miken
The New MV-1 has surpassed all expectations. From the first swing in BP to the last in the tournament, every ball jumps. This is the first bat I have swung that I can tell a significant difference going through the infield. I would suggest going down an ounce from your normal bat to offset the endloaad. The MV-1 is not only the best looking bat, but the best performing bat I have swung.

2009-03-18T11:37:00.003-05:00

From Greg Hartwick #17 -
LongHaul/Phonemasters/Miken
"Since the changes in ASA over the past few years I thought my days of playing were over. The Miken Vicious has changed everything for me. If you liked the Freak you will love the Vicious! Immediately out of the wrapper I was hitting balls 20 ft further than any other ASA bat. With the feel and sweet spot I've come to enjoy from Miken - there will NOT be another ASA bat on the market even close."

From Caleb McDowell - D Class Arkansas
"Just recently had the chance to preview the new Miken Vicious. This bat felt very solid and reminded me quite a bit of the original Miken Freak. The Vicious was hot just out of the wrapper and seemed to have a large "sweet spot" and quite a bit of room for error. I swung the 34" 27oz and liked it very much. Miken continues to put quality bats on the market that I have found to be superior to the competitors in its class. Very anxious to get this new bat in my bag!"

Miken Hits the Ice

2009-03-18T10:47:00.007-05:00

From Miken Hockey
(Caledonia MN, January 2009) - Composite equipment innovator Miken Sports moves to the ice with the introduction of the new MV-1 hockey stick. Miken's proprietary Multi-Layer Biaxial Technology merges continuous strands of high-performance carbon fiber to produce the consistent energy transfer that can only be achieved in a true one-piece stick. The MV-1 is engineered with 100% aerospace grade carbon fiber for unmatched performance and durability.

The sleek tapered shaft profile maximizes torsional control for increases velocity and precision. The MV-1's solid blade provides unsurpassed durability and optimizes puck feel for consistent release off the stick.

"We are excited to bring our technology to the game of hockey with the launch of the new MV-1. It was a natural progression, and our team of engineers has developed a stick that will generate a storm on the ice," stated Miken Sports Business Manager Jim Hoscheit. "This stick was developed by the nation's top composite engineers and elite players to ensure that it meets our standards for performance and durability." "When they hit the ice with the MV-1 it was explosive. We identified a void in the market for a high-performance stick that can deliver the durability that players are looking for. The MV-1 is that stick," stated Hoscheit.

The MV-1 is engineered and manufactured in the USA, supported by a full 60 day warranty. The MV-1 is available in three blade profiles (RH/LH) for a suggested retail of $249.95 at authorized Miken dealers.

To view the complete hockey lineup visit www.mikenhockey.com.

Olympic Athlete Kelly Kretschman Joins the Miken Team

2008-09-17T11:55:00.005-05:00

From Jim Hoscheit, Miken Business Manager
For 2009 we continue to gain momentum in the fastpitch market. Our mission is to fine tune our product line to maximize performance. Our engineers have tapped into the expertise of Team USA's Kelly Kretschman to give us the player feedback we need. Elite players like Kretschman provide valuable insight into the intricacies of the game and ensure the continued development of the game's highest performing equipment. Kelly will work closely with Miken engineers as we test and finalize the new fastpitch lineup.

Psycho Review

2008-09-17T10:47:00.004-05:00

From Greg Hartwick #17 - LongHaul Bombers/Phonemasters/Miken
If you guys are like me, I like to get a bat, hit it, and stay with it. Every year I get a bat, fall in love with it and just when it gets good, boom! It breaks. Another 400 swings away from gettin one back right. In 2008 Miken has solved this problem for me. The Miken Psycho has the amazing pop Miken is known for, mixed with tremendous durability. I have beat on this bat and beat on it. Literally thousands of cuts and it just keeps singing. Monster bombs, but more impressive is the jump through the infield. I love the fact that people assume this bat has been altered. What a compliment! I could write all day about this bat.

I typically swing a 28 oz bat, I feel a little more comfortable dropping down to a 27 oz because of the endload. there is not another product on the market that compares. Put down your other bat and pick up the Psycho. You're just a few cuts away from being accused of cheating.

HT - Hybrid Technology

2008-09-15T14:44:00.001-05:00

From Matt Vacek, VP Engineering Miken Sports
We've realized that by combining premium materials like aerospace grade carbon fiber and tempered alloy, we can produce equipment that delivers our legendary performance and durability, and still adheres to the guidelines imposed by associations. You can be sure that whatever standards have been set, Miken will be the performance leader.

R900

2008-09-15T14:26:00.002-05:00

From Matt Vacek, VP Engineering Miken Sports
The new lineup of Miken bats are constructed using R900, the industry's highest grade carbon fiber. With 38% higher tensile strength and 40% higher elongation, R900 has the strength to endure whatever you can give it, the most grueling play you can bring.

Customization

2008-09-15T12:03:00.003-05:00

From Matt Vacek, VP Engineering Miken Sports
Customized to fit your game. We understand that no player is the same. We have the largest line of customized bats available today, tailored for peak performance. Every style of swing, or level of play. We have it covered. We know this game and the players so well that we can make modifications to what is already the best product, and make sure that it is the best for you.

Tell us what you'd like to hear about!

2008-09-14T17:09:00.002-05:00

From In The Field at Miken Sports
Have something that you want discussed on the Miken Performance blog? Email your questions, comments, or ideas to inthefield@mikensports.com!

Innovation

2008-09-12T11:18:00.010-05:00

From Matt Vacek, VP Engineering Miken Sports.
You already know nothing can outperform a Miken. Our product is superior. We're going to keep you up to date on why & show you how we continue to be the leaders.

Premium Materials. One of the key elements that sets us apart. We ONLY use the best materials - never stock, off the shelf, or industry standard. We spend countless hours researching and testing these materials and our bats, both on the field and in our state of the art lab. We always strive for excellence, we never settle for less. We never cut corners. If you're going to spend your money on a high-performance bat, it needs to be a Miken. You know this, and the competition knows this.

WELCOME TO THE OFFICIAL MIKEN™ BLOG

2008-08-07T15:40:00.018-05:00

Welcome!

The Miken™ Performance Blog will be used to inform you of the latest advances in Miken™ technology. Feel free to leave comments and feedback to any of the soon-to-come blog postings! Be sure to visit MikenSports.com for more information about the 2008-2009 lineup.