The annual American Baseball Coaches Convention is a grand tradition for baseball coaches from America and beyond. As the new calendar turns, thousands of coaches descend on a convention center to learn new ideas, connect with old friends, make new ones, and get inspired and rejuvenated as a new season begins. It is undeniably the greatest collection of baseball minds in one place, as well as featuring the greatest amount of love of the game.

The main stage clinics are a great source of knowledge, while the adjacent trade show hall might have the greatest source of baseball energy with over 400 vendors displaying every possible baseball item you can dream up. Everything from bats to gloves to uniforms to field equipment can all be found under one roof.

While there are many impactful items, to continue the amazing tradition of celebrating some of the more exciting innovations and products in the sport, we at The Baseball Collegian visited every booth at the trade show to honor products that we consider innovative and exciting with our 2025 ABCA Convention Best in Show award.

2025 ABCA Convention Best in Show

6 Tool
Baseball IQ app
6-tool.com

The 6-tool app asks the question, “What good is having a strong arm if you don’t know which base to throw it to?” The 6-Tool app features over 2,000 MLB and college video clips to view on your phone, and players take a quiz on the right thing to do in various situations. A ground-breaking tool to help players learn the nuances of the game and improve their decision-making on the field.

Force 3 Pro Gear
Catchers Mask with springs
force3progear.com

Force 3 refers to it’s revolutionary catcher mask as “the one with the springs.”
The ground-breaking design features springs that absorb the shock of the ball hitting the mask. Their goal is to “protect athletes and officials” with their patented Shock Suspension System. Force 3 also features DuPont Kevlar chest protectors and shin pads.

Perfect Swings
Swing Plane Tee
perfectswingsusa.com

When used properly, tees can be strong learning tools. However, positive and negative feedback on swing technique is essential to really get the most out of a tee.
This product is an interactive tee that forces the hitter to swing with the correct swing plane and barrel tilt. The tee is easily adjustable for different heights and different heights. The instant feedback on correct contact makes this a truly revolutionary baseball tool.

Great Ape Grips
Rice Bucket grip trainer
greatapegrips.com

A truly revolutionary product, the Great Ape Grip is made to replicate using the old school rice bucket for training forearm and hand strength. Founded by a former professional athlete, the product is a rice-filled bag, which fits your hand like a glove to squeeze and strengthen without the mess and lack of portability.

Changeup Circle
Changeup Training Tool
changeupcircle.com

This is unique educational product to really help players feel how to throw a good changeup. The cylinder-shaped tool is easy to grip and easy to throw, inherently giving the feel of the changeup. There is instant visual feedback to guide the learning curve. A great invention by a family-owned company.

OnForm
Video Training App
onform.com

This video analysis tool separates itself with the ease of use through the phone, and especially with the feature of sharing directly with athletes through their app. OnForm makes it easy to “capture, analyze, and share HD videos to provide detailed feedback for skill development.”

Mustard
AI Training App
teammstrd.com

A ground-breaking app that uses Artificial Intelligence to track mechanical efficiency and kinematic sequencing. The app allows players to be easily recorded on video, and then the program quickly analyzes the angles of the pitcher’s technique and compares them to optimal throwing mechanics. Legendary pitcher and coach Tom House was instrumental in merging the analytics with pitching instruction for this app.

Guard UP
Shock Absorber Grip
guardupstore.com

This easy-to-use hitting tool is a rubber shock absorber to hold with your thumb and forefinger. The Shock Absorber Grip not only reduces any sting or vibration from hitting (particularly on cold days or when training), but it also forces the hitter to hold the bat in the fingertips.

Losny Sports
AI Pitching Machine
losnysports.com

This new pitching machine on the market made in Seoul, Korea innovates with a video screen that shows the pitcher’s motion in order for the hitter to time the pitch. Artificial Intelligence is also used to replicate the velo and shape of most all MLB-level pitches from both sides The machine throws from 50-105 MPH. Despite the high price tag, this certainly is innovative and the next level in pitching machine training.

Blumaka
Insoles
blumaka.com

Blumaka has furthered the cause of helping baseball player and all athletes with their footwear to match the high demands of their sport. Blumaka sells insoles that are used by many professional athletes to help absorb the shock of stopping short. Their insole with patented Konnect technology is created to “stop your foot from slipping inside your shoe, increasing your speed, traction and control, and reducing your risk of injury.”

Split Grip
Training and decorative bats
splitgrip.com

This product creates a natural and easy way to separate the hands comfortably to teach the concept of wrist action during the swing. The Split Grip bat can be used as an invaluable training tool for hitters. In addition to training, these beautifully crafted wood bats also can be ordered as decorative gift bats.

GameDay Signals
Sign Communication Tool
gamedaysignals.com

There are a slew of pitch and sign communication devices. Gameday Signals separates itself with ease of use and cost for non-verbal signs from coach to player. The coaches’ keypad relays the sign to the players who can choose to wear either a wristband or watch. This is a very popular product in the college game.

Game Day Skinz
Stickers
gamedayskinz.com

Among many products for helmet and equipment stickers, Game Day Skinz stands out for their 3D stickers that make the logos “pop-off” for a great look. Offered in matte, chrome and gloss, their unique “skinz” are able to be customized for any team.

Oates Specialties
Training Tools
oatespspecialties.com

Founded by a former pitcher, Oates has created over 100 tools for learning baseball, like the Throwing Sock, the Connector Throwing Club and the Shoulder tube. They offer something for everyone with their goal of making “cutting-edge training tools for serious athletes who are committed to being the best they can be.”

Hang Loose Sports
3-Position Tee
Hangloosesports.com

A dynamic and unique tee that recognizes that pitches arrive in different locations. The three positions allow the hitter to quickly work on different pitch locations without having to reset the tee between reps. This dynamic hitting tool inherently helps the hitter gain an understanding of the relationship between the bat and different contact points.

Vertical Athletics
Cooling headbands
verticalathletics.com

Vertical Athletics features much needed cooling headbands and towels. A female and veteran-owned company, they are made with patented Coolcore fabric that you simply “wet, wave, then wear.” Designs offered include all MLB teams as well as other unique designs.

ThighPro
Catchers Padded Pants
thighpro.com

A wonderfully innovative clothing line that recognizes the unique nature of catchers, and the unpadded area in the thigh. Made in the USA and a veteran-owned company, ThighPro garments protect the inner thigh with padding that dissipates energy of the ball, while offering “ultimate comfort and performance.”