Reebok has emerged as the premiere apparel company for Major League Baseball, and that all starts with serving as the official supplier of footwear for MLB's Authentic Collection.

The latest design from the company is the Vero FL M6, which comes in both mid and low versions. The major league lineup for the Vero FL is impressive, as Curt Schilling, Alfonso Soriano, Josh Beckett, Andy Pettitte and Barry Zito all sport the shoe on a daily basis.

The Vero FL is MLB branded on the heel of the shoe and features a TPU plate with six stainless steel cleats, giving a lightweight feel with the traditional spike placement. It also features a full-grain leather upper and a soft, mesh tongue with thick foam padding that offers breathability and comfort.

To find out more about Reebok's baseball shoes and other products, visit reebok.com.

New Balance has finally brought its expertise in shoes to the baseball diamond, with a complete line of products for players at every level featuring the company's trademark of different widths for a better fit.

The 1500 cleat has an Abzorb full spike pressure relief insert for better shock absorption. Its Internal Support System hugs the waist of the foot for increased support, and the Pebax outsole increases the cleat's durability. The shoe comes in three widths built on two width outsoles to make sure the fit is correct, and comes in both mid and low cuts.

The 1100 spike also includes the Abzorb insert, as well as the Internal Support System and the Pebax outsole. It comes in three widths and is more moderately priced than the 1500. The 800 is more moderately priced still, yet offers the same level of comfort and performance. Like the other models, it has the NB 8 metal spike.

The 700 molded baseball cleat features the New Balance molded TPU cleat design with other features of the higher-priced models.

To find out more about New Balance's new line of baseball shoes, visit newbalance.com.

With Florida taking on Texas in the College World Series championship series, a Louisville Slugger TPX-sponsored baseball program was assured of winning a fifth straight national title in Omaha. Texas' victory extended Louisville Slugger's domination of college baseball, making it truly an Omaha dynasty.

So it's no accident that Omaha and Dynasty are the names of the latest bats introduced by Louisville Slugger. TPX teams were swinging the latest generation Omaha bats and the newly introduced Dynasty bat throughout the college tournament. That included Florida, Texas and Baylor—which also reached the CWS Final Four—along with Rice, Florida State and Cal State Fullerton, the 2004 national champion.

"We're proud to be associated with all of these outstanding baseball programs at very fine academic institutions," said Kevin Uhrhan, Louisville Slugger's director of college baseball operations. "We have great partnerships with all of our sponsored programs, and we are very selective about who we choose to partner with. Louisville Slugger is very happy for the University of Florida and the University of Texas, and we were very proud of Baylor University and their showing in Omaha."

Since Louisville Slugger turned its first bat

in 1884, it has set the standard for performance technology at every level of play. Featuring the innovative new ST+20 Alloy, the Louisville Slugger TPX Dynasty is available in adult, senior league and youth models (CB206, SL206, and YB206).

Developed with aerospace industry leader Alcoa, Dynasty's ST+20 is Louisville Slugger's strongest alloy ever. It's 20 percent stronger and tougher than TPX's own industry leading Warrior alloy. Exclusive to Louisville Slugger, ST+20 was developed from the same computer-modeling programs that led to the latest alloys used by Boeing and Airbus

The Dynasty bat also features the stiff-handle design that's dominating baseball. Many bat makers tout the performance of flexible handles, but the fact is a flexible handle actually reduces performance for most players.

TPX performance technology centers on the concept of a stiff handle and a flexible barrel. Stiff-handle design creates a greater transfer of energy, a field-proven, time-tested design. A stiff handle also prevents loss of energy on off-sweet spot hits. That translates into better, more consistent performance. Unlike flex-handle bats, a stiff handle allows hitters to feel the hit, providing feedback that makes them better at the plate.

To get more information on the Dynasty and Omaha bats, and the rest of Louisville Slugger's huge line of baseball equipment, visit slugger.com.

If you're looking for big names in your instructional baseball video, then ESPN "Baseball Tonight" analyst and former big league second baseman Harold Reynolds has put together quite an impressive package.

Reynolds brings familiar names to the table breaking down different aspects of the game. Reynolds, who stole 250 bases over 12 major league seasons, addresses baserunning himself. He also enlists Tony Gwynn (hitting), Ozzie Smith (infield defense), Torii Hunter (outfield defense), Jeff Brantley (pitching), Joe Girardi (catching) and Buck Showalter (coaching) to bring perhaps the best lineup of former or current big leaguers to the table in the history of instructional videos.

Part of the allure of this collection is the power-packed lineup. Reynolds shows the proper techniques for stealing bases efficiently, and shares some secrets about breaking down pickoff moves.

Gwynn teaches hitting skills and incorporates easy-to-do drills for hitters of all ages. Smith goes over fielding and throwing techniques to improve an infielder's range, footwork and overall effectiveness. Hunter brings proper route-running and outfield drills, and Brantley discusses what it takes to build proper mechanics while going over techniques to improve one's command. Girardi runs the gamut of catching, going through everything from fielding and throwing to proper footwork and blocking techniques. And Showalter weighs in on how to be an effective coach and how to run more efficient practices at any level.

Everything, as the video's promotional

campaign says, is "presented in an easy way," meaning that players and coaches from any age or experience level will find this collection easy to use.

For more information on the Harold Reynolds DVD series, or to order copies, visit haroldreynolds.com.

A relative newcomer to the baseball glove industry, Akadema is doing its best to distinguish itself from the traditional glove brands with its radical ideas and ambitious designs.

Akadema's latest foray into the market is a glove designed by 2004 World Series MVP Manny Ramirez. Already a spokesman for Akadema, Ramirez now has helped create the AMR-34 outfielder glove series.

The AMR-34 features an H-web and an open wrist-back glove. With a two-toned design of a gray web and black glove, the AMR-34 is made with Kip leather, making the glove easy to break in. Its size and soft leather make it ideal for any serious outfielder.

Founded in 1997, Akadema has been on the cutting edge of sports technology and baseball equipment design, particularly with gloves. Before the AMR-34, the company created the innovative Reptilian and Funnel series.

The Reptilian has a near-fingerless design that creates a natural air pocket that acts as a shock absorber thus making glove to hand transfer smoother and quicker. The Funnel was created in response to the numerous professional infielders who bend the thumb and pinky fingers of their gloves outward creating a glove that remains open rather than closed in its natural state. 

To find out more about all of Akadema's products visit akademapro.com.

Rawlings features a wide range of baseball products, from bats to gloves to helmets to practice equipment, and the Worth line of equipment expands Rawlings' offerings even further.

Leading the way again for Rawlings is its Plasma bat. This year's model features five times more Liquidmetal, for 35 percent more barrel flex across a 30 percent larger sweet spot. It all adds up to 12 percent more distance than previous Liquidmetal models.

The bat is incredibly durable; in strength tests that measure the amount of stress a material can endure before it begins to deform, Liquidmetal alloy was 2.5 times stronger than titanium. Pure energy transfer delivers trampoline effect and reduces energy loss found in other alloys. The Plasma Liquidmetal bats are available in baseball, fast-pitch and softball models.

Worth's Asylum bat has 121 percent more flex from nano technology. The "nano effect" provides up to a 40 percent larger sweet spot and 21 percent more flex. The Asylum also features the new Scandium Whiplash frame that is 10 percent stronger and up to 30 percent thinner for more whip.

Of course, Rawlings is famous for its gloves. The new Highlight Series of gloves features authentic Rawlings pro patterns, a new patent-pending fading design and a new deer touch full-grain shell leather. Then there's the infield glove, part of Rawlings' Pro Preferred Series, which features a conventional back and a modified Trap-Eze web. All of the gloves in the Pro Preferred Series feature authentic Rawlins pro patterns, rawhide lace, deerskin linings and wool padding for added comfort.

Rawlings also features the Coolflo batting helmet, which has a high-tech design with a durable ABS shell. The one-size-fits-all helmet has a channel at the back allowing for ponytails and braids.

And of course, Rawlings and Worth make baseballs, including the National High School Baseball Coaches Association's official baseball, which features the Worth raised seams and a top-grade leather cover emblazoned with the official NFHS logo. Each baseball is wool-wound, with a cork and rubber core.

There are many ways that players break in gloves. Maybe soak it in water, put it in a microwave, use shaving cream or lanolin.

But what they might not realize is that by using those methods to soften and create a better pocket they are actually damaging the glove. Even lanolin is not proven to be safe because varying qualities create varying results.

That's where Glove Loogie comes in. Glove Loogie is a substance perfected in what the maker calls the "loogie lab" for the sole purpose of better breaking in and protecting baseball gloves.

According to the company, "Glove Loogie is a stoichiometric compound of powerful surfactants, lubricants and penetrants, supersaturated with nature's best emollient." It's also touted as the world's first two-part glove treatment system.

Glove Loogie works better than many other substances, so in the long run it gives a player a better chance at a ground ball, makes it easier for him to get the ball out of his glove when making a routine throw to first base, or makes sure a fly ball in the outfield won't drop out of his mitt.

Glove Loogie's twin pack

There are two treatments that come with each package of Glove Loogie. One is the preseason treatment that naturally is designed to be used before the glove has been used each year. It softens the leather in both old and new gloves. Then after the year is over, use the postseason treatment to clean and re-moisturize the glove.

Glove Loogie is currently being used by the Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners and Washington Nationals.

While the makers won't say what Glove Loogie is actually made of, or how it came to fruition, the bottom line is that it works. So the mysterious substance with the memorable name is gaining a following with professional teams and helping big leaguers and amateurs alike get more out of their gloves.

Find more information on Glove Loogie and order your own twin-pack at gloveloogie.com.

With the release of its 2006 product line, Nocona Athletic Goods Co. is redefining the way people think about gloves.

The company features a complete line of gloves for players from the youth level to the big leagues—interestingly enough under the Nokona name, with a K rather than a C. That's because the company is based in Nocona, Texas, but the company was told it could not use the city name as a trademark. So it went with the K, and the Nokona name has come to symbolize American-made pride and craftsmanship.

The Buffalo series is the newest product line that players have come to expect from Nokona gloves. The standard cowhide that baseball players have relied on for generations is out. In its place Nokona uses rugged yet supple bison leather.

That's right, bison. Straight from "Dances with Wolves" to your hand. Actually, they use only the finest buffalo from ranches in South Dakota to produce the leather that is formed by skilled craftsmen into a comfortable, form-fitting, top-of-the-line glove.

Since 1933 Nocona has brought you world-class athletic equipment and accessories, and that tradition continues today. Nocona has also made a commitment to American goods and craftsmanship. Its gloves are the only gloves on the market that are completely produced or performance pre-conditioned in the United States.

There is a Buffalo glove for every player and every style, with a wide range of sizes and patterns to choose from. All models feature a full-weave closed web to hold on to those hard line drives and high fastballs.

As if the hand-crafted glove wasn't enough, it comes with free accessories. Every Buffalo glove comes packaged in its own black mesh bag with a tube of glove conditioner to keep the glove looking and feeling its best even after years of use.

Todd Walker of the Chicago Cubs is just one of many satisfied Nokona glove users. He knows as well as anyone the importance of having a reliable, durable and expertly crafted glove on his hand. When Todd is flashing the leather, he's flashing the Buffalo, so you shouldn't settle for anything less.

Nokona also features gloves with traditional leather, not to mention gloves that include light and supple kangaroo leather, and a complete line of baseball equipment.

For more information on Nokona gloves and other baseball products, go to nokona.com.

Wilson's complete line of baseball gear offers everything the serious player needs, from bats to gloves, and the DeMarini line of metal bats continues to break new ground.

The Voodoo and Vexxum bats feature different barrel technologies to make the most of different hitting styles. The Voodoo emphasizes power, with an SC-3 Alloy barrel, while the Vexxum employs a DX-1 Alloy barrel for more aggressive bat speed. Both bats are designed for elite college and high school players.

Engineered for the power hitter, the DeMarini Voodoo combines a Flex-Tuned composite handle with an SC-3 Alloy barrel for greater durability and a stronger attack. The SC-3 Structure Control Alloy manages grain density and alignment for outstanding toughness and a longer, more responsive sweet spot.

The Voodoo's Flex-Tuned composite handle puts a ball-launching "kickpoint" in the player's swing. The kickpoint combines with more mass at the head gives the hitter more explosive power. Half & Half construction combines the composite handle with an SC-3 Alloy barrel. The Voodoo Longbarrel design extends the hitting surface and sweetspot with a focus on power.

Built for the speed demon, the DeMarini Vexxum combines a Flex-Tuned composite handle with a DX-1 Alloy barrel for optimal balance and a mammoth sweet spot. A favorite of top college programs, the Vexxum adds speed to the swing of aggressive players. The DX·1 High Performance Alloy delivers a battle-proven balance of high strength and fracture toughness. The Vexxum Longbarrel design extends the hitting surface and sweetspot with a focus on speed.

Both the Voodoo and the Vexxum feature an array of exclusive DeMarini technology in every bat. For instance, TT Technology tunes wall thickness for a larger sweet spot and greater ball velocity off the bat on off-center hits. DeMarini's new Ion End Cap employs a dual-vibration dampening collar for better control of off-center hits. The Rotation Index extends the bat's high-performance life, and the Positack grip absorbs moisture and vibration for better feel and control.

DeMarini features a complete line of baseball and softball gear, and you can find out more at demarini.com.

DeMarini's Voodoo bat

When Brewers rookie second baseman Rickie Weeks tries to stretch a double into a triple, he flies around the basepaths in 3N2 cleats.

The Rickie Weeks Signature Cleat was designed for Weeks, the No. 2 pick in the 2003 draft and a Baseball America top prospect for as long as he's been in professional baseball. Weeks ended his short minor league career this season by seizing the second-base job in Milwaukee.

The top-of-the-line 3N2 cleats have a professional appearance, with a wet look and brushed leather upper to go with the sleek six-cleat design and combination zipper and lacing system. They are built for durability as well, with double stitching in the spots where most cleats wear down.

In addition to the Weeks model, 3N2 produces a Pro Metal Cleat that also features the six-spike plate and double stitching. 3N2's revolutionary design adds more cushioning and lighter materials than the standard six-spike cleats, giving it the feel of a running shoe. The Pro Metal Cleat is available in high or low top form, and in a variety of colors.

Off the diamond—or even as a change of pace on it—the Pro Turf Trainer serves as a versatile counterpart to cleats. The Trainer, 3N2's best-selling shoe, features a full-grain leather and spandex upper with a two-section rubber molded bottom. It comes in a variety of colors and both high top and low top versions. For extra comfort, the low top shoe has a removable tongue flap.

And 3N2 has more than just your feet covered. 3N2 batting gloves are designed by professionals and built to last, with reinforced areas of wear. The soft leather palm with spandex gussets and backing ensures that when the game is on the line, the grip won't slip.

To get more information on 3N2's products, visit 3n2hq.com.

The market is flooded with instructional hitting videos these days, but if you want a slightly different take then Narron Baseball's MVP Hitting DVD should be your choice.

Over seven decades of information is packed into this video, from Johnny and Jerry Narron. The Narron family boasts eight professional baseball players dating back to the late 1930s, when Johnny Narron's uncle Sam played and later coached for Hall of Famer Branch Rickey. Currently, Jerry manages the Reds and Johnny is the hitting coach for low Class A West Virginia in the Brewers organization.

Johnny Narron might not have the star power others bring to the table in their instructional videos, but he doesn't need it. His no-nonsense, simple approach allows hitters of any age learn to better their game. The Narron philosophy breaks hitting down into three aspects: mental, visual and physical.

"I'm no actor and we're not likely to win any Academy Awards from Hollywood," Johnny Narron said. "But what we're trying to do is take a very difficult art and keep it as simple as possible for hitters of any age. I teach the same things to all my players on an everyday basis."

The video emphasizes two parts of hitting that a lot of other videos do not—the mental and the visual—and is not simply a one-way package to help you work on your swing. In the mental approach, Narron focuses on having a good method, a good process and a good routine.

But one of the most important parts of the MVP Hitting video is Narron's routine of "set-track-hit," where he breaks down how important it is to track the baseball out of the pitcher's hand and into the catcher's mitt.

"A lot of videos zero in on the physical approach," Narron said. "And we spend as much time breaking down the physical, but we spend as much or more time with the mental and visual approach as well. You can't just walk into game day thinking you're going to be successful. You need to have a good plan."

For more information about the video or to order copies, visit narronprohitting.com.

Nike has set out to change the game with its 2006 baseball shoes. How? By making the most comfortable baseball shoe ever.

The Shox Monster Metal starts with a lightweight synthetic leather upper and a perforated quarter panel for ventilation to keep the foot cool. Other features keep the foot centered and stable. A Poron insert in the sockliner and a ZoomAIR unit in the foot bed make for responsive cushioning. The heel features the proven and tested Nike Shox platform. And in the outsole, Nike utilizes Pebax to keep the shoe light yet strong. The result of all this is a shoe built for speed and comfort.

Then there's Nike's Huarache 2K4, which looks like a basketball shoe on the surface. The goal was to utilize one of the best-selling basketball models in order to attract the baseball athlete. But on the inside, the shoe is entirely different from any baseball cleat ever built. By utilizing a full-length midsole instead of the traditional heel wedge, Nike was able to build the shoe in the same way that a basketball shoe is built. The Huarache has the look and support of a three-quarter shoe, but the feel of a low top. The speed lacing system stops at the ankle, while the integrated ankle strap provides support when needed.

Nike isn't just about shoes, of course. The Aero-Cap bat reduces aerodynamic drag by 3 percent compared to traditional cupped-end bats. Its unique shape was developed and tested in a wind tunnel to move through the air more efficiently, making it easier to accelerate the bat. Then there are the Aero Torque and Aero Strobe bats, with MeC 35 Max Energy Collision alloy that was engineered to produce explosive contact.

Nike's Pro Gold Tradition gloves were created to give fielders the ultimate in custom break-in and comfort. Their oil-finished leather is firm and stable so it can be shaped to players' exact specifications. Soft-buck deerskin palm lining and finger stalls offer a sure, natural feel.

Finally, more than 200 major leaguers use Nike's Diamond Elite V batting glove, including Albert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez and Derrek Lee. The batting glove features a one-piece cabretta leather palm for superior grip, flexibility and comfort, and Dri-Fit spandex on the back of the hand for unparalleled moisture-wicking capabilities.

For more information on the complete line of Nike baseball products, visit nike.com.

For gear that's designed to be used in all conditions, there is no brand that tops Under Armour. Founded in 1996, Under Armour is the originator of performance apparel, a line of moisture-wicking microfiber clothing that pulls perspiration away from the skin to keep athletes cool, dry and light throughout the course of a game, practice or workout.

While already a trailblazer in the performance apparel market, Under Armour continues to develop new products and improve existing ones in hopes of giving every athlete an edge. Some of these products are particularly geared toward baseball players.

Under Armour's HeatGear Metal is designed to maximize moisture transport by pushing sweat to the fabric's surface, allowing evaporation to pull it from the body. This year, Under Armour has added a mesh back for increased ventilation and mobility, making it ideal for hot weather training.

Fabric with power stretch and recovery combines with Under Armour's transport system to deliver UA Tech T, the coolest and lightest workout gear. The Tech-T features the Moisture Transport System, which delivers both the performance of Under Armour and the feel of cotton. UA Tech fabric gives a performance edge over the typical cotton T-shirt. Raglan sleeves and flatlock stitching provide maximum mobility.

From Team USA to the major leagues, it is hard to watch a professional or major college game without seeing someone wearing Under Armour. That isn't an accident. A high performance athlete should accept nothing less.

Under Armour merchandise available on its website as well as at over 5,000 retail locations worldwide.

For more information on Under Armour's line of performance apparel, visit underarmour.com.

Aside from bringing the Red Sox their first World Series title in 86 years, what do Johnny Damon, Keith Foulke, Pedro Martinez, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez and Curt Schilling have in common? Yes, all have made all-star teams, but each also uses Phiten titanium products.

The Japanese company makes necklaces, braces, tape and apparel that contain either titanium coating on the outside or an aqueous solution containing titanium on the inside. The products are said to relax athletes by relieving stress and easing pain. The science behind these results comes from titanium's ability to concentrate electricity, which Phiten says helps to maintain the flow of bioelectric currents in the body.

"If the current is disrupted, the muscles become rigid and the blood does not circulate well, resulting in a delicate imbalance and various problems," Phiten president Yoshihiro Hirata said. "We found titanium emits energy that is effective in controlling the flow of electric currents. As a result, we developed our current line of titanium products."

The Red Sox aren't the only team to have discovered Phiten. About three dozen major league players and two managers use some sort of titanium gear. Yankees pitchers Randy Johnson and Tom Gordon wear the compression shirt, and Carl Pavano owns a necklace. Cy Young candidates Mark Buerhle of the White Sox (necklace) and Dontrelle Willis of the Marlins (bracelet) also wear the products.

Phillies outfielder and 2005 home run derby winner Bob Abreu stopped by Phiten's Seattle shop in June and left with socks, shorts, T-shirts, a necklace and a bracelet. Abreu's teammate Jim Thome also dropped into the store and left tickets for the employees after making his purchases.

Phiten necklaces took on the role of fashion accessory in college baseball, as the entire Arizona State team wore Phiten necklaces—a gift from catcher Tuffy Gosewisch's father Goose—during the College World Series, and several players wore them for Team USA over the summer.

Seattle is one of three Phiten shops in the U.S., joining the stateside headquarters in Torrance, Calif., and another shop in Honolulu. There are 143 Phiten stores in Japan and three others across the globe (London, Korea and Taiwan), and of course the company has a Web presence in several languages.

To find out more about Phiten's titanium products or buy your own, visit phitenusa.com.