Pittsburgh-based sports technology company Diamond Kinetics has entered into a new long-term partnership with Major League Baseball.
The partnership will see the MLB gaining an equity stake in the company that develops mobile-based hitting and throwing technology for baseball and softball players. Diamond Kinetics, will also become the new “Trusted Youth Development Platform of Major League Baseball.”
Diamond Kinetics is backed by Elysian Park Ventures, an investment arm of the Los Angeles Dodgers, TNC Ventures, an investment arm of the ownership group of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and SeventySix Capital.
Diamond Kinetics’ tech consists of bats for both baseball and softball players, as well as baseballs and softballs, that include sensors on or inside them. They also sell a separate sensor that can be attached to the knob of an existing bat. The sensors connect to an app that can be downloaded on any smart device and is able to track swing and pitch speed, accuracy, and a variety of other metrics. Through the partnership, users of the technology will be able to enter a “digital gamification environment,” where they can earn achievements, compete with friends and track improvement all while interacting with MLB clubs, game content and Statcast data. It will also see the technology integrated across several of the MLB’s key programs, including localized club activations, PlayBall and RBI programs.
“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.”
