Anderson Bat Q & A

[PDad]

We are experimenting with a new process that would allow us to design and build each length/weight combo individually "perfect" but it is more difficult in terms of process set-up and inventory control. To be very good at it, our manufacturing lot size will have to get much smaller

BTW, smaller lot sizes have been the trend for over 20 years now, starting with the advent of the just-in-time concepts in the 80s. If done right, it will pay for itself with decreased inventory costs, waste and production lead times.

I am both Juran and Deming certified from way back when. So I get that. but there is a problem when the lot size doesn't accomodate the process.

You should be well-armed then to overcome this challenge. Lots of companies have done it and Deming doesn't allow excuses such as "Our problems are different."

[9805]

Tumblebug,
I purchased a 30/20 TechZilla for my daughter. She is 4'9" and about 110 lbs and has trouble swinging the bat. At the time of purchase I didn't know you advertised swing weight. You posted earlier that with proper swing mechanics the bat would swing like a 20 oz bat but that's what we are just starting to learn. I'm guessing this bat isn't one to be learning how to swing with. Also, you may have stated this but am I right in assuming this bat if swung properly swings like a 20 oz but hits like a 23 oz?

[Tumblebug]

Tumblebug,
I purchased a 30/20 TechZilla for my daughter. She is 4'9" and about 110 lbs and has trouble swinging the bat. At the time of purchase I didn't know you advertised swing weight. You posted earlier that with proper swing mechanics the bat would swing like a 20 oz bat but that's what we are just starting to learn. I'm guessing this bat isn't one to be learning how to swing with. Also, you may have stated this but am I right in assuming this bat if swung properly swings like a 20 oz but hits like a 23 oz?

You have the idea 9805. The swing weight concept is a little more difficult to grasp unless you actually hit it. I had a couple og the Team Anderson girls in the lab to fit them with bats. It shows up when you fit them and in the cage they are ahead of everything. They have to relax and concentrate on mechanics to let the bat work instead of trying to be all of the ummmph. You just have to get the to trust their hands and quit thinking about it.

[Blades356mm]

TB,
I was wondering what you guys found out after fitting the girls with the proper bat? Did most of the girls use a bat that was too big and then get fitted for a smaller one or were they pretty close to having the correct sized bat? Did some need to change from end load to balanced and some have to go the other way? IMHO it seems like a 'race' to get to the next size up when alot of times the bat they used last year was a touch big and is perfect now.

Any comments on how you fitted them would be great too. Do you just have a ton of different bats and the girls just swing till they find one they like or is it more scientific?

[Tumblebug]

TB,
I was wondering what you guys found out after fitting the girls with the proper bat? Did most of the girls use a bat that was too big and then get fitted for a smaller one or were they pretty close to having the correct sized bat? Did some need to change from end load to balanced and some have to go the other way? IMHO it seems like a 'race' to get to the next size up when alot of times the bat they used last year was a touch big and is perfect now.

Any comments on how you fitted them would be great too. Do you just have a ton of different bats and the girls just swing till they find one they like or is it more scientific?

I can do it both ways. I can set up a batspeed gun and a ball speed gun and fit them to the best resulting exiting velocity but I have been doing this for so long, I look at their swing and then I can pick out the two or three most likely candidates. I have them swing in a particular way and watch for telltale indicators in their mechanics. the girls I saw were very skilled and they all were on the edge what they thought they should swing. Two stayed where they were in length and two shortened up.

[Donnie]

Thanks again Tumblebug for having me and the girls over to your facility and letting the girls swing the different bats. My daughter moved from a 32inch bat to a 31. She really liked the Techzilla. Also thanks for letting me swing the nanotek...Man that bat is dirty!!! This was the first time I had met Mr. Anderson and I must say he is a very nice guy. And I for one am proud to be a part of Team Anderson.

[ontheblack]

Tbug - I'm betting if you did fittings like this in various regions on a semi-annual basis (spring and fall), you would sell a boatload of bats.

[KekambuS]

Thanks again Tumblebug for having me and the girls over to your facility and letting the girls swing the different bats. My daughter moved from a 32inch bat to a 31. She really liked the Techzilla. Also thanks for letting me swing the nanotek...Man that bat is dirty!!! This was the first time I had met Mr. Anderson and I must say he is a very nice guy. And I for one am proud to be a part of Team Anderson.

My kid also moved down from a 32 to 31.

[daylightkate]

Tumblebug, I sent you a PM.

[PDad]

Tumblebug, I sent you a PM.

You inadvertently sent a PM to me and I cc'd Tumblebug on my reply.