Daily trivia (4/30/12)

Runner on 1st, 2 outs. The batter doubles, putting runners on 2nd and 3rd. As the pitcher toes the rubber, he balks, which scores a run and moves the other runner to 3rd. When the pitcher again takes the rubber, the 1B calls for the ball and appeals that the batter that doubled missed 1st. The umpire knows the bag was missed. How should he rule?

Footwear Friday: Save $20 on a pair of Nike Air Huarache Baseball Cleats

Even as newer and flashier baseball cleats have hit the shelves over the past year, Nike’s Air Huarache Baseball Cleats have always remained among our most popular styles.

Why?

It’s all about substance. The Huaraches have the features that baseball players want.

• They’re comfortable. These baseball cleats feature a full-length Phylon midsole with Air Sole unit for comfort and response.
• They’re durable. Nike’s Air Huarache metal baseball cleats can take a beating, thanks to their rugged synthetic leather upper and V9 outsole.
• They’re lightweight. Their high-performance design (14.6 oz) makes it easy to move around on the field.
• They’re stylish. Colors to go with almost every uniform combination.

And now, players can get them for $20 less. Air Huaraches usually retail for $89.99, but you can get a pair for $69.98 at Baseball Express.

Related: Shop our entire selection of baseball cleats.

What do the top two college baseball teams have in common?

The Virginia Cavaliers held on to the No. 1 spot in Baseball America’s Top 25 poll this week.

The Cavs are the first team in Division I baseball to hit the 40-win mark this season, and this marks their seventh 40-win season in the last eight years. Their bats have been hot all year, as they’re piled up 333 runs in 44 games, fourth-most in the country.

The South Carolina Gamecocks checked in at No. 2. The defending national champs have won all 10 of their three-game series this year, and they’re poised to challenge for the SEC title. Even with the new regulations, USC has tallied an astounding 34 home runs in 39 games.

So, what do both clubs have in common?

They both swing Rawlings bats.

From the cover of our April catalog, you can see South Carolina coach Ray Tanner with the Rawlings 5150 BBCOR Baseball Bat. That’s the bat that both teams use.

The barrel design utilizes proprietary metal forming techniques to optimize balance and trampoline effect. The aerospace-grade alloy provides unparalleled durability in all playing conditions.

It retails for $199.99 at Baseball Express.

Related: Shop our entire selection of BBCOR baseball bats.

Evoshield’s protective pads have some fans in the Big Leagues

With so many different kinds of protective pads out there, it can be hard to separate the contenders from the pretenders.

That’s why it’s so big that Evoshield pads are making waves with professional athletes. From baseball to football and softball, big-time stars are starting to wear some of the most comfortable pads out there.

What makes them so good?

From a CNBC report:

Unlike the rest of the marketplace, which are sold as a one-size-fits-all product, Evoshield uses a proprietary substance that turns a gel into a hardened material and allows consumers to custom fit their protective device.

“The problem with standard plastics and foams that have been used is that they are antiquated,” said Justin Niefer, one of Evoshield’s co-founders. “They are one size fits all and they don’t actually fit to your body and hug it close enough to actually protect it from high impact.”

Whereas your old pads might be bulky or they might not fit 100% correctly, Evoshield’s pads are designed for a custom fit on your body.

And the result, says Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton, is protection without having to sacrifice comfort or range of motion.

“They’re so light, but so durable and so hard,” Hamilton said. “You don’t even know they’re there and it doesn’t affect your play at all.”

For baseball players, we carry:

EvoShield’s Spartan Wrist Guard ($21.99)

Attack ground balls and never worry again about catching a ball on bad hop, thanks to Evoshield’s impact dispersion technology.

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EvoShield’s Shin and Foot Guard ($49.99)

This shin/foot guard combo is lightweight and comfortable, and it doesn’t hinder your baserunning.

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EvoShield’s One Size Elbow Guard ($39.99)

Provides a perfect fit on all sizes of arms, and its lightweight feel makes it comfortable to wear at the plate.

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Evoshield’s Adult Rib Protective Shirt ($89.99)

For unsurpassed rib protection without a loss in range of motion. Hamilton began wearing it after suffering broken ribs while playing a few years ago.

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EvoShield’s Black Arm Sleeve ($16.99)

Specifically designed to keep your arms warm in cold weather.

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EvoShield’s Grey Chest and Rib Protector ($89.99)

Similar to the rib protective shirt, but also protects against direct chest and back impact.

Related: Browse our entire selection of baseball accessories.