Established in 2001, the mission of Ripken Baseball is to grow the game of baseball worldwide "The Ripken Way". With that mission in mind, Ripken Baseball has grown to include 3 minor league baseball teams; a professional design and consulting firm specializing in the feasibility and design of amateur and professional sports facilities; a sports marketing company specializing in the development of programs and services guaranteeing authentic hand-signed collectibles and licensed products; a foundation designed to build character and teach critical life lessons to disadvantaged youth through the games of baseball and softball; and finally two state of the art youth baseball complexes which plays host to thousands of kids each year participating in youth camps and tournaments. For more information, visit www.RipkenBaseball.com.

 

Also, be sure to visit getgreat.com, a revolutionary new baseball tool from MLB.com and Ripken Baseball to make you a better player.

 

 

---

Before developing a curveball or other breaking pitches, it is a good idea to work on a change-up. The simplest change-up grip is to take your fastball grip, slide your ring-finger so it sits atop the ball with your other two fingers, and hold the ball deepr in your hand. The grip will slow the ball down, so throw you change-up with as much effort as you would a fastball - and watch hitters get caught out on their front foot.