The Pittsburgh Pirates announced today a robust partnership with Diamond Kinetics (DK) aimed at enhancing the training experience for youth baseball and softball athletes. The partnership includes free Diamond Kinetics bat sensors to more than 500 Pirates RBI athletes, in-app and online training tools, as well as onsite activation at PNC Park and throughout the community.

The Pirates, alongside corporate partner Duquesne Light Company, will provide select Pirates RBI athletes with free DK SwingTracker bat sensors to help hone their abilities. A part of the Pirates RBI Power Hitters Program, Powered by Duquesne Light Company, the program is designed to help develop the next generation of hitters by providing access to cutting-edge training tools and technology, giving players within the Pirates RBI a competitive edge.

DK’s SwingTracker sensors are attached to the end of a youth player’s bat and provides data back to the player and their coaches through the DK App. This data can help a player better understand their swing, hone their skills, as well as address and correct bad habits.

Within the Diamond Kinetics App, youth baseball and softball players can also participate in guided hitting sessions, routines, and programs that will engage all skill levels. This will allow each player to continue their customized training at home. In addition, swing-analysis technology provided by DK is able to match a youth player’s swing to a library of Pirate players, determining whose swing most closely matches based on swing data and proprietary computer vision technology.

“We love how our technology helps bring the big leagues right into the backyard,” said CJ Handron, CEO of Diamond Kinetics. “Through our partnership with the Pirates, we’re getting our mobile app in the hands of more kids who will not only improve their hitting skills, but also grow their love of the game.”

The Pirates and DK will share skills videos and training tips through videos that will be embedded within Pirates.com and in the DK App. Videos will help provide one-on-one instruction on key baseball and softball skills like hitting, pitching and throwing. Select videos will feature Pirates players and coaches.

Within the DK App, athletes will be able to compete in competitions with app users across the country and earn points, creating a gamified experience that will help to increase practice time and ultimately a healthier lifestyle. These points can then be used for incentives that may include chances for prizes provided by the Pirates such as game tickets and merchandise.

“The Pirates, Pirates Charities, and Duquesne Light Company are proud to partner with Diamond Kinetics to help develop the next generation of athletes here in our area,” said Travis Williams, Pirates President. “Diamond Kinetics is an industry  leader in the youth baseball and softball skill development space headquartered here on the North Side of Pittsburgh. The  partnership with them was a no-brainer and something we’re excited to continue to expand in the years ahead.”
Earlier this year, DK and the Pirates collaborated on re-imagining the batting cage space that currently occupies the Chevron STEM Zone at PNC Park. The new fan engagement experience allows fans the ability to compare their swings with current Pirates Players, using the swing match technology available through the DK app. 

Outside of PNC Park, DK’s activation team will join the Pirates at various community events held throughout the year, including Youth Baseball/Softball clinics, PLAY BALL clinics, Miracle League events and more. The events will ensure more athletes have the opportunity for more area kids to benefit from the DK technology and training