A Grip on Innovation

Grady Phelan and the ProXR Grip Technology Impact on Baseball

In the recent in-depth article in Fast Company, "A backyard accident led this dad to design a new bat that is changing Major League Baseball" we learn the path of innovation at the hands (and brain) of inventor Grady Phelan of St. Louis. The article discusses an innovative bat handle design, grip technology, called the ProXR, created by Grady Phelan, which aims to reduce the risk of hamate bone injuries in baseball players and improve their performance. The ProXR features an angled knob on the bat handle, designed to match the natural range of motion of a player's wrist, thereby reducing the stress on the hamate bone by 25%, minimizing the risk of fractures like the one suffered by Mike Trout.

Phelan's journey to gain acceptance for the ProXR in Major League Baseball (MLB) has been challenging. Many players are loyal to established bat brands, and major bat manufacturers were initially hesitant to produce the ProXR due to its non-standard design. However, after years of persistence, Phelan found a boutique bat maker, RockBats, willing to produce the ProXR.

The article highlights that more MLB players are now using the ProXR, with players like Pete Alonso experiencing improved performance in terms of exit velocity and home runs. It also mentions the case of Harrison Bader, who had a successful stint with the ProXR after switching to it during the playoffs.

Grady Phelan continues to promote the ProXR, with a focus on gaining acceptance among MLB players and potentially expanding its use to other sports like golf, hockey, and lacrosse. His core revenue comes from licensing the ProXR knob to bat manufacturers, and he has also developed an attachment called "The Switch" for metal bats, aiming to introduce the innovation to youth and NCAA players.

Despite the challenges, Grady Phelan remains committed to innovation and persistence, believing that the ProXR could become more widely adopted in the world of baseball and beyond in the future.

Three Lessons That Jumped Out At Me

Here are three valuable lessons that entrepreneurs can learn from Grady Phelan's journey with the ProXR bat handle grip technology innovation:

1. Persistence Pays Off: Grady Phelan's journey to gain acceptance for the ProXR in Major League Baseball (MLB) spanned over 15 years, during which he faced numerous challenges and rejections. However, he never gave up on his idea and continued to pursue his vision. This underscores the importance of persistence in entrepreneurship. Success often requires overcoming obstacles and setbacks, and the ability to persevere through tough times can ultimately lead to breakthroughs and achievements.
2. Innovation Solves Problems: Phelan's innovation was born out of a personal experience when he accidentally threw a bat and injured himself. He identified a problem (hamate bone injuries in baseball players) and sought to solve it through innovative design. Entrepreneurs can learn that successful ventures often start with identifying real-world problems and developing innovative solutions to address them. By focusing on solving pressing issues, entrepreneurs can create products or services with significant market potential.
3. Building Relationships and Collaborations: Phelan's journey involved collaborating with bat manufacturers, players, and other stakeholders in the baseball industry. While facing resistance from established players in the market, he persevered and found partners willing to support his idea. Entrepreneurs can learn the importance of building relationships, networking, and seeking collaborations to advance their ventures. Sometimes, a single connection or partnership can make a significant difference in gaining acceptance and traction in a competitive industry.

In summary, Grady Phelan's experience with the ProXR bat handle offers valuable lessons in persistence, problem-solving through innovation, and the power of building relationships in entrepreneurship. These lessons can inspire and guide aspiring entrepreneurs in their own ventures.

Closing Thoughts...

In the world of baseball, innovation often faces a tough road to acceptance, but Grady Phelan's journey with the ProXR bat grip technology stands as a testament to the power of persistence, problem-solving, and unwavering belief. As Phelan continues to advance his vision, his dedication to improving the game's safety and performance is inspiring. The ProXR bat grip technology has already left its mark on baseball, reducing injuries and enhancing players' abilities. With more players adopting this innovation, it may not be long before we witness a shift in the way the game is played and enjoyed by fans worldwide. As we celebrate the story of Grady Phelan and ProXR, let it remind us all that with determination and innovation, even the most established traditions can evolve for the better, making the future of baseball brighter than ever before.

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ProXR LLC is a privately held sports grip technology company founded in 2015 by St. Louis native Grady Phelan. The ProXR grip platform is based on ergonomics, biomechanics and a relentless focus on innovation. Where others have held fast to the constraints of history and tradition, ProXR leverages leading technologies to test and refine how athletic grip can be optimized in sports. In simpler terms, ProXR frees athletes to achieve their greatest performance by providing a grip connection between their hand and the bat, stick, club or paddle that allows the equipment to become a natural extension of their hands.

ProXR isn’t just innovative, it’s truly groundbreaking. It was first approved in 2006 by MLB for use in play and was first swung in 2010 by then New York Mets Mike Hessman, making ProXR the first angled knob bat ever used in MLB history. In 2011, Hessman’s bats were accepted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Since then, the number of collegiate and professional baseball players around the world who have switched to ProXR bats has exponentially increased.

To learn more go to the ProXR website or call Grady at (314) 322-7449.