Ohio-based Phoenix Bats is one of a "growing number of bat makers in a market whose biggest player, Louisville Slugger, is facing [an] array of upstarts," according to Dan Gearino of the COLUMBUS DISPATCH. The company, which "takes small batches of wood and turns them into bats swung by pros and amateurs," ships about 17,000 bats per year. That is "far fewer than the big-brand names, but more than many of the other small manufacturers." Customers include Nationals CF Adam Eaton. Unlike some manufacturers, Phoenix Bats "doesn’t pay players to use or endorse the product." The company reaches pro players by "forming relationships with younger athletes, many of whom have Ohio connections." One of those players is Single-A Midwest League Quad Cities River Bandits LF Ronnie Dawson, who said, "It's not really about the bat, but it's the people that are making the bats. They help me customize my own model." Phoenix Bats Founder Charley Trudeau "declined to provide figures" but said that annual sales are between $1M and $5M. Phoenix Bats uses "cheeky marketing, with the slogan, 'Bustin’ balls since ’96,' and sells its goods almost exclusively through its website." The price for a basic bat ranges from $99 to about $140. Phoenix Bats co-Owner & GM Seth Cramer said, "I want to become the 'it' bat. I want to grow the pro side enough that I can go to any pro stadium and someone's swinging my bat" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 5/15).
