In a game-changing move for youth baseball, Perfect Game, a leading organizer of amateur baseball events, has teamed up with PitchCom to bring cutting-edge MLB technology to young players. This partnership, unveiled exclusively on Thursday, marks the first time a youth baseball organization has adopted PitchCom, the innovative communication system that revolutionized pitcher-catcher interactions in Major League Baseball since its debut in 2022.

PitchCom was born in the wake of the 2017 Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal, which exposed vulnerabilities in traditional catcher signals. John Hankins, co-owner of PitchCom, designed a solution that allows catchers to send pitch calls and defensive signals via a transmitter to receivers tucked into players’ hats. This secure, non-vocal system ensures clear communication without the risk of stolen signs, leveling the playing field for pitchers and fielders alike.

Jered Goodwin, Perfect Game’s vice president of scouting operations, called the decision to integrate PitchCom a no-brainer. 'It’s not just about calling pitches,' Goodwin said. 'It’s about teaching kids why a pitch is called and speeding up the game while slowing down the learning process for real development.' He noted that MLB players he trains in the offseason rave about PitchCom’s ability to maintain fairness and enhance game pace, a sentiment echoed by fans who enjoy shorter, more dynamic games.

Beyond mechanics, PitchCom offers psychological benefits, especially for young athletes. Jon Updike, PitchCom’s vice president of customer relations, highlighted how the system allows coaches to send encouraging messages like 'Great job!' or tactical cues directly to players’ ears. 'It’s a game-changer for an 8-year-old hearing a whisper of support instead of a shout across the field,' Updike said. The AI-generated voice can even be customized—imagine a pitcher hearing their favorite rapper or even their mom’s voice calling the next pitch.

The technology promises cleaner games with fewer wild pitches and cross-ups, potentially reducing overuse injuries by improving pitch execution. Perfect Game plans to roll out PitchCom at major events like the All-American Classic and PG Select Festivals starting in August, giving young players a taste of pro-level tools. As Goodwin put it, 'This is about developing the why behind the game—helping kids understand strategy and grow as athletes.'

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