Love spinning the reels and chasing massive jackpots at the best online slots, but don’t know where to start? Using tips from our gambling experts, we’ve dug through the internet and found the best slots games and sites.

Ignition Casino has the best selection of online slot machines, but we’ve got nine other sites that are worth your attention. High RTP titles, innovative graphics, explosive bonus rounds, and the potential to win massive amounts will surely keep you entertained for hours!

Best Online Slots Sites in the USA of 2025

Important: The sites listed in this guide are targeting English speakers around the world. Please remember to check your local laws to ensure online gambling is legal where you live. Also, Adblock might get confused, so please disable it if you have any issues with our links.

Best Online Slots Games Reviewed

If you’re ready to begin spinning, we suggest kicking things off with the best online casino slots from our favorite casinos. We carefully selected the top high RTP slots from massive game libraries!

1. Shopping Spree at Ignition – Best Online Slot Game Overall

• RTP: 95%
• Theme: Luxury
• Maximum win: 9,500x your stake
• Where to Play: Ignition
• Bonus: $3,000 welcome promo

Coming in at #1 of our best slots to play online for real money reviews is Shopping Spree. This video slot is created by RealTime Gaming and has 5 reels and 9 paylines. With this game, you can activate fascinating bonus rounds for entertaining gameplay.

For instance, you can win up to a $100,000 jackpot if you land 5 diamond ring symbols at the maximum stake.

The best news is that even if you land less than 5 when playing this best slot online, you can still get an amazing prize. Other bonus rounds are also worth exploring, so make sure to give this online slot a try.

>> Play Shopping Spree now

2. Cyberpunk City at Cafe Casino – Highest Payout Online Slot Machine

• RTP: 96% 
• Theme: Cyberpunk
• Maximum win: 40,000x your stake
• Where to Play: Cafe Casino
• Bonus: 350% up to $2,500

Cyberpunk City is one of the best slots to play online for real money that lets you travel to the future and visit the streets of a dismal place.

Some of its best features include free spins, a random progressive jackpot, and growing wilds.

Hitting the Cyber and Punk scatters on reels 1 and 5 in the same spin will activate 10 bonus spins, which may be retriggered a few times.

You also have the chance to hit a $10,000 jackpot, so keep an eye on the jackpot value displayed at the top of your screen.

>> Play Cyberpunk City

3. Cat Kingdom at Slots.lv – Highest RTP Online Slot Game

• RTP: 96.05%
• Theme: Animals
• Maximum win: 1882x your stake
• Where to Play: Slots.lv
• Bonus: 3,000 welcome package + 30 free spins

Cat Kingdom is a popular release from Radi8 — not a very famous software company. Let’s have a closer look at why this online slot made our list of the best slots to play online for real money.

Some might consider this a con; however, the gameplay of this online slot is so exciting that you will change your mind in a second.

The game features a 96.05% RTP. That being said, from a $100 bet, you can get $96.05 back on average.

There are 243 different ways to hit the winning combination. With a special bonus feature, players can get up to 30 free spins and boost their performance.

>> Play the Cat Kingdom slot now

4. Woodlanders at BetOnline – Best Online Slots Graphics

• RTP: 96.06%
• Theme: Magic 
• Maximum win: 3784x your stake 
• Where to Play: BetOnline
• Bonus: 100 welcome spins

Woodlanders is one of the best online slots from Betsoft. Even though this real money slot was created relatively recently, its high-quality artwork made it an instant success in the online gambling industry.

This slot game transports you to a magical woodland teeming with fairies.

As our slot review shows, the Woodlanders slot is played on five reels and has a total of 50 paylines. Free spins, Wild Symbols, and Stacked Mystery Symbols are the bonus features you can activate while playing.

>> Play Woodlanders for free or real money

5. Nine Realms at Slots of Vegas – Best Online Slot Bonus Features

• RTP: 96%
• Theme: North American
• Maximum win: 2,500x your stake
• Where to Play: Slots of Vegas
• Bonus: Welcome package of $2,500 + 50 bonus spins

If you are into online slots real money games that offer active gameplay with exciting visuals, you should definitely try Nine Realms.

The grid is located in the midst of a burned-out field, and the sky showcases the kaleidoscope of strange colors.

The maximum payout of this real money slot game is 2,500x the initial stake.

So, betting as little as $5 can help you win up to $12,500 from just a single spin. Nine Realms has a classic 5×3 grid. However, it can expand to 7×6 after triggering bonus games. Overall, it’s one of the best slot bonus games with excellent bonus rounds!

>> Play Nine Realms

Different Types of Online Slots Games to Play

There are various types of slot machines you can play at the best live casinos. Understanding the difference between each one will help you decide where to put your money, as well as which ones could increase your chances of winning and make playing real slots online more exciting.

Three-Reel Slots

Three-reel slots are also known as classic slots. As you’d expect, they consist of 3-reels! They usually have fruits like oranges and lemons on their reels, but they don’t typically have too many bonus features. 

Five-Reel Slots

You can already tell, five-reel slots are a different form of the classic three-real slot machine in that they come with five reels. They’re also known as classic slots, and – like three-reel slots – they generally have fruit symbols on their reels.

Multi-Payline and Multi-Reel Slots

Multi-payline slots might have three reels, but they might also have more. They’re more complex than classic slots, which is why they’re not typically suited for beginners. 

Paylines range between 9 and 100, and they’re sometimes vertical and diagonal – or even zig-zagged (unlike classic slots, which are always horizontal). There are more symbols, too, and the symbols aren’t limited to fruit but instead incorporated different images related to the slots main theme.

Video Slots

Video slots are a little bit different than classic slots in that they have more multimedia, which makes them a little bit more visually appealing. They’re ideal for anyone who wants their slot machines to look and feel exciting and who enjoys the whole online slot experience.

There is a wide range of popular video slots available at all the top online slots sites, and they sometimes come with more paylines and reels than 3-reel slots, as well as extra levels and bonus features.

3D Slots

World class iGaming developers like Microgaming have been creating 3D slots for the last few years. While these are harder to find than regular video slots, you will still find them at some of the best online casinos.

3D slots improve the overall iGaming experience with enhanced graphics, better sounds, and more realistic animations. They sometimes have more interesting themes and storylines, too, but there isn’t really any difference when it comes to things like the RTP and the number of paylines.

Progressive Slots

Progressive slots – also known as progressive jackpot slots – are a popular type of online slot machine because the total jackpot increases each time a player doesn’t score a win.

For example, if you played a progressive jackpot slot and didn’t win, your stake is added to the pot, as is the stake placed by the next player who also doesn’t win.

Over time, the jackpot accumulates until, eventually, someone wins it all.

Progressive jackpots vary in size. Some range in the low thousands, while other jackpot slots games offer $1,00,000+ jackpots. 

Branded Slots

Ever played The Mask slot game? Or Popeye? Or how about Monopoly Megaways slot machines?

These are all examples of branded slot games, and you’ve probably noticed a common thread by now – they’re all based on existing multimedia, such as movies and TV shows. Branded slots are created by reputable online slot developers like NetEnt, who acquire a license that allows them to use characters and names from various intellectual properties (like movies).

They’re popular because players recognize the characters, and this also helps to build an extra level of trust. Some branded slots are also progressive jackpot slots, but most are 3, 4, or 5-reel slot games that feature a traditional format, as well as various paylines and bonus rounds.

Best Sites to Play Slots Online for Real Money

Not sure if the best online slots we reviewed above are the right games for you? Keep reading to find out what else these slot casinos have in store for you.

1. Ignition – Best Online Slots Site Overall 

Pros: 

• Up to $3,000 welcome bonus
• 25x wagering requirements
• Powered by RTG 
• 24/7 customer support
• Great mobile compatibility

Cons: 

• E-wallets are not supported
• Must log in to view all games

Ignition is one of the best real money casinos, especially if you want to play online slot games.

Created in 2016 by Beauford Media B.V., this online casino makes a comfortable gambling space with generous bonuses and low-wagering requirements.

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.85/5

New players at this online slots site can claim up to a $3,000 crypto welcome package. This is for both the online casino and poker sections.

Once you make a minimum deposit of $20 via crypto, you can claim a 150% match up to $1,500 twice, which is more than enough for you to explore your favorite titles.

This offer is subject to 25x wagering requirements. Considering that this is below the industry average, you can quickly claim your winnings.

If you decide to stick to Ignition, you can join the special Ignition Rewards club. The more you play, the more points you get, which can later be exchanged for cash prizes.

If you are looking for the certain best online slot to play, we are sure you’ll find it here, as the variety is excellent. And you can use some excellent bonuses for those slot games.

Payment Options: 4.9/5 

Being one of the best online slots sites, it supports a total of 8 banking methods. In our Ignition Casino review, we were happy to discover that it’s equally flexible for both crypto and fiat currency users.

To make deposits and withdrawals using digital coins, you can choose from Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Voucher are also available.

Once you play slots online and win big, you can withdraw your winnings via crypto in less than 24 hours.

Using Bitcoin comes with no additional fees, which is another significant advantage of using it.

2. Cafe Casino – Best Bonus to Play Online Slots

Pros:

• $2,500 sign-up bonus
• Excellent mobile compatibility
• 24/7 live chat support
• Withdrawals in 1 hour
• Demo mode available

Cons:

• Transaction fees for non-crypto payments
• Some games not available on mobile

If you are seeking a reputable and trustworthy online slot casino, this is the place for you.

Online slot games at Cafe Casino are provided by industry-leading software companies. You can also explore a great range of progressive jackpot slots and claim generous promotions.

Slot Selection: 4.9/5

Playing online slots has never been easier than at Cafe Casino. Here, you can go for different categories, including classic, video, or jackpot slots – all the best online casino games you would want to play!

Each of them displays a good selection of slot machines, with Oasis Dreams, Luxe 555, and Monster Manor being the most popular ones.

If you are searching for a specific title, you can use a special search button that is located in the left corner of the website.

What we love the most about Cafe Casino is its excellent mobile compatibility. That said, you can enjoy your favorite online casino games whenever you want to from iOS and Android devices.

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.8/5

New players at this best online slots site can get 2 variations of welcome bonuses.

Once you deposit with Bitcoin, you can claim a 350% match up to $2,500.

Credit card deposits, on the other hand, unlock a 250% match up to $1,500. Either way, both of these can help you win big.

Thankfully, the promotions section has other exciting offers as well.

For instance, each friend you invite to the platform can help you claim a $100 referral bonus. And, you can get an extra $25 if their first deposit is made using BTC.

There are weekly mystery bonuses available for all players, so don’t forget to check them out to get exclusive perks for playing slots online.

Payment Options: 4.85/5

The banking options available at this online casino for the best slots are diverse enough to appeal to the majority of players.

Nevertheless, the online casino should include a few additional banking methods to appeal to a larger audience.

You can use Mastercard, Visa, Bitcoin, and Ethereum for deposits and withdrawals, among others. The withdrawal times are the fastest with digital coins and go up to 1 hour max.

There are different limits for each method. For instance, the maximum you can get for crypto transactions once every 3 days per coin is $2,500.

3. Slots.lv – Top Jackpot Games of All the Best Real Online Slots Sites

Pros:

• $3,000 + 30 FS welcome package
• 10 Hot Drop jackpots
• Flawless instant-play feature
• Fastest payout casino with 1-hour withdrawals
• Over 250 slot machines

Cons:

• Some games are only available in downloadable version
• Not the best option for other games besides slots

Slots.lv is another high-quality gambling site for playing the best online slots. This site boasts some of the best Hot Drop jackpots; however, you can also play other exciting online casino games.

Boosting your journey with a $3,000 welcome bonus is one of the many perks you will get here.

Slot Selection: 4.8/5

As you might have already guessed from the casino’s name, online slot games are the main priority.

That’s why you can enjoy around 250 high-quality titles here, including Hot Drop jackpots.

A Night with Cleo, Year of the Rabbit, and Reels of Fortune are the titles that can help you win up to several thousand dollars from just a single spin.

The site also displays hourly and daily jackpot prizes for these titles. For instance, right now, the highest jackpot equals $77,280.

Classic slots are also available, and there is a separate section for the newest games. By checking them out, you can enhance your online gambling journey and make it more diverse. There are many other games here as well, including online roulette, blackjack, and more!

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.75/5

Do you know a lot of online slot casinos that have a $3,000 welcome bonus for new players? Slots.lv is the only one that does.

This promotion is created for crypto players. And, in addition to the deposit match, you’ll also get 30 free spins.

Fiat currency players won’t be disappointed as well.

If you make a payment using credit cards, you will get up to a $2,000 welcome bonus – and instead of the 30 free spins of the crypto bonus, you’ll be eligible for 20 spins.

Payment Options: 4.7/5

Slots.lv is not much different from the online slots sites we described above.

Players can make deposits and withdrawals using 8 methods, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Tether, Litecoin, Ethereum, Visa, Mastercard, and Amex.

Withdrawals with digital coins take up to 1 hour, which is super comfortable.

Bank Wire and credit cards will take longer, but if you ever have a payment issue, you can always contact a 24/7 available customer support team.

We were a little disappointed to discover that the page for payment methods is not available until you log in or create a casino account. But you can still find the info in the FAQ section.

4. BetOnline – Best Casino Slots Online Tournaments with Huge Prizes

Pros:

• 100 free spins welcome bonus
• Powered by Betsoft
• Frequent slot tournaments
• 19 secure payment options
• Flawless instant-play feature
• Close to 1,000 slots

Cons:

• Credit card fees
• Better bonuses for crypto users

BetOnline is mainly known for sports betting options; however, not everyone knows that it is one of the best sites for online slots real money games.

In its casino section, you can have fun playing hundreds of real-money slot games with different themes and visuals. Let’s see what makes it one of the best slot sites 2025 has to offer!

Slot Selection: 4.7/5

Since there are so many real money slots available at BetOnline, it might be challenging for you to find the best ones.

Our team of experts tried hundreds of titles, and the top 3 games on the list included Joker City, Lucky Gems, and The Golden Inn. These slots come with excellent visuals and amazing bonus games.

These slots for real money come with excellent visuals and amazing bonus games.

The majority of titles are provided by Betsoft Gaming — the company that was founded in 1999 and is known for having one of the best gaming portfolios.

However, the best thing about BetOnline remains its slot tournaments.

For example, you can join a special $25,000 slot scramble, which gives players a chance to win up to $100 if they make it to the top of the list. There are many other games you can play here, and you can also find some live casino games if you are into that!

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.6/5

The welcome bonus at BetOnline offers newcomers 100 free spins with 0x wagering requirements. That sounds fair, right?

In order to get it, you need to make the first qualifying payment at the site. After that, the site will give you 10 spins a day for the following 10 days.

Payment Options: 4.65/5

As our BetOnline review shows, to start playing real money slot games, choose from 19 payment options. The list covers everything, including credit cards, prepaid cards, e-wallets, and digital coins.

Each method comes with its own rules, so make sure to check them out. For instance, if you go for Bitcoin, you will get your money in 1 hour and won’t pay any additional fees.

However, withdrawals with wire transfers usually take from 3 to 5 business days. It’s essential to check these beforehand to have the smoothest gambling experience possible.

5. Slots of Vegas – Best Online Slots Casino for Crypto

Pros:

• Up to $2,500 welcome bonus + 50 FS
• Free slots
• Excellent VIP club
• 8 banking methods, including Bitcoin 
• 24/7 live chat
• One of the best mobile slot sites

Cons:

• The website design can be improved
• Relatively new site

Slots of Vegas is another website that mostly concentrates on online slot machines.

Here, you can discover over 300 games with the best casino bonuses and secure payment options. Most players enjoy this online slots casino for its rewarding VIP program.

Slot Selection: 4.6/5

There are many reasons why playing slot games for real money at Slots of Vegas is a good idea. First of all, you can look for your favorite titles using a special search bar, which is super comfortable.

Second of all, you can play the best free online slots here! Once you put your cursor on a specific game, it will show the “Try Game” button. After that, the game’s demo version will be loaded, and you don’t even have to create an account to play it. 

Besides Nine Realms, we also enjoyed playing Sweet 16 Blast, Twister Wilds, and Egyptian Gold.

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.5/5

The welcome package at Slots of Vegas allows you to play slots for real money slots with up to a $2,500 welcome bonus paired with 50 free spins.

The first time you make a minimum deposit of $30, you will get a 250% match up to $2,500.

There are other exciting offers for table games, and you should also check the VIP program if you decide to become a loyal player.

Payment Options: 4.5/5

There are a total of 8 banking options supported at Slots of Vegas, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, Visa, and Mastercard, among others.

The minimum deposit amount for each deposit option is $25, except for Ethereum and Tether. In that case, you will have to pay at least $50, according to our Slots of Vegas review.

Players cannot withdraw over $2,000 in a single transaction, which can be a little discouraging. But you can always discuss it with customer support or take your money in different amounts.

How to Choose the Best Online Slots Sites in the US

Here’s how you can easily pick the right casino for you, featuring both pay-to-play and free slot games!

Online Slot Selection

Since this guide is about online slot games, we paid the most attention to that. Our team of experts focused more on quality rather than quantity.

We also ensured that each online slot game had high RTPs, nice bonus games, and excellent visuals and sound effects. Now,  all you have to do is visit your favorite casino and find the best slots to play online for real money!

Bonuses and Promotions to Play Slots Online

Hitting the winning combination when playing online slots is an unforgettable feeling. But what if you do it using a bonus?

All the top slot sites on our list are equipped with generous welcome bonuses that come with reasonable and fair terms and conditions. Some of them include free spins as well. So, why not use bonuses for the best slot machines to play online?

Payment Options & Speed

Once you are ready to play online slots for real money, you want to make sure that deposits and withdrawals are as comfortable as possible.

That’s why the online casinos we chose support multiple banking options, including cryptocurrencies, credit cards, and e-wallets for online slot machines for real money.

There is a lot of diversity, so you can select the one that best suits your preferences. If you are after the fastest payout online casinos, make sure to consider our top picks.

Types of Bonuses for Casino Slots Online 

One of the exciting perks of playing at the best online slots casinos are the generous bonus offers. Check out some of the kinds of bonuses you can expect from trusted slot providers!

Welcome Bonuses

Many mobile slots casino sites showcase welcome packages to new customers to encourage them to begin playing online casino games. One great example is Ignition Casino, which features an attractive welcome bonus of up to $3,000 for first-time players.

Free Spins 

A lot of online casinos also bundle bonus spins together with their welcome packages, while others offer completely free spins without requiring you to shell out a dime initially. Some casino platforms also have bonus spins slots games that let both new and regular players spin for free.

Match Bonuses

Some of the best online slots casinos are willing to match your deposit with the same amount or sometimes even double or triple or more. For instance, Slots.lv features a 200% match up to $3,000, along with 30 bonus spins.

Cashback

There are also virtual casinos that provide cool cashback offers, meaning they will refund a part of the amount you lost at instant play slots or casino slot tournaments. Some crypto slot sites sweeten the deal further by providing bigger cashbacks for crypto users.

How to Play Real Money Slots Online: A Beginner’s Guide

Do you want to try your luck playing the best slots online? Check out a step-by-step guide for our top pick: Ignition.

Step 1: Create an Account

• Visit the official website of Ignition Casino and find the orange “Join” button.
• Fill in your personal information and proceed.

Step 2: Verify Your Email

• Check your email inbox and find the confirmation link sent from Ignition.
• Follow the link so your account is verified.

Step 3: Make the First Deposit

• When you log in, find the “Cashier” button.
• Choose your favorite banking option.
• Make the first deposit and claim your welcome bonus.

Step 4: Play Online Slot Games!

• Navigate to the Slots category or choose a game from the home page.
• That’s it! Now you can start playing online casino games.

Tips & Tricks for Playing Online Slots

Although there are no specific rules you can follow to win real money slots, here are some suggestions to help you perform better while playing some of the top slots we’ve listed.

• Try Demo Mode: While slots seem straightforward, it is better to try them for free before you play slots with real money. That way, you will get familiar with the gameplay and only start spinning when you feel ready. As a top slot site, your casino of choice should allow you to play them in demo mode!
• Bet Within Limits: Slots are a lot of fun, and one can easily lose track of time while playing them. That’s why you must set a budget limit and only bet money you can afford to lose.
• Go For High RTPs: The average RTP level for slot games is 96%. We advise you not to go for titles below that, so you have the highest chance of winning. Even the newest slot sites have high RTP games! 

Best Online Slots: FAQs

Get the basics down pat about the best payout online slots before you keep spinning those reels.

What is the Best Online Slot Game?

Shopping Spree at Ignition Casino is the best online slot game at the moment. 

It comes with the possibility to win up to several thousand dollars, mystery bonus rounds, and excellent graphics, visuals, and sound effects. So, take one more look at our top picks to play for real money slots.

Can I Play Online Slots on Mobile? 

Yes, you can play slots from your smartphone at most slot machine sites.

Some real casino sites even develop real money slots apps so you can gamble more comfortably.

If there is no application, you can always play at your favorite gambling sites using a mobile browser – most of the new online casinos offer mobile games.

Do Online Slots Sites Offer Free Slots? 

Yes, most online slots sites offer free slots in the so-called practice or demo mode.

If you are looking forward to playing free slots, check Slots of Vegas Casino or Cafe Casino – both of which let you enjoy titles in the demo mode without creating an account.

Comparing the Top 5 Best Online Slots Real Money Sites

Want to know why you should be excited about playing at the top 5 online slots casinos on our list? Here’s a short recap:

• Ignition: This is the best destination to start playing real money slots. Ignition lets you enjoy some of the best titles with the possibility of grabbing a combined $3,000 welcome bonus. An excellent option for top slots to play!
• Cafe Casino: If you enjoy playing online slots from your smartphone, then you should try Cafe Casino. Withdraw your winnings in up to 1 hour, and don’t forget to claim a $2,500 crypto bonus. 
• Slots.lv: Hot Drop jackpots are one of the most popular casino games that let you claim up to several thousand dollars from a single spin, and they are one of Slots.lv’s best features. Enjoy your $3,000 welcome package paired with 30 bonus spins once you sign up here!
• BetOnline: Do you want to join different tournaments and compete with others while playing your favorite titles? BetOnline is a must-check casino site. Get your 100 free spins welcome bonus and start playing now!
• Slots of Vegas: This online casino offers a good variety of Bitcoin slots for everyone who enjoys betting with digital coins. Grab its exciting promotions, including a $2,500 welcome package plus 50 free spins, and play the best slot machine online games!

So, What Are the Best Slots to Play Online for Real Money?

You won’t be able to find a better place than Ignition to discover top slot games like Shopping Spree.

At this casino site, you will explore amazing bonuses, enjoy excellent mobile compatibility, and reach out to their helpful customer support service whenever you wish.

You can also look at the other nine options on our list since they all have tremendous games and superb features. Still not sure which game to play? Make sure to take one more look at the best online slot machines reviews!

While winning real money slots feels amazing, you should always remember to gamble responsibly.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only.

Do you have a problem with gambling, or do you know someone that does? Regardless of what party it might be, it’s crucial to quickly get a hold of this situation by calling the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. When you call, you’re immediately transferred to an advisor on hand to give you the desired help needed to make gambling safer for you and your loved ones. That said, it’s crucial to remember that all gambling sites and guides are for those who are 18+ only.

Remember, casino sites listed in our reviews might not be accessible in your region. As a result, it’s necessary to check local laws and regulations to see whether online gambling is legal or not.

For resources free gambling addiction resources, visit these organizations:

• https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
• https://www.ncpgambling.org/
• https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/

The post 2025’s Best Online Slots: Top Real Money Slot Games With 96%+ RTP appeared first on College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects - Baseball America.

It happens to everyone at Baseball America. A scout is describing a player’s skills, breaking down a kid’s tools and potential and mindset, and every 10 words or so starts speaking in a tongue so foreign — “chicken-winger” . . . “cankles”. . . “snap dragon” — that you long for an English-to-scout dictionary. Laughs Dodgers scouting director Logan White, “My sister would ask me when I talked about my job, ‘What the heck are you saying?’ She had no idea.”

We know the same thing happens to you when you’re reading BA. To appease the desperate cries, we hereby present the Baseball America Scouting Dictionary, the first time all important scouting terms have been brought together in one handy-dandy, clip-and-save resource. The Baseball America staff came up with all of our favorites, and then Senior Writer Alan Schwarz surveyed dozens of scouts to gather the list of the best 100 terms, from the relatively mundane to the laughably esoteric. He relied on 11 experts to put together the actual dictionary, which we will post on BaseballAmerica.com for ready reference, and supplement regularly with terms submitted by other scouts.

A special thanks to our panel of helpful scout-lexicographers, in alphabetical order: Mike Arbuckle (Phillies); Al Avila (Tigers); Eddie Bane (Angels); Doug Carpenter (Indians); Dan Jennings (Marlins); Deacon Jones (Orioles); Deric Ladnier (Royals); Doug Mapson (Giants); Logan White (Dodgers); Mickey White (Marlins); and Jack Zduriencik (Brewers). They took hours to define the terms and develop the sentences illustrating them. Hey, beats explaining themselves every few minutes to baffled family members, right?

-a·bil·i·ty suffix: applied to an action, implying competence or skill in a certain area of the game, i.e., pitchability, hittability, catchability; term often considered not very useful on scouting reports because it lacks detail and explanation. “Jason Repko and Albert Pujols both have hittability — but what kind of hittability are you talking about? It can mean many things.” (Logan White)

arm ac·tion n: the tendency to pitch a ball with the proper arm mechanics, such as to impart strength and leverage in the most efficient and safest possible manner. “Arm action is really hard to define — I have to admit, it’s very murky. It’s kind of like the Supreme Court and obscenity — you know it when you see it.” (Eddie Bane)

Bar·ney Rub·ble n: 1 short and stocky, as in the Flintstones character 2 slightly dopey-looking. “Matt Stairs is kind of a Barney Rubble. Not too many guys make it with that kind of body.” (Anonymous)

base clog·ger n: a runner whose lack of speed and/or baserunning skill routinely keeps him from advancing from first to third on a single or scoring from first on a double. “Jim Thome can really hit, but he’s definitely a base-clogger.” (Deric Ladnier)

bat·boy adj: unimpressively scrawny and skinny. “When you see a guy with a batboy body they look like they should be carrying the ballbag, not actually playing. But middle infielders with batboy bodies usually can get playably stronger with weight training.” (Doug Carpenter)

be·hind prep: positioned with one’s fingers on the backside of the ball, rather than under, over or off to the side of it, thus imparting greater force and accuracy. “An outfielder always wants to stay behind the ball. If you’re an infielder, say a second baseman, it’s not as important because you can make up for it with good footwork and a quick release.” (Jack Zduriencik)

big eat·er n: a hitter who will hit for outright power rather than slash balls down the line or into gaps; often applied to separate different types of corner infielders. “Paul Konerko was a big eater in high school in Scottsdale — you knew he was gonna hit for real power. Todd Helton was a good hitter, but not necessarily a big eater.” (Eddie Bane)

blood·lines  n: pedigree; being related to another accomplished baseball player or athlete, usually a parent. “A lot of people love it if a kid has good bloodlines, but the first question should be whether the guy can play. Genetics don’t always play out.”(Mickey White)

boat race n: a blowout, often leaving scouts unable to properly gauge the ability of the winning side’s starting pitcher; derives from America’s Cup competitions won by five or more miles. “I hate boat races, like games in Oklahoma that get called after five innings, because you don’t really get a good look at the guy you came to see.” (Eddie Bane)

bor·ing adj: driving down into the lower part of the strike zone, as in a drill; to move with heavy sink and lateral movement. “Carlos Zambrano’s sinker has incredible boring action, particularly down and in to righthanders.” (Mike Arbuckle) — bore v syn heavy

bow-and-ar·row adj: applied to a pitching motion, one where the pitcher pulls the ball out the glove directly behind his ear rather than in the proper circle, i.e. Keith Foulke. “Bow-and-arrow guys create deception, because the ball his hidden and then — surprise! Here it is.” (Doug Carpenter)

cak·ey adj: of a body type that is particularly soft and spongy, as in a pound cake. “Guys who are cakey are not quite doughy, but they’re getting there.” (Dan Jennings)

can·kles n pl: a pairing of ankles and calves that show no distinguishing musculature features, as if they were one body part. “Guys with cankles are usually horrendous middle infielders — their first step is usually slow, so they’re destined to be corner infielders.” (Dan Jennings)

car·ry n: extra distance an outfielder’s throw travels, seemingly longer than otherwise expected. “Some players, their good carry means their throws stay in the air longer. It’s a good thing. If you have too much arc, it’s tough to have good carry.” (Jack Zduriencik)

cast v: to lead with one’s elbow while delivering a breaking ball, leaving the hand too far behind the arm and decreasing the potential to impart power spin. “Jason Johnson didn’t get out in front of his breaking ball last night — he slowed his arm and casted his curveballs.” (Mike Arbuckle)

cei·ling n: the maximum level of skill to which a player or prospect can conceivably develop at his peak; syn upside. “Delmon Young’s physical tools allow him to have the ceiling of a frontline all-star caliber player for years.” (Mike Arbuckle)

cheat v: primarily regarding a hitter’s approach to fastballs, to stride and swing too early in anticipation of a fastball, and in so doing leaving one unable to adjust to anything offspeed. “You see hitters cheating when they don’t have the bat speed to catch up to good fastballs — otherwise they’ll be tardy and kill someone in the opposing dugout.” (Doug Carpenter)

close the gap v: to cut off hits to the outfield that might otherwise reach the left- or right-center field walls. “Devon White could really close the gap, because he had the speed, first-step quickness and angle management.” (Jack Zduriencik)

come·back adj: as in a pitch, moving from a few inches inside over the plate at the final moment. “Greg Maddux has a comeback fastball — lefthanded hitters flinch at it because it starts right at them but it breaks back over the plate.” (Deric Ladnier)

com·mand  n or v 1 : the ability to throw pitches at the intended spots within the strike zone 2 to exhibit command. “Control is the ability to throw strikes — command is the ability to throw quality strikes.” (Curt Schilling)

com·pact adj: applied to either a swing or pitching motion, efficient and with no wasted movement. “Compact doesn’t necessarily mean quick, but it looks quick because there are shorter paths to what the player is doing.” (Logan White)

cush·ion v: to field a ball in such a relaxed way that it settles easily into the glove ready to be smoothly transferred to the throwing hand. “When a guy cushions the ball, he’s fielding it lovingly — it implies a confidence with what he’s doing. An ease.” (Deacon Jones)

cut off ex·ten·sion v: to deliver a pitch without the elbow too close to the body, impeding the proper exertion of force and follow-through. “We also call that having alligator arms — put your arm at your side and try to throw, you’ll see. When you cut off extension you don’t have your arm in the right place to deliver the ball.” (Doug Carpenter)

cut·ter n: a fastball that, because the fingers are held slightly off to the side, breaks hard inside to lefties when thrown from a righthander or vice versa; a pitch that has speed of fastball but not quite the break of a slider. syn cut fastball. “Mariano Rivera has the best cutter out there — he throws it to lefties and boom, it’s right in on their hands.” (Jack Zduriencik)

D·F·E abbrev v or n 1 : draft, follow and evaluate 2 : a player selected as a draft-and-follow or recommended for that path; syn DNF (draft and follow).

dart-throw·er n: a pitcher who excessively aims the ball, implying some hesitancy or timidity. “Vern Ruhle used to be a dart-thrower for me, but then he got a little more confidence and let it go.” (Deacon Jones)

down·hill adj: applied to a pitcher, throwing the ball from the highest release point possible, thereby applying a steeper angle to the pitch and giving the impression of extra downward movement; does not necessarily imply an over-the-top delivery. “Throwing downhill makes it harder to hit the baseball — Roy Oswalt does it really well for a smaller guy, and Curt Schilling’s another example.” (Jack Zduriencik)

draft-and-fol·low n: a player who, after being selected in the amateur draft, elects to attend junior college, thereby allowing his drafting club to continue to evaluate and perhaps sign him until a week before the following draft; practice eliminated by new draft rules as of 2007. “I liked Andy Pettitte out of high school but thought he’d be better off spending a year filling out in junior college, so I put him down as a draft-and-follow.” (Dan Jennings)

draft·i·tis n: an affliction whereby a draft-eligible player withers under scouts’ scrutiny and fails to display the skills he once did. “Ryan Howard had draftitis at Southwest Missouri, but the joke was on me. I allowed myself not to see him because we’d heard he was so bad.” (Mickey White)

drop-and-drive n: the tendency for a pitcher to plant his lead leg and flex at the knee such that his body gets very low to the ground while delivering the ball; connotes power pitcher such as Tom Seaver, though is used less positively today because drop-and-drive pitchers often have difficulty staying on top of the ball. “Roy Oswalt is an example of a drop-and-drive pitcher, but there aren’t that many today. It’s more stay tall and fall.” (Mike Arbuckle)

Eck·stein n: 1 a player, often undersized, who has seemingly little physical ability but exhibits enough desire and hustle to remain a prospect 2 a player who after reaching the major leagues is a surprisingly difficult out. “Placido Polanco is an Eckstein — a pain in the ass player who keeps coming at you, a get-dirty type guy. Chone Figgins is, too.” (Deacon Jones)

fence shy adj: applied to an outfielder or corner infielder, having a tendency to give up on fly or foul balls at the wall for fear of a collision; cautious. “Aaron Rowand will always sacrifice his body to make a catch. Other guys are more fence shy and are afraid of getting hurt.” (Jack Zduriencik)

five o·clock hit·ter n: a hitter who shows tremendous power but only in batting practice, unable to carry it over against game-speed pitching. “Russell Branyan was a notorious five o’clock hitter, but he has turned the corner.” (Mike Arbuckle)

five-tool play·er n: a position player who exhibits all five of the primary physical skills required of them, i.e., hitting for average and power, running, fielding and throwing. “Derrek Lee in his good years was a five-tool player. That sounds strange for a first baseman, but he can actually do everything.” (Logan White)

frame v: as in a catcher, to receive pitches just on or off the strike zone in such a manner as to convince the umpire that the pitch was a strike; to smoothly bring such pitches over the plate. “All good major league catchers frame the ball — it’s a must. Mike Piazza has a below-average arm, but he frames pitches well so he helps his pitchers that way.” (Doug Mapson)

frin·gy adj: on the borderline of being useful in the major leagues; slightly worse than playable. “You find a lot of guys who have two above-average pitches, but their changeup is fringy.” (Mike Arbuckle)

gap-to-gap adj: having the tendency to hit doubles and triples to left-center and right-center fields, rather than shooting balls down the lines; implies limited power as much as good speed. “Craig Biggio had some power in his prime, but he was more of a gap-to-gap hitter — and a good one.” (Mike Arbuckle)

good/bad face n: 1 having an either strong or weak chin 2 having a face that implies athleticism or a hard-nosed attitude toward sports; primarily used by older rather than younger scouts. “You sometimes have to fight to get some scouts past a guy with a bad face. I thought it was crazy, but there’s something to it. You see almost no one in the big leagues with a bad face.” (Eddie Bane)

gid·dy-up n: the tendency for a fastball to appear as if it explodes or rises as it crosses the plate, an illusion often caused by a smooth delivery that hides how fast the pitch will be. “Joel Zumaya had a good fastball in high school, but it didn’t have the incredible giddy-up that it has now.” (Al Avila) syn late life

hap·py feet n pl : the tendency for a hitter moving his feet in the batter’s box as if to start toward first base while making contact, often too early to remain in proper batting position. “Ichiro is one of the few hitters who has the hand-eye coordination to get away with having happy feet.” (Deric Ladnier)

heavy adj: 1 as in a pitch, having hard downward action that will often rattle the bat in a hitter’s hands 2 accentuated forceful movement, perhaps laterally. “You love to see guys with heavy action on their pitches, because when they get to the plate they overbear on hitters.” (Doug Carpenter)

heavy-legged adj: running with a laboring stride and effort; has less to do with weight or musculature of legs than the lack of grace or efficiency a runner exhibits. “It’s really hard to find a catcher who isn’t heavy-legged. That’s one of the things that make Jason Kendall and Joe Mauer special.” (Doug Mapson)

hitch n: a hitting trigger in which the batter drops his hands up or down rather than back, keeping him from starting his swing properly. “Matt Williams had a huge hitch coming out of UNLV, but had the hand-eye coordination and strength to make it work for him.” (Doug Mapson)

in·stincts  n pl: the trait in some players to immediately determine what will happen on the field, as if knowing in advance; usually applied in judging whether a fly ball will drop or be caught, anticipating pitch sequences or in defensive positioning. “A player with good instincts will already be moving toward a ground ball because of the pitch or the bat angle. Mark Kotsay is a guy who doesn’t have one tool that stands out but his instincts make the whole package.” (Al Avila)

KP abrev: can’t play; opposite of CP (can play). “When we put down KP for an amateur, that won’t even be an organizational player — even Triple-A or Double-A. He’s probably just a college player. No interest.” (Logan White)

kill zone n: the area of the strike zone in which a hitter or pitcher enjoys particular success. “Dave Winfield’s kill zone was away from him because his arms were so long. You wanted to try to bust him in, like Derek Jeter.” (Mickey White) syn wheelhouse (for hitters)

life n: movement of a pitch, but only within the strike zone. “Life can be run, cut, ride, sink — it’s that little extra surge of movement.” (Al Avila)

lift n: the tendency to swing in such a manner as to give batted balls consistent loft and therefore distance. “Robin Ventura was one of the best college hitters I ever saw — you knew that when he learned to add some loft, he would really hit some home runs.” (Jack Zduriencik)

load n: a hesitation in a windup in which the pitcher stays back before starts his full delivery, often helping him keep consistent mechanics and release point. “Jered Weaver has great load — he stays back really long over the rubber. A lot of kids rush, especially out of the stretch.” (Eddie Bane)

long adj: applied to a swing, implies that the barrel of the bat takes an extended arc to the ball; opposite of short or compact. “If you have a long swing it’s tough to make work, unless you have the pure leverage and strength of a Richie Sexson or Mark McGwire.” (Doug Mapson)

loo·py adj: lacking the proper bite and sharpness, as in a breaking ball, implying a soft, predictable arc. “It’s very hard to have a plus loopy curveball. Guys make money hitting loopy into the upper deck.” (Doug Carpenter) syn flippy

lose your ath·lete v: to suffer a decline in quickness and agility while physically maturing, as opposed to outright laziness. “It’s always disappointing when a great high school shortstop loses his athlete and has to wind up at first base.” (Logan White)

make·up n 1 : competitive maturity 2 : the ability to withstand adversity and distraction; focus. “We never had to worry about Scott Rolen becoming as good as he could be. His makeup was off the charts.” (Mike Arbuckle)

mar·lin n: a tale about a prospect that is hard to believe; fish story. “Art Stewart’s one of my favorite people in the world, but he’ll always say, ‘Right after you left, the kid hit two homers, one of them 600 feet!’ You just sit back and smile and go, ‘marlin’.” (Eddie Bane)

mus·cle v: 1 to impart a forced effort in either pitching or swinging 2 to use extra exertion. “Everyone will occasionally muscle the ball, but young guys don’t realize that it’s better to be free and easy. Their mechanics go out the window when they muscle it.” (Doug Carpenter)

NP abbrev: non-prospect; won’t reach the major leagues. “You want to use NP and other shorthand like that because people look over our shoulders in the stands, friends and parents, and you don’t want to crush a kid.” (Doug Carpenter) synKP

pa·ra·chute v: 1 : to float toward a target, as in an outfield throw without enough oomph behind it 2 : to fall out of the strike zone, as in a changeup. “Bernie Williams’s throws tended to parachute, but because of his instincts and accuracy his arm was playable.” (Doug Mapson)

ping hit·ter n: a weak hitter who doesn’t swing the bat or connect with any force or resulting power; term precedes aluminum bats, so does not necessarily imply aluminum-bat swing. “We’re not looking for ping hitters. We want guys who drive the ball with authority.” (Doug Mapson)

pitch re·cog·ni·tion n: 1 a hitter’s ability to identify the type and location of pitches almost immediately out of the pitcher’s hand 2 the act of adding the situation (man on third, one out, etc.) to the decision to swing. “You can tell that Albert Pujols has great pitch recognition because he has a balanced stride with his weight back, and he swings easy. He knows when a pitch isn’t a strike and won’t be fooled.” (Doug Carpenter)

plate dis·ci·pline n: the ability to not swing at pitches out of the strike zone, or pitches that are less hittable than those that might follow; syn strike-zone judgment. “Kevin Youkilis sees the ball immediately out of the pitcher’s hand — hitters with great discipline see and identify pitches very early.” (Mickey White)

play·able adj: perhaps below average but adequate enough to survive in the major leagues. “David Eckstein doesn’t have a strong arm at shortstop, but it’s playable because of his quickness and instincts.” (Doug Mapson)

plus adj: above average, usually compared to average major leaguer. “Derek Jeter had plus arm strength in high school — it was body control that he needed work on because he was growing into his frame.” (Mickey White)

plus-plus adj: far above average; outstanding. “Rafael Furcal has a plus-plus arm — he’s so fluid and has such great finish. The ball leaves his hand real easy and explodes at the end.” (Logan White); syn double-plus

plow·horse n: a player who grinds out solid performances after most would have expected them to let up. “Darin Erstad is a real plowhorse — he’s like a farmer who works in the field all day long.” (Deric Ladnier)

pop v: to select a player in the draft, often somewhat unexpectedly. “It’s hard to believe now, but when I popped Manny Ramirez in the first round in 1991, people were really surprised.” (Mickey White)

pop time n: the time (in seconds), on a stolen-base attempt, between the time that a pitch hits the catcher’s glove and when his throw hits the middle-infielder’s glove. “The typical pop time for major leaguers is two seconds flat, but Yadier Molina has an impressive pop time of about 1.85.” (Mike Arbuckle)

pop·eye v or n: 1 to elicit suspicion that a player is taking steroids or other illegal performance-enhancing substances 2 a player suspected of using such substances. “I gotta tell you, it’s not really hard to look at a player and see that he’s popeyeing you.” (Anonymous)

pull off v: to turn one’s shoulder toward third base (for a righthanded hitter) while batting, creating a hitting position that is too open and inside-oriented to reach an outside pitch. “Manny Ramirez and Derek Jeter never pull off the ball — they keep their head down and their hands back. That’s why they have so much power to right-center field.” (Deacon Jones)

quick·ness n: 1 the ability of a defensive player to take an immediate first step toward a ground or fly ball 2 the speed with which a basestealer can reach top speed toward the next base. “If you have first-step quickness, you’re going to get to balls faster than someone who is just really fast.” (Al Avila)

re·coil v orn: 1 to pull one’s pitching arm back toward the body after delivering the ball, often violently 2 the movement imparted while recoiling. “When pitchers recoil they think they’re getting more velocity, but they’re really not. Guys who recoil are usually max-effort guys — they’re not that smooth.” (Eddie Bane) syn bounceback

run n: the act of a pitch moving laterally, usually from righthanders inside on righthy hitters. “A cutter is the opposite of a runner because it moves inside to lefthanders. A righthanded runner breaks righthanded bats, because it runs in hitters’ hands while they try to shorten their swing.” (Dan Jennings)

sign·a·bil·i·ty n: the perceived chance that a draft pick will turn professional rather than enter or continue college. “Most area scouts worry too much about signability — they eliminate a guy because they assume he won’t sign, when that’s really the scouting director’s job to worry about.” (Mickey White)

slash·er n: a player who does not apply lift to the ball, instead surviving on hard ground balls and line drives; a player without power but with the speed and bat control to survive. “Willie McGee back in the day was a slasher. Kenny Lofton, too — he’ll shorten his swing and hit the ball the other way and run.” (Logan White) syn slapper

slot n, v or adj: 1 the angle the pitching arm makes to the ground or body while delivering the ball 2 to pay a draft pick a bonus that is comparable with what players picked around him received; implying such a bonus. “I think you change a pitcher’s slot only as a last measure — you’re messing with muscle memory, and sometimes they can’t go back to the old slot afterward.” (Logan White)

slurve n: a pitch that because of its speed and break acts halfway between a slider and a curveball. “Jeff Weaver changes speeds so much on his breaking ball it can come off as a slurve — there’s a 74-76-mph one that’s more like a curve and a 78-82-mph one that’s more like a slider.” (Deacon Jones) adj slurvy

snap dra·gon n: a particularly nasty curveball with a perfect snap of the wrist. “I took one look at that snap dragon and my knees buckled as much as the hitter’s.” (Dan Jennings); syn yakker, yellow hammer

solid-average adj: average, but with greater consistency than merely average would imply. “Dan Uggla has a solid-average arm at second base. It’s more reliable than a guy who’s just average. It’s more trustworthy.” (Doug Carpenter)

special player n: an amateur prospect who, because he is represented by Scott Boras and deemed by the agent to have particular promise, will probably cost a lot of money and time to get under contract. “Jered Weaver was a special player and was worth it. You don’t stay away from those guys in the draft, but it’s a consideration.” (Eddie Bane) syn icon player

stab·ber n: a pitcher who stops his motion soon after removing the ball from his glove and sticks his arm toward the ground away from his body; syn plunger or sweeper. “Very few stabbers have much success — it breaks the rhythm of their arm moving in a circle. Rick Sutcliffe was a little bit of one.” (Dan Jennings) stabv

stay tall and fall v: as in a pitcher, to remain primarily upright during his windup and let gravity take his body toward the plate rather than pushing off more strenuously lower to the ground. “A vast majority of pitchers today stay tall and fall. It’s an easier delivery.” (Mike Arbuckle)

throw ac·ross bo·dy v: to pitch in a manner where the arm must twist slightly to redirect the ball toward the plate, passing over the chest rather than being open and unimpeded; caused by, in the case of a righthander, the lead foot landing about three inches too far to the right, leaving the arm having to compensate for the pitch to travel toward the target. “We like guys to be closed a little bit, but when you throw across your body, you’re asking for arm trouble. Joe Kennedy is probably the most severe guy in the big leagues right now.” (Eddie Bane)

tight·ly wound adj: 1 having a cut and strong physique with almost no apparent fat; can imply inflexibility 2 having a uptight mental approach to the game; opposite of loose. “Baseball players who have played other sports can enter pro ball tightly wound, but they get looser the more they focus on the game.” (Jack Zduriencik)

tilt n: movement of a pitch, primarily a slider, which takes place late at the plate as it falls off the hitting plane. “Randy Johnson had just about the best tilt I’d ever seen. Francisco Liriano’s is pretty impressive, too.” (Dan Jennings)

tool n: a physical skill used on the baseball field, usually confined to position players as hitting for average, hitting for power, running, fielding and throwing. “When you’re scouting an amateur player, you want to see at least two above-average tools — because then you know the guy has a shot of being a major league regular.” (Logan White)

tool shed n: 1 a five-tool player 2 a player who exhibits not only the five traditional tools but others such as quickness and agility. “When you think about everything he could do, Bo Jackson was a tool shed. I felt honored to watch him play.” (Jack Zduriencik)

trans·fer n: the fielder’s act of taking the ball out of his glove and getting it in throwing position; applies to both infielders and outfielders. “Bill Mazeroski and Derek Jeter both had excellent transfers — both smooth without any wasted time at all.” (Jack Zduriencik)

trig·ger n: a hitter’s timing mechanism, in which he brings his hands back before moving forward in a hitting motion, that initiates the swing. “It’s impossible to get the bat going through the zone if you don’t have the proper trigger. You’re going to be late on the ball.” (Doug Mapson)

usa·bil·i·ty n: The capability of a prospect’s tool to actually be of use in game competition. “I’ve seen plenty of young pitchers with great fastballs but no usability, because they can’t control it.” (Dan Jennings)

wet-news·pa·per adj: Hitting with no authority, as if with a roll of damp newsprint. “When you see a wet-newspaper hitter, balls he hits have no sound. It’s just a thud and it doesn’t go anywhere.” (Deric Ladnier)

yel·low ham·mer n: An exceptionally good curveball. “When you see a kid in high school who can throw an 85-mph yellow hammer, one that starts at the shoulders and ends at the knees, you’re pretty excited.” (Deric Ladnier)

The post From The Archives: Baseball America’s Scouting Dictionary appeared first on College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects - Baseball America.

A smart idea at one new stadium—see Camden Yards in the early 1990s and its nod to past parks—is quickly adopted elsewhere. Well-designed group/picnic areas, table tops and open concourses went from cutting edge to standard practice quite quickly.

This year, new minor league ballparks have opened in Spartanburg, S.C. and Knoxville, Tenn. A near complete rebuild of a park in Columbus, Ga. also opened. Next year will see another wave of new ballparks in Richmond, Va., Wilson, N.C., Chattanooga, Tenn., Ontario, Calif. and Hillsboro, Ore. All of these are the first of the Professional Development League (PDL) era, replacing stadiums that were deemed unsuitable for upgrading to meet significantly increased facility requirements. They are stadiums built from the start to meet the stricter requirements, and as such, we’re seeing how stadiums have continued to adapt and change.

MiLB ballparks have largely been divided into a small number of eras. Because of the steady decline of the minor leagues in the 1960s, 70s and early 80s, many minor league teams were still playing in Works Progress Administration (WPA)-built, depression-era ballparks until the 1990s. Ballparks built in the 60s and 70s were rarities, as most teams largely operated in old ballparks that had received little more than modest maintenance for years.

The 1990 Professional Baseball Agreement (PBA) changed expectations. Major League Baseball pushed through increased facility standards in its agreement with Minor League Baseball. 

At the time, many MiLB owners thought the new requirements would be impossible to meet and that the PBA could kill the minors. Instead, numerous cities agreed to build new ballparks to meet the demands. Fans found new seats, improved bathrooms and concession areas much more inviting than ancient stadiums with sun-bleached bleachers and plenty of peeling paint. 

The PBA era showed how far stadiums had come over the preceding few decades. The building boom led to an attendance boom. And that led to a second building boom, because even the WPA-era stadiums that had been upgraded to meet the PBA standards soon found themselves left behind. Before long, they were replaced by newer stadiums. By 2021, 80% of MiLB full-season teams were playing in ballparks built after the 1990 PBA was adopted.

We won’t see that kind of building boom in the 2020s, but we are seeing a new wave of construction. With that in mind, Baseball America recently traveled to Fifth Third Park in Spartanburg to see the Hub City Spartanburgers’ new home and provide a look at what’s new in ballparks in the PDL era.

New Parks Are Roomier Than Ever

In the 21st century, stadiums have largely adopted a more open concourse design that allows fans to continue to see the field/game while walking around the stadium. But the concourses themselves were asked to do a lot, as they were both the main traffic arteries, spaces for concessions and a standing room area for fans taking in different views of the park. 

The idea remains an excellent one, but congestion often defeated some of the goals of these open concourse designs. The concourses were designed to encourage fans to check out the field from multiple angles and to wander around, but long lines and packed concourses discouraged getting up and exploring different areas of the park.

Much like the U.S. Interstate system, the answer has been to widen the traffic arteries. In Spartanburg’s Fifth Third Park (and other new designs), the concourses are extremely wide, allowing enough room for fans heading in either direction, plus room for small stand-up concession stands and their lines without halting traffic flow.

According to Hub City general manager Tyson Jeffers, feedback on the roomier layout has been positive.

“A comment that we’ve gotten a lot in these first two homestands of games is that, even with a full crowd, people still feel like they have space within the concourses to move about freely,” Jeffers said.

Concession Stands Are More Efficient & Fan-Friendly

In the WPA era, concession stands were afterthoughts. They were placed seemingly wherever there was space and plumbing. If stands caused traffic jams, so be it. 

The second wave of PBA-era stadiums fixed many of those problems but did so by putting the concession stands largely against the back walls of the concourses. An unintended result was the creation of new pinch points for traffic jams. Long lines meant fans were blocking other fans from crossing through the concourse. They also discouraged fans from making repeat trips to the concession stands.

Jeffers said the team was “really conscious” of potential foot traffic headaches in constructing the park.

“(With the concourse concessions) you might be making that person’s buying experience a little bit better while they’re waiting, but then you’re ruining someone else’s while they’re trying to get wherever they need to go,” Jeffers said, adding that the stadium’s property footprint helped make addressing traffic flow problems easier.

“It gave us the real estate to be able to do this. To be able to tuck (concessions) back beyond the concourse a little bit, create them in a marketplace style so that they flow a lot easier.”

Fifth Third Park puts the main concession stands into cutouts that extend off the back side of the concourse. Doing so ensures any lines are contained within the concession area without causing backups on the concourses. In the 1990s and 2000s, such construction would have meant fans couldn’t see the game. Today, television monitors line the area so fans can watch the broadcast if they don’t have a direct sightline to the field.

The concession stands themselves have also been updated. Traditional ballpark items such as popcorn, hamburgers and chicken sandwiches are self-serve fare.

“Each of those marketplaces have their own kitchen,” Jeffers said. “So they’re cooking hot food and just sliding it out. You’re grabbing it, you’re going. There’s always a little bit of fear about what happens when it sits there, but our food and beverage department has done an amazing job to make sure that they’re pushing it out when people need it. And those people can grab it and keep going.”

The grab-and-go setup reduces lines by allowing fans to quickly get their food, scan and pay at a self-checkout touch-screen display and then quickly return to their seats. The end effect, Jeffers said, is fans feel more comfortable in their decision to get up from game action to buy food.

“If you know you’re going to have to stand in line, you’re making a conscious decision of ‘Do I need that extra hot dog?’ You might say it’s not worth the minutes that I’m going to miss some of the game.”

For MiLB teams, in addition to increased concession stand sales, the marketplace layout may also reduce employee head count. Not dramatically, as the self-service food areas need continual restocking, and the self-pay kiosk area needs multiple employees supervising and helping any customers who have issues, but it’s a change from traditionally-staffed concession counters.

Parks Are Year-Round Facilities

It’s hard to imagine any team building a new park in the 2020s without a multi-purpose club-level area. Such a space can serve as an upscale restaurant/bar during games, but just as importantly, it provides an all-weather area for non-game day activities.

Spartanburg features a large club area on the second level that serves as a restaurant/bar/gathering place during games. It can also be used for conferences, wedding receptions, proms and most any other event a group could conceive. It has a full-service kitchen/bar as well as an outdoor patio area for events that want inside-outside versatility. In an era when teams are looking to increase the number of calendar dates the stadium is used, these types of multi-purpose areas are becoming must-haves in both new and retro-fitted ballparks.

“We’re providing an unbelievable experience and a top-tier experience for our fans at baseball games,” Jeffers said. “But then we have an amazing space that we can utilize on non-game days. And so we’re talking about our facility operating 365 days out of the year or as close to that as possible.

“Conferences coming in, chamber events, wedding receptions—all of those things. And it’s built in a way that one gives it the square footage and the layout to be able to accommodate those. But then it also has the technologies to be able to execute every type of event that you can think of.”

Seating Areas Are More Intimate

Under the old PBA rules, different MiLB levels had different seating requirements. A Triple-A stadium had to have 10,000 seats, a Double-A stadium required 6,000 and a Class A stadium needed 4,000. Those rules do not exist in the current PDL era, so individual teams can decide how big to build their stadium bowls.

Fifth Third Park’s seating bowl reflects this. The stadium has roughly 3,500 fixed seats, although group areas and berms mean up to 5,000 can get into the park.

“All of that was built intentionally to make sure that it always felt like that place is rocking and rolling every single night,” Jeffers said. “There was a stretch there in the 90s where people overbuilt. On July 4th, it’s great, but it makes your normal night crowd feel like it kind of loses something in exchange. To build for those anomaly games—opening night, the Fourth of July—you’re building for two days out of your year. We built for every day.”

There’s A Lot Fans Never See

Modern PDL requirements were focused on items for MiLB players, staff and player development. For example, the required size of visitor clubhouses was increased significantly. There must now be dining areas for the players. There must be bathrooms that are easily accessible from the dugouts.

Stadiums are required to have air-conditioned batting cages/pitching tunnels and enlarged weight rooms and storage space, as well as locker rooms for female staff and umpires.

Ballpark lighting and field requirements have also been increased.

These are non-negotiable requirements for both upgraded existing stadiums and new construction, so much of what’s been done in the bowels of a stadium will be similar to what’s been upgraded elsewhere. But with a new build, it’s possible to leave room for further expansion, new loading docks and other touches that may be tougher to add to an existing facility.

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Until he recently announced he was leaving to go to Aston Martin, Adrian Newey had created an almost unfair advantage for Formula 1’s Red Bull Racing. Newey has been acclaimed as a car designer who can “see air.” He has designed Formula 1 championship winning cars for three different teams. He’s seen it all. So when F1 adopted new rules for its cars for 2022, it was Newey’s skepticism and his ample real-life experience as a car designer that left other teams far behind.

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Anyone who has played organized baseball and taken a strike looking to start an at-bat has heard this phrase shouted. In split seconds, you have to identify a pitch and make a decision on where and how to swing. Hitting a baseball should be physically impossible, but a human’s innate ability to catalog based on muscle memory allows us to meet the plane of the ball’s trajectory based on learned experience. 

But what if a player could practice against any pitcher they’ll ever face before they face them? How much would this prepare a hitter for in-game at-bats? 

With the help of modern technology, hitters are preparing in exactly this way. 

Enter a new advanced pitching machine by a company out of Toronto: Trajekt Sports. Trajekt has revolutionized hitting training by creating the first pitching robot capable of replicating with video the exact pitch movement, velocity and release traits of every pitcher in professional baseball. 

On Trajekt’s website, they list 21 major league teams as clients. The device allows hitters to see pitches in a real way before facing any starter on a given night. Cardinals outfielder Brendan Donovan, a three-year MLB veteran, has utilized the machine in-season to prepare before games and get more comfortable against opponents.

“You get in the box (against the Trajekt) and it’s like ‘Give me the nastiest this guy can look,'” Donovan said. “Then you get in the box (in the game), and it’s like ‘I just hit off of this guy at his absolute best, I can handle this.’”

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The value of ‘seeing it’ still rings true, as Donovan pointed to his ability to do his homework against pitchers he hasn’t faced.

“If I’ve seen a guy before or multiple times I might not use it,” he said. “But if it’s someone I haven’t seen before I will because I want to know what his shapes look like.”

The challenge of adjusting to in-season changes or new pitches early in the season becomes easier with the assistance of the Trajekt according to Donovan. But he also warned against the potential for “overtraining” and stressed the challenge of the machine and its ability to allow players to deal with failure.

“I wouldn’t do it if you’re trying to feel good,” Donovan said. “I haven’t seen anybody who can go in there and just rake off of it.”

This is by design, as the goal of the machine is to challenge players in a competitive environment where they are designed to fail. This is what makes the technology of value to teams to the point that some clubs that have begun setting up Trajekt machines for their minor league affiliates.

One club confirmed as a client are the Red Sox. After demoing the technology a few years ago, Boston installed three Trajekt devices: one located in Fenway Park, one at the team’s Triple-A affiliate in Worcester and one at the team’s training complex in Fort Myers, Florida. 

Director Of Player Development Brian Abraham highlighted the organization’s desire to incorporate the technology across all levels, not just the MLB team.

“We felt like the investment was worth it,” Abraham said. “People we hire are, one, familiar with (Trajekt) and, two, really believe in competitive, challenging types of training.”

The Red Sox believe that replicating as much of the major league environment at the Triple-A level as possible puts their players at an advantage, with Abraham describing it as “a huge positive.”

“Whether it be pre-game or early work, our players use it fairly consistently,” he said. “Not only does it prepare them for the game, but it allows them to train against certain types of pitches or pitch-type areas they might feel they can’t work as much, whether it be with a coach or two machines.“

In this way, Trajekt allows players to challenge themselves and, ultimately, improve. Not only by preparing for that night’s starter, but by being more aware of the variety of pitch types, locations and release traits they’ll encounter over the course of a season and career.

Roman Anthony, the new No. 1 prospect in baseball, agrees, as the 20-year-old outfielder has utilized the machine before all of his home games in Worcester this season.

“I try and go in there everyday and at least see the starting pitcher before we go out,” Anthony said. “I like to get my work in early, and then go in there right before we go out to the field. Even if I don’t swing, just go in there, see a couple of fastballs or whatever that guy that day is throwing.

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“It’s a little bit harder in there, too, when it’s coming off the machine. Then you get into the game and it’s almost kind of slowed down.”

Worcester teammate and fellow top prospect Kristian Campbell agreed with Anthony’s assessment, saying, “You’ve got to get used to it, for sure. It takes a minute, but once you get used to it, you make it a part of your routine … Even if it’s just to see pitches, that has value.”

The challenge posed by the new tech is not lost on hitters. Many have stories of their first time facing a Trajekt.

Travis Bazzana, for example, faced a Trajekt for the first time at the Guardians’ facility after Cleveland drafted him No. 1 overall in July. The Australia native, who batted .407 for Oregon State this season, went up against a digital version of Rangers reliever Andrew Chafin after asking to face a lefthanded pitcher who threw “92-94 mph with a good slider.”

Bazzana didn’t mince words when describing how uncomfortable the at bat was.

“I got diced!” Bazzana said, adding that that first couple times against a Trajekt pitcher, “your brain doesn’t want to think it’s real.”

“When you’re trying to search for that release while in a game, it comes naturally with a soft focus point.”

Anthony and Campbell shared similar experiences in facing the Trajekt version of Yankees ace Gerrit Cole for the first time.

“It chewed me up,” said Anthony. “Heck, it still chews me up.”

“It was everyone from my draft class’ first time using it, and it was just blowing everyone up,” added Campbell. “It’s fun, but man is it a challenge.”

Despite the struggles hitters face when getting in their work against the Trajekt, it’s a sign of a brave new world in hitting development. New technologies have helped transform pitching and training, in general, in recent years, and with burgeoning new tech like Trajekt, baseball could be on the precipice of a breakthrough in hitting that evolves the game into it’s next phase. 

Bazzana believes the machine is part of a trend in baseball technology to shrink the gap between hitting and pitching.

“I think Trajekt is somewhere hitting can pull its way back as a whole in the major leagues,” he said. “I think it’s a powerful tool.”

The post How Trajekt’s New Pitching Technology Is Changing Baseball & Helping Top Prospects Develop appeared first on College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects - Baseball America.

The Low-A California League team’s current lease at John Thurman Field expires at the end of the 2024 season. The Nuts and the city of Modesto both announced that the team and the city have been unable to come to an agreement on a lease extension.

The Nuts are owned by the Mariners.

“We’re disappointed we were unable to agree upon an extension,” Modesto GM Veronica Hernandez said. “I know we and the city worked very hard to find common ground and unfortunately were unable to accomplish our goal.

“We are thankful for the legacy the Modesto Nuts leaves behind and we wish them the very best success in their future endeavors,” Modesto mayor Sue Zwahlen said. “Negotiations can be very challenging, and we worked diligently over the last year with the Modesto Nuts to explore various solutions.”

The failure to come to a lease extension comes at a time when MLB’s improved facility standards for minor league stadiums is coming due. Teams are expected to be fully compliant with upgraded facility standards beginning in 2025. Teams must have fewer than 10 points on a grading standard. There are several “must-haves,” including locker room facilities for female staff, two covered batting/pitching tunnels, suitable locker room dimensions and lighting standards.

There are concerns that some minor league teams, especially on the West Coast, are unlikely to get the necessary upgrades to meet those standards. Modesto seems to be the first team to make that official.

John Thurman Field was opened in 1955. It would need significant renovations to meet the new tougher MiLB facility standards. At one point, there was a proposal for a new stadium in Modesto, but that proposal has not gained traction.

What this means for the Mariners’ Low-A affiliate going forward is not yet clear. According to Baseball America’s reporting, there is not a finalized solution for where the Nuts will play in 2025.

Generally, minor league team owners want some sort of public funding or tax subsidies for stadium construction. California has proven to be the least willing state to do so in recent decades.

At this point, it’s unlikely there is enough time to build a stadium in compliance with MLB standards for 2025. There are also not a surplus of available, compliant facilities within the California League’s footprint.

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We discuss the economics of the merchandise industry, the history of amateur players signing merchandise agreements and its evolution over the last decade-plus. We also touch on the supply and demand of autographed merchandise.

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The joint features will focus on American Association prospects and include social media content, regular season and jewel event live programming, including Baseball Champions League, and written articles.

The American Association enters 2024 on a high having secured the title at the first ever Baseball Champions League, a year-over-year increase in non-baseball revenue of 47%,  record levels in league sponsorship, and a four year stretch of record annual increases in attendance. Baseball America comes to the partnership featuring a revamped website and business plan. 

“As media has evolved, we have continued to find new ways to reach baseball fans. The American Association is doing the same thing with its unique league, so partnering with them on an innovative initiative is a no-brainer,” said Baseball America VP of Operations B.J. Schecter. “Together we can create and share great stories, reach fans in more places and continue to grow the game.”

“Joining forces with Baseball America to bring our brand of baseball and our best players to the masses in cutting edge media formats is innovative. I don’t believe any league or publisher before us has taken such measures,” said American Association Commissioner Joshua Schaub. “In the baseball world, Baseball America is venerated and we are proud to be in partnership with such a tremendous publication.”

The pairing of Baseball America and the American Association brings together two baseball organizations with an intertwined history. Miles Wolff was the founder and Commissioner of the American Association when it formed in 2006 through 2018, and was instrumental in the success of Baseball America as the owner and publisher of the magazine for much of the 1980s and 1990s.

The American Association (www.aabaseball.com and www.aabaseball.tv) is a Major League Baseball Partner League that operates in nine states and one Canadian province. Formed in 2006, the league consists of twelve member clubs. Since 2006, 54 American Association players have gone on to play Major League Baseball. In 2023, over 65% of American Association players had played at Double-A or higher and 23 former American Association players played at the MLB level.
Baseball America (www.baseballamerica.com) has evolved into a multimedia property across video, digital, social and print channels. Known in the industry as “the Bible of Baseball,” BA has been covering baseball with an emphasis on player development since 1981.

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The all-new designs for the 2024 series highlight the allure of the prospects in a range of styles popular from Bowman, from the Chrome Prospect series to a slew of different autograph varieties. Within the popular Chrome Prospect collections are two fresh series, a new Black Refractor Parallel and Rose Gold Mini-Diamond Refractor Parallel, both numbered to 10 cards. 

The 100-card base set includes 13 different Parallel cards—from the numbered 499 Sky Blue Border Parallel right down to the numbered five Red Border Parallel—and one-of-one Platinum Border and Printing Plates varieties. 

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The Bowman Prospect cards feature 28 unique Parallel varieties, including the one-of-one SuperFractors. 

Special edition Insert Cards include a mix of new sets. Of the 11 total Insert Card series options, six of them are brand new. The Bowman A.I. features future stat predictions done with artificial intelligence. The Base Set Gold Refractor, Rising Infernos, 1955 Bowman Anime and Prospect Power Up designs give the 2024 Bowman set a renewed perspective on the year’s prospects. 

Recurring Insert Cards include the Gladiators of the Diamond, Origin of Greatness, Bowman Spotlights, ROY Favorites and Bowman’s Scout’s Top-100 sets.

The 2024 Bowman Baseball set heavily plays on autograph varieties, including the rare one-of-one SuperFractor versions in the ROY Favorites, Prospects Power Up and Gladiator of the Diamond categories, among others.

The Autograph styles feature 16 different Parallel or Refractor varieties within the Chrome Prospect Autograph series, nine designs in the Chrome Rookie Autograph series, three Refractor designs in the new Rising Infernos Autographs—with 25 Orange Refractor cards, five Red Refractor and one SuperFractor—three in the Bowman Scout’s Top-100 Autographs collection, four in the Gladiators of the Diamond Autographs series, four in the ROY Favorites Autographs set, two in the Dual Bowman Prospects Autographs series and two in the Prospects Power-Up Autograph Variation design. 

Bowman says “ultra-rare” four-card Pearl Refractor Packs will randomly drop in boxes of 2024 Bowman Baseball cards. With differing ways to purchase the Bowman collections—both in retail setups and hobby setups—collectors can approach the hobby differently in an effort to embrace the prospects that highlight the 2024 Bowman Baseball cards. 

Tim Newcomb covers business and gear for Baseball America.

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There’s a lot that’s new in the fresh iteration of the Louisville Slugger Prime line to get the bats 30% harder and allow the 140-year-old brand to more than double the warranty from 30 days to an industry-leading 75 days. It all starts with a trip back into company history. 

Bobby Hillerich, a fifth-generation bat maker and vice president of manufacturing and product development, is a great-grandson of Bud Hillerich, who created the first-ever Slugger bat for professional Louisville Eclipse player Pete Browning in his father’s woodworking shop. Bobby Hillerich was researching published studies on wood surface hardening techniques when he saw a Penn State University study reference a 1902 patent from his great-grandfather regarding hickory wood spun on a lathe. 

“There is a combination of pressure and heat that is getting us the surface tension that we want,” Bobby Hillerich tells Baseball America. “We’ve updated it with new techniques and pressures.” 

The entire Louisville Slugger manufacturing process received an update. For the new Prime line, made with both maple and birch, the hardening is more than just the pressure and heat. It also comes from optimizing the brand’s vacuum drying system. Previously, wood could sit up to three weeks before going from green to vacuum driers at the Pennsylvania factory, but the cells started hardening while air drying, not allowing the vacuum to compress them. Louisville Slugger now vacuum dries the wood the same week they are processed from the log, all while keeping them stored at 70 degrees to increase stability. 

Once the billets get shipped to Louisville and turned and shaped into a bat, they receive a completely new finish. In search for a finish that wouldn’t take four days to cure, Bobby Hillerich and his team flew to San Diego to check out a process Taylor Guitar was using on their instruments. “We sprayed it on a bat and went and hit it on a steel post,” he says about the visit. “It was fantastic.” 

From there, Slugger met with Taylor Guitar’s engineer and the finish supplier, and the result was a finish developed for bats that can cure in a UV line in 13 seconds. “If we are rushing a bat out for a player,” Bobby Hillerich says, “13 seconds in the UV line and its done.”

The combination of selecting only the hardest woods, the vacuum drying, pressure and heat when turning and a new finish adds up to a bat 30% harder than the previous version. “This is our hardest wood product we have ever made,” Joe Cmelik, senior product line manager, tells Baseball America. “We really went back to the basics, broke down where we were at and where we wanted to be. We see it as a new product.” 

The game’s top players have tested the bat for the last year and Cmelik calls the feedback “overwhelmingly positive,” with players commenting on it without prompting. “They notice this bat is a lot harder,” he says. “They notice it in sound, notice it in feel, they are not seeing ball marks.” 

The harder the bat, the more energy transfer to the ball, ideally increasing exit-speed velocity. “We are always looking for a couple extra feet,” Bobby Hillerich says. The results panned out during the 2023 MLB season, with Ronald Acuna Jr., Cody Bellinger and Kyle Schwarber all having outstanding seasons using the updated technology.

Now Slugger brings that technology to scale with the April 17 retail launch of the entire Prime line. Cmelik expects the RA13 Ronald Acuna Jr. player model and the C271 to remain the most popular bats in the lineup, and Louisville Slugger also plans limited editions and different colorways throughout the year. The Prime wood line has proven sought after at retail by high-level travel players, but also by college players in wood bat leagues. 

No matter the Prime style, every model has received the complete update, but the fifth-generation bat maker still gets drawn to the natural wood finish. It’s in his blood, after all. “I like,” Bobby Hillerich says, “to see everything inside that piece of wood.” 

Tim Newcomb covers gear and business for Baseball America.

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