DeMarini Sports, Inc. is a manufacturer of baseball bats and other sports equipment headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon, United States. The company is known for producing baseball and softball bats with innovations that provide enhanced hitting power.
History
Ray DeMarini founded the company in Oregon in 1989, introducing a "high-tech" softball bat.McCall, William (15 September 1995). "Designer Connects With His High-Tech Softball Bat". Los Angeles Times. The company's 1995 introduction of double wall bats, and the increased power they provided, drew praise and propelled the company's success,McCall, William (September 17, 1995). "Talk softball and carry a big bat: Inventor says you can hit one out of the park with his new double-walled metallic slugger". Associated Press (Rocky Mountain News) but also prompted concern over bat safety.Kolpack, Jeff (1999-08-12). "Bats carry a wallop, Wahpeton injury raises concern over bat safety". The Forum Sales surpassed 10,000 bats annually in the mid-1990s. Acquired by Wilson Sporting Goods in 2000, DeMarini continues to research, design and build bats in its Hillsboro, Oregon facility.
Products
DeMarini’s Doublewall technology employs two independent walls to create a springboard hitting surface, extending the center of percussion along the length of the barrel. They also produce bats, such as the Vexxum, with a single wall. Other innovations include aluminum-carbon hybrid bats.McKay, Martha (May 19, 2005). "Mercedes of baseball bats, not just because it bends.". The Record (Hackensack, New Jersey) The company is unlike many of its competitors, who produce bats abroad.Carney, Drew (22 August 2007). "DeMarini bat cave produces winning product". KGW.com.
More that 150 college baseball programs use Demarini bats, including Oregon State University, the repeat College World Series Champions in 2006 and 2007. The 2007 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II and III championship teams also used DeMarini equipment. A 2005 headline in a New Jersey newspaper referred to DeMarini bats as the "Mercedes of baseball bats."
Among other bat producers, DeMarini has been involved in increased marketing to Little League Baseball players that has been met with criticism.Rovell, Darren (2003-08-19). "Companies line up to be part of action". ESPN.com

