Velocity Improvement Plan Diamond® baseballs

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Overview

This rectangular cardboard box contains two coloured baseballs of differing weights, one green (4 ozs) and one black (6 ozs), both with red stitching to the seams. The dark green box has white, yellow and red wording on the top and sides. Also printed on the box is a sketch image of Tom House, a Major League Baseball coach. The country of manufacture is printed in black on the bottom of the box. Included in the box is a contextual instruction sheet. Accompanying the box is a regular 5 oz white Diamond® baseball.

Historical information

The California-based company Diamond Sports are the exclusive manufacturer of the 'VIP Velocity Improvement Plan'. This set of weight training baseballs is named after Tom House, a Major League pitching coach. The accompanying contextual instructions leaflet includes information on improving arm speed, throwing harder, throwing further and implementing weight training. The green and black baseballs are used to improve a pitcher's arm speed (green ball) and neuromuscular strength (black ball). The items are recommended for ages 15 and up. The product was made in Korea.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-100-2020.583

Item type

Sports Equipment

Themes

People
Social History
Sport

Material

Inscriptions and markings

[On the top and sides of the box]
'The Original Tom House VIP Velocity Improvement Plan By Diamond®'
'Improve Arm Speed • Throw Harder • Throw Farther'
'For throwing only. Not to be hit.'
'Diamond 4 oz or Diamond 6 oz.'

[On the underside of the box]
'Korea'

Contextual Information

This 'Velocity Improvement Plan' for pitchers includes a complete 'work out' plan utilising the two balls together with a regular baseball, which accompanies the box. The ratio of pitches using the 4 oz, normal 5 oz, and 6 oz balls is included.

They were donated to the Baseball WA Museum & Archives by the family of Alan Luscombe, a Western Australian whose umpiring career included local, State, national and international baseball games.

Keywords

Tom House Velocity Improvement Plan

Weight Training Baseball

Diamond Baseball

Sports Equipment

Place made

South Korea

Statement of significance

This set of baseballs is a rare and historic addition to the Museum's collection of baseball memorabilia. It comes with good provenance.

Primary significance criteria

Historic significance

Comparative significance criteria