In the world of youth baseball, innovation is key to keeping young players engaged and developing their skills. The Kansas City Royals have embraced this philosophy by incorporating Playfinity's Gaming Baseballs into their Amateur Development Camps and Clinics. This partnership with the Royals Urban Youth Academy has brought a new level of excitement and effectiveness to their training programs.
We sat down with Breck Dickey, the Camp/Clinic Coordinator for the Royals, to discuss how this innovative technology is transforming youth baseball training.
The Royals’ Amateur Development Camps and Clinics
Can you tell us about the Royals’ Amateur Development Camps and Clinics? What are their main goals, and who participates?
The Kansas City Royals' Amateur Development Camps and Clinics are designed to enhance the baseball and softball skills of participants, focusing mainly on fundamental techniques while also having fun. Our camps and clinics aim to foster a love for the game and increase participation in baseball and softball, particularly among young players. We also emphasize important life skills like teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership.
These camps are mostly held during the summer and cater to younger age groups, usually ranging from 5 to 14 years old. They cover a range of skills including throwing, fielding, hitting, and base running. We also have more focused clinics that target specific aspects of the game, such as pitching or hitting. In addition, we host clinics aimed at preparing older participants for high school baseball and assist in after-school care programs for younger players.The camps and clinics are often staffed by Royals Amateur Development System coaches, Royals Alumni, and other current or former high school or collegiate coaches. We also have some current or former collegiate players who are part of our staff as well. Additionally, we have volunteer coaches who enjoy giving back to the baseball and softball community in Kansas City.
These camps and clinics are part of the Royals' broader community outreach and player development initiatives, reflecting the organization’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of ballplayers.
Choosing Playfinity
What made you decide to bring Playfinity’s Gaming Baseballs into the camp? Was there something specific that caught your eye?
What first caught our eye was how Playfinity’s Gaming Baseballs blend physical activity with digital engagement, making skill development more interactive and fun. This appeals particularly to younger players who are increasingly drawn to technology and gaming as it is very integrated into their everyday lives.
We also loved how the balls provide immediate feedback through a connected app, allowing players to see the results of their actions instantly. Playfinity’s technology tracks various performance metrics such as speed, distance, and accuracy, which can help them make quick adjustments for the next round.
See the Gaming Baseball in action - WATCH THE VIDEO!
Overall, integrating Playfinity’s Gaming Baseballs into our camps aligns with the Royals’ goals of fostering skill development while utilizing innovative tools to improve player experience and enhance their love of the game!
Motivation and Engagement
How have the Gaming Baseballs impacted the kids' motivation and overall enjoyment at camp? Do you think the tech aspect makes training more fun? Any particular stories or examples you’d like to share?
The real-time feedback provided by the Gaming Baseballs allows players to see the immediate impact of their actions, which can be highly motivating. We have noticed that kids are often more driven to keep practicing when they can instantly see their progress and improvements—especially halfway through camps when they start to get tired. Playfinity helps regenerate their energy, keeping the campers focused and actively participating throughout the rest of camp!
The gamification of playing catch transforms a redundant throwing drill into an exciting challenge. It keeps the kids entertained while they learn, making the entire experience more enjoyable. The competition aspect of Playfinity also adds another level of excitement as each pair is trying their hardest to receive the most catches in 60 seconds.
Overall, adding Playfinity’s Gaming Baseballs has introduced a dynamic element to our camps that helps keep campers excited about learning and improving their baseball skills.
Player Improvement
Have you noticed any improvements in players' skills since using the Gaming Baseballs?
It’s hard to tell the improvements in a player’s overall skills within just 10 minutes at the Playfinity station during camp. However, it is exciting to watch them realize what they need to do to try to win the next round—whether it’s being quicker with their tosses or focusing more on catching so that there aren’t any dropped balls!
Coaches’ Feedback
Have you received any direct feedback from coaches or instructors about their experience with the Gaming Baseballs? What were their main impressions?
Our coaches definitely view Playfinity’s Gaming Baseballs as a valuable tool that enhances the training experience. The combination of real-time feedback with metrics and competition helps them deliver more effective coaching while keeping players motivated. The other feedback we have received from our coaches is that the baseball device paired with the app is very easy to work with and can easily accommodate a group of players.
Future Prospects
What future developments or enhancements would you like to see from Playfinity to further benefit the Royals’ youth baseball programs?
We have been in talks with Playfinity about creating a community program that includes features from individual apps such as leaderboards and challenges—to create a gaming baseball community in Kansas City where Playfinity users are competing against other users in challenges by the Royals. By already having a community presence in Kansas City as the Royals, we can continue to strengthen our ties within the community while also showcasing Playfinity’s gaming baseball!
Technology Integration
How do you see technology like Playfinity’s Gaming Baseballs evolving in youth sports training? What trends do you think will shape the future of sports technology?
The future of sports technology—including tools like Playfinity’s Gaming Baseballs—will be defined by immersive experiences and enhanced data analytics for athlete development. These trends will help young athletes train more effectively while staying motivated in a safe and engaging environment. As these technologies evolve, they will continue shaping how youth sports are taught, practiced, and experienced.
Partnership Highlights
What has been the most rewarding part of working with Playfinity? Any highlights from this partnership?
Overall, the most rewarding aspect of working with Playfinity is how it combines excitement and engagement into training—the way it helps improve their catch skills—and the positive feedback from both coaches and players. These highlights display the value of this innovative partnership!
The integration of Playfinity's Gaming Baseballs into youth training programs represents a significant step forward in how young players engage with baseball. By combining traditional skill development with modern technology, organizations like the Kansas City Royals are not only enhancing player performance but also fostering a deeper love for America’s pastime among future generations. As technology continues to evolve in sports, we look forward to seeing how these innovations shape young athletes' experiences on and off the field.