Apple Valley (Minnesota) Travel Baseball

As pitching becomes more important in Little League play, so should the quality of the equipment they use.

For years coaches for Apple Valley (Minnesota) Travel Baseball complained about the low-quality, worn game pitching mounds young players were using.

“Our mounds were not in good shape,” admitted Apple Valley equipment manager and board member Ryan Tauer. “During our board meetings, coaches would say ‘We want new mounds. Something that’s not going to move, that’s sturdy and steady.

Coach Mac Noland likened  the mounds they’d used for years as “pimples.”

Tauer reached out to other coaches through the Metro Baseball League for recommendations. They suggested Portolite.

Apple Valley bought six one-piece Game Mounds which were delivered in April 2022.

League players ages 9 to 14 use the mounds. And it’s been a game changer, coaches say.

“I think the size, weight, and durability of the Portolite mound is superior to other portable mounds we’ve run into at tournaments,” Coach Damon Laliberte said. “The larger size of the mound allows young pitchers to develop a smooth, confident stride, versus other, smaller products that provide and uneven landing surface.” 

“In addition, the weight and stability of the mound prevents pitchers from slipping or moving when in the final stages of pitching stride. All of this helps younger pitchers to develop better mechanics and arm health."

“Our coaches say there’s a day and night difference from our crummy old mounds and Portolite.”

These full-size mounds weigh just 120 pounds – making them sturdy enough to stay put, but light enough for field crews to move or to pack away for easy storage.

Each mound is designed with a full body, high performance poly-protected resilient core with a fiberglass reinforcement for a solid, no bounce, yet cushioned mound that reduces knee and ankle strain. 

Our mounds have a hidden wear pad underneath the turf immediately in from of the pitiching rubber, and are built with gentle slopes and tapered edges to give pitchers a high level of comfort.  

Full-length Game Mounds come in 6”, 8”, and 10” sizes to meet every age level. They come in turf colors red, green, clay, and tan.

Tauer said he also wanted to support a local, Minnesota company.

“Portolite delivered them personally to us, and there was no delivery cost,” he said. “The customer service is amazing. They went over and above for us.”

During tourneys, other associations are complimenting Apple Valley’s Portolie mounds

“They use pretty good mounds themselves, and they are asking about our mounds,” Tauer said. “Pitching has become such a part of youth baseball, you want to have the best for your pitchers and quality equipment is important.”