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PitchCom® was born after the MLB sign-stealing scandal, when everyone realized the game needed a secure way for pitchers and catchers to communicate. The old methods were too vulnerable, and something had to change.
Together, we developed PitchCom®—a device that allows catchers to send encrypted signals to pitchers, ensuring no one could intercept their calls. The tech took off quickly, with MLB teams adopting it, and now we're expanding into other sports, using the same innovative communication technology to solve problems at the highest levels of competition.
Our Team
John Hankins
Co-inventor of the PitchCom™ communications system, graduated college with a degree in Electrical Engineering, and became a patent attorney and partner at major law firms. His work and clientele included some of the largest automotive, semiconductor, computer and electronics companies in the world. Over his 28 year career, John wrote and shepherded thousands of patents through the US and international patent systems. Among his other personal pursuits, John is a lifelong avid baseball fan. The concept for the PitchCom™ communications system arose from his concern for the integrity of the game following signstealing scandals and accusations, and the pace of play issue caused by preventive measures.
Combining his deep knowledge of the game, and understanding the needs of players, teams and fans, John used his experience working with inventors to conceive the PitchCom™ communications system.
Craig Filicetti
Co-inventor of the PitchCom™ communications system, has a BSEE and MBA. He was previously a new product development manager at Microchip Technology, leading design teams in creating some of the most sophisticated microelectronics devices in the world. Since then, Craig has invented and developed numerous electronic devices and systems used in the entertainment industry by thousands of entertainers around the world.
Jon Updike
Director of Business Development
You can do everything with it. Pitch, location, speed, pickoffs, everything. Once you get used to it, it’s really easy.
— Ryan Jeffers, Twins Catcher
Timeline
2019
An Idea is Formed
Shortly after the news breaks about Astros science stealing, John Hankins, conceived of a push button audio system for catcher and picture on field. He contacted his friend Craig Filicetti who quickly turned this concept into a working prototype.
2020-2021
Development & Testing
John and Craig form PitchCom® and meet with MLB executives. During this time period, further system refinements are made. The system passes safety testing and is then game tested in July 2021 in MiLB.
2022
MLB Adoption
MLB let Clubs test PitchCom® during spring training and after a successful trial, allowed the System to be used for the 2022 MLB regular season. By mid-May, every club in MLB was using PitchCom® to secure their on-field signals.
2023
College Adoption
For entry into the college market, PitchCom® engineers created a best-in-class wrist display with stunning clarity, speed, and size. Fully half of the top programs switch to PitchCom®, including the Mens College World Series champion LSU.
2024
Exponential Growth
Two-thirds of top college baseball and softball programs, including champions Tennessee and Oklahoma, use PitchCom® for electronic signaling. High schools, travel teams, and major pro leagues in Korea, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Taiwan have also adopted the technology.
2025
New Development
The SEC chooses PitchCom® to be the exclusive signal communication system for all of its baseball programs. Over 80% of the top D1 baseball programs will be using PitchCom® in 2025. New products and system enhancements being introduced for spring 2025 will provide programs with even greater opportunity to improve their teams.
Our Partners
Only the Best Use PitchCom®
