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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.
The tech took off quickly, with every MLB team adopting it, and only a year later, expanding into the college ranks. Our presence in all levels of the sport is expanding rapidly, as teams recognize that PitchCom® has the most advanced, reliable and easy-to-use system available anywhere.
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.
— MLB Catcher, American League
The Timeline of PitchCom®
2019
An Idea is Formed
Shortly after the news breaks about Astros sign stealing, John Hankins conceives of a push button audio system for catcher and pitcher on field. He contacts his friend Craig Filicetti who quickly turns this concept into a working prototype.
2020-2021
Development and Testing
During this time period, John and Craig form PitchCom® and continue to make further system refinements. They meet with MLB executives in October 2020. The system is demonstrated to MLB Clubs in spring training 2021 and PitchCom® enters into its first contract with MLB. The system components pass safety testing and are then game tested for the first time in July 2021 in MiLB.
2022
MLB Adoption
MLB Clubs test PitchCom® during spring training and after a successful trial, MLB allows 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. The Baseball Hall of Fame obtains the first PitchCom® receiver used in a game. The PitchCom® System is a major success, used throughout the season and flawlessly in the playoffs and World Series. Game times are shortened and viewership increases.
2023
College Adoption
For entry into the college market, PitchCom® engineers create a best-in-class wrist display with stunning clarity, speed, and size. Fully half of the top programs switch to PitchCom®, including the 2023 Men’s College World Series champion LSU. A large number of schools in D1, D2, D3, NAIA and JUCO adopt PitchCom® for their signaling.
2024
Exponential Growth
The NCAA approves electronic communication for softball, and audio devices for pitchers and fielders in baseball. Two-thirds of top college baseball and softball programs, including champions Tennessee (Men’s) and Oklahoma (Women’s), rely on PitchCom in 2024 for electronic signaling. High schools, travel teams, and major pro leagues in Korea, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Taiwan also adopt the technology.
2025
New Developments
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 and more softball programs will be switching to our system. PitchCom® becomes the Official Coach to Player Communications System of the ABCA and the Official Coach to Communication Partner of Alliance Softball. New products and system enhancements will be introduced for spring 2025 to provide programs with even more ways to improve their teams.
Our Partners
Only the Best Use PitchCom®
