RINGOR Retires Baseball to Focus on Women's Fastpitch Softball

Baseball and softball cleat manufacturer RINGOR® announces it will step down from baseball to focus solely on women's fastpitch softball - the first major brand
to do so.

Wilsonville, Oregon, June 2, 2009 - Baseball and softball cleat manufacturer, RINGOR®, has announced that effective immediately, it is stepping down from manufacturing baseball products to focus entirely on products for women's fastpitch softball. This marks the first time that a baseball/softball cleat manufacturer has made the decision to focus on women's fastpitch softball exclusively.

RINGOR® has established a history of "firsts" within the cleated footwear industry, specifically for women's fastpitch softball footwear. In the mid-1990's, RINGOR® pioneered women's fastpitch softball footwear by producing the first cleat and spike specifically designed for the female foot. This trendsetting was continued with the first cleat in a women's wide width, the first softball cleat with a circular cleat pattern and the first softball cleat with built-on protective pitching toes among other firsts.

The RINGOR® brand was well embraced by the fastpitch softball community and is synonymous with the game in select travel fastpitch softball, high school fastpitch softball and collegiate fastpitch softball as well as international and professional-level fastpitch softball.

Notably, select RINGOR® products were recently awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the American Podiatric Medical Association. This marked the first, and currently the only, baseball or softball cleats to receive the Seal of Acceptance.

The company was founded in 1983 as the first baseball cleat brand to create a circular cleat pattern designed to reduce bone bruising and awkward flex points for a safer, more stable footwear platform for baseball players; termed the Ring-Grip� pattern. RINGOR® had remained a constant in the baseball footwear industry since its inception and RINGOR's® original designs have served as an inspiration for most modern cleat designs currently on the market.

"We are proud of our 26 year heritage in baseball," says Gary Killingsworth, RINGOR's® Marketing Director, "but we're very excited about the opportunity to continue our legacy in women's fastpitch. It's a fantastic group who has embraced RINGOR® products since day one and we are pleased to be able to service them with our full attention."

In conjunction with RINGOR's® message of focusing on fastpitch softball, the company has also reached an agreement with National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) as an official supplier. The NPF is fastpitch softball's top level of competition and features the following teams: Akron Racers, Chicago Bandits, Philadelphia Force, Rockford Thunder and USSSA Pride.

"National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) is excited to have RINGOR as an official supplier of footwear," said Cheri Kempf, President/ Commissioner of NPF. "RINGOR Products meet the demands of our pro players making it a natural fit for NPF. RINGOR is a welcome addition to our pool of suppliers and sees the value in making the pro league a success."

RINGOR® has also extended its association with the Stratford Brakettes. The Brakettes are based in Stratford, Connecticut and have a storied softball tradition, with an unmatched 27 world championships.

RINGOR® is a manufacturer of women's fastpitch softball footwear, apparel, bags and accessories. The company, headquartered in Wilsonville, Oregon, was founded in 1983. RINGOR® is a direct sales company, whose products are sold through its website, phone sales or through RINGOR's® Team Sales department.

Click here for more information:
https://www.ringor.com/company-to-focus-on-womens-fastpitch-softball.asp