A Baseball Brand is Blossoming in Twins Territory

[Ted Schwerzler]

The Minnesota Twins have the ability to claim multiple states as Twins Territory. With no professional team in the Dakotas or Iowa, the reach for the organization is wide. Sioux Falls, South Dakota falls within that area, and Platinum Bat Company is looking to make a name for itself.

Image courtesy of Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Founded in 2017, Platinum Bat Company has seen consistent growth since getting off the ground just a few short years ago. Founded by business partners Nick Ratzloff and Zak Wallner, the brand was developed with an intention of being one for players designed by players.

At this point, baseball bats and equipment are pumped out from far more than just Louisville Slugger. With technology constantly expanding, and players looking for opportunities to get the most customization, there has never been a more substantial opportunity for growth. Platinum started simply as a bat boutique company, and has since evolved into a brand that encompasses multiple product lines and levels of play.

In talking with Nick, it’s clear that Platinum has leadership dedicated to their product, and seeks to bring something special to the market. “Our focus is dedicated to quality and a genuine commitment to the game of baseball. As the game continues to evolve, we will continue to provide players at all levels the tools they need to be successful.”

No longer just a bat company, Platinum sells multiple different bat styles along with fielding gloves and customer apparel. The evolution has been something to behold for a pair of guys that got to know each other through their playing days at the University of Sioux Falls. Nick and Zak played collegiate baseball in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. With strong roots throughout Twins Territory, the NSIC is a familiar Division-II name.

In keeping a focus on the Midwest and working within Twins Territory for their distribution channels, Platinum sells directly through Scheels Sporting Goods. Although their products can also be found online at PlatinumBaseballCo.Com, it’s the locally founded sporting goods store where the product can be found in person.

The growth for Platinum has been consistent, and something that Nick notes as “amazing,” with each consecutive year setting new records. Platinum has a strong presence in both Minnesota and South Dakota, while their product has permeated the professional ranks. Although Nick doesn’t believe any major league players are currently using Platinum products, affiliate professionals have gravitated towards their offerings and independent baseball has been a big proponent of their bats.

What started out as a bat company has evolved into so much more, and it all began with the vision of two players that met on the baseball field. Stories told throughout Twins Territory are often not those taking place on the diamond themselves, and Midwest baseball has something of its own flavor to bring to the table. Whether looking at the vast town ball scene, or opportunities for company success such as this instance with Platinum, baseball goes well beyond the walls of Target Field in Minnesota.

Platinum’s story is not yet one of finality, and as they continue to look for avenues to grow, opportunities for players in the show to use their product is on the horizon. It wasn’t long ago that there was an AxeBat craze running through the Twins clubhouse, and seeing Platinum lumber launch homers into the night in downtown Minneapolis could be the next big thing.

How things evolve for Platinum from here remains to be seen, but with consistent and continued growth, it’s anyone’s guess as to how far a couple of guys from South Dakota could push the needle. Twins Territory is often utilized as a badge of pride for people supporting an organization that encompasses more than just what happens on the field. Platinum Baseball embodies that, and continues to carry the torch forward.

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[Jocko87]

[Brandon]

The Twins should market for fans in Canada too.  Toronto is far from Manitoba.