Portolite peppers national team ready to play ball

At Portolite we don’t just manufacture baseball and softball products. 

We love the sports of baseball and softball!

That’s why we’re thrilled to partner with 24/7 Ball Sports to back the Portolite Peppers National team. 

The new team and its trainer -- Matt Mangulis -- have been stepping on to Paisley's Softball Game and Practice mats at  24/7 Ball Sports complex since it opened in 2020.

Now they'll take the mats on the road, giving other teams a shot at seeing how amazing the mats are!

Based in Mankato, 24/7 Ball Sports offers a variety of training and classes for young players. They opened during the pandemic. 

Matt liked the Portolite pitching mats used by the University of Minnesota in Mankato, so it was a no-brainer to make the investment.

“They are the best mats out there,” he says. “With the innovative spikes on the back, they just do not move. There’ s no question they are the safest and most durable mats on the market.” 

He says that with Portolite’s spikes, that’s not even something you have to think or worry about. 

He’s proud to take the mats on the road.

“We thought it would be a great way to highlight Portolite products and for other coaches and teams to experience how great they are,” Matt says. “We know they will be as impressed as we are.” 

Both the Pro Spiked and the Long Spiked Softball  Game mats deliver the ultimate softball pitching experience. They feature 7,000 spikes so there’s no slipping, sliding or bunching. And they have a longer and wider design for greater stride length and room to move. 

The Pro Game Mat has lane stripes designed for collegiate play. Coming in at 60 pounds or less, both mats are easy to move after games are over. 

Matt says he’s excited for the Peppers inaugural season. He expects the team to play in five or six regional tournaments, traveling from Colorado to Kansas City and Peoria, starting in June.

“Traveling to regional tournaments can be expensive for families,” he says. “Our partnership with Portolite helps make it possible, and it gives our players the opportunity to move to the next level. We’re very grateful.”