Detroit Tigers Ian Kinsler and Warstic Baseball Bats

Apr 21, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) looks on during batting practice before a game against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) looks on during batting practice before a game against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s not like Detroit Tigers fans need any more reasons to see Ian Kinsler as the most resolute baseball player on the planet.

But, the ageless Detroit Tigers second baseman has upped his baseball game another notch.

As a co-owner of the young baseball company Warstic, Kinsler has added even more grit and flair to his game.

Have You Seen the Ad?

If you have been watching Tigers games on Fox Sports Detroit, you may have caught the latest Warstic creation, the mini-movie commercial that stars Kinsler, Jack White, and Thosh Collins. Kinsler stars as a baseball player who appears to be struggling at the plate. To defeat his demons, Kinsler uses an attractive and powerful Warstic bat and hits a collection of dingers. It is clear by Kinsler’s warcry at the end of the advertisement that he defeated his demons.

The ad includes Kinsler’s newest walk-up song called “Battle Cry” by Jack White formerly of The White Stripes. The song is instrumental and is full of the warrior spirit and rub-some-dirt-on-it attitude that has endeared Kinsler to Detroit.

Kinsler and the Brand

This pairing of Detroit music icon and Detroit baseball icon is brilliant. Jack White has been a Tigers fan for his entire existence. But, working with Kinsler – who defines the grit and determination of Detroit – adds a quality to the company that no other baseball player can provide. If White paired with Justin Verlander or Miguel Cabrera, the Warstic brand would be defined in a completely different way.

Apr 9, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) hits an RBI single in the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) hits an RBI single in the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

About a year ago, Kinsler gave an interview to James Montgomery with Rolling Stone magazine about the business partnership with White. Kinsler shared his about the Warstic brand:

"“For me, it’s about the backstory, and knowing the people who make your bats, and knowing what the brand is all about. Usually, guys just order bats – but for me, it means a lot more to know where they came from.”"

How Warstic Got Started

He also talked about the founder of the company, Ben Jenkins, who was a minor-league baseball player who became a graphic designer. According to Kinsler, Jenkins and White work with the design aspects of the bats and the marketing. Kinsler is there to answer questions about baseball. He also provides some serious legitimacy to the brand.

Sep 14, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) dives in safe at third after he hits an RBI triple in the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) dives in safe at third after he hits an RBI triple in the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Kinsler also told Rolling Stone:

"“Jack is interested in the bats aesthetically, because these bats aren’t necessarily just for baseball players; they’re so cool looking that they could be hung in a sports bar or an office – or a record store.”"

And, cool looking they are.

Warstic bats are easily recognizable by their simple logo – a pair of parallel lines may look like it is emulating the look of Native American war paint, but in fact, the stripes are actually a representation of a pair of bats resting side by side. Their colors are black and gold, which beautifully accent the richly flame-treated ash or maple wood. Warstic makes wooden bats for all ages, and BBCOR bats for young players and those who play in USSSA leagues.

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Where to Find the Bats

While you won’t find these bats in many local stores, they can be found online through a bunch of different outlets. They are not outrageously priced, especially when compared to other bat brands.

Warstic is located in Dallas, Texas – near where Kinsler makes his permanent home. Each bat is made by hand with the idea of the warrior in mind. Warstic has been in existence since 2011, it only became recognizable in the last year when Kinsler and White came on board. The company is dedicated to providing support to injured combat veterans. Warstic and White’s record group, Third Man Records, together sponsor the Well for Culture Program within The Native Wellness Institute. This important program promotes the well-being of Native Americans through youth and adult programs with training that embraces the teachings and traditions of Native ancestors.

Next: Detroit Tigers Young Guys Get the Job Done

Kinsler has already made a strong impression on the history of baseball and it looks like his influence on the game will extend long after he retires.