Dad's invention could revolutionize batting practice

A Kansas man's invention to help his son enjoy baseball, may change the way kids learn the sport.

Justin McClure grew up loving the game of baseball, a love he hoped to share with his son Bradyn.

But something was holding Bradyn back.

"I felt like my confidence was going down and I wanted to quit baseball," said Bradyn, 9.

"The toughest thing as a parent is to watch your kid struggle," said Justin.

Justin decided to come up with a solution and he started tinkering.

"We started with a foam bat, something from Walmart and we stuck a laser pointer in there," he said.

The idea was simple. If the laser was pointed at the catcher's feet, Bradyn's hands were in the right starting position.

The father and son saw improvements right away and Justin saw an opportunity. So he developed the Launch Laser, a first of its kind teaching tool.

"It attaches to the knob of the bat and this attaches to an existing baseball or softball bat." Justin said.

His idea is gaining traction.

It's been endorsed by big league ballplayers and coaches as well as those who teach hitting here in Wichita.

"It's so simple," said Billy Hall, a hitting instructor. "It took all these years until Justin came along to get it."

It's already touring with the Baseball Youth Experience as part of the MLB Academy.

The next challenge is getting it on store shelves.

"I would consider this product being successful if we can just help kids. That's what it's all about," said Justin.