38 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM mula behind Birdman’s success? “It’s why people drink craft beers instead of Bud Light,” remarks Gary. “It’s a smallbatch, handcrafted product that goes through so many sets of hands and so much work.” He also doesn’t underestimate the power of Birdman’s logo. “It’s an old-fashioned Americana caricature brand,” he observes. “It’s a totally different take on playing the game and having fun—even at the highest level.” In addition to selling through Birdman’s website, the brand is getting traction in baseball hubs across the country. Locally, Goetz Brothers came on board early with Birdman’s retail roster ranging from Sacramento’s Baseball Loaded and personal best! It was the hardest hit I ever hit,’” beams Gary. And for this team of grown-up kids still dedicated to baseball, there’s also the vicarious thrill of making it to The Show. “It’s nerveracking,” Gary says of watching MLB games. “It’s like you’re there— you’re up to bat and everyone’s watching.” And when even the big leaguers start to psych themselves out? Cue Birdman. “Just imagine being in the World Series, in a big situation,” Gary muses. “Looking at that silly logo, it’s like, ‘Calm down and make it happen.’” take a swing birdmanbats.com Atlanta’s Better Baseball to Dick’s Sporting Goods nationally. “We’re at the table,” Gary smiles. “I always say, ‘We’ve made it to the table!’” Last year, Birdman hit the 10,000 bats sold milestone—and Gary envisions selling tens of thousands, along with a line of Birdman-branded merch. Customization is another big draw. Although pro players are limited in their color selection, enthusiasts can inject personality through swirly hydro dip paints, highlighter-like dyes and personalized engravings. Managing Birdman’s growth is a relentless undertaking, which is why customer feedback is so vital to morale. “There was a 13-year-old yesterday who reached out to say, ‘I got my {punchline} ABOVE (right): The Birdman Bats team includes (left to right) Mark Malec, Gary Malec, Cody Silveria and Enrique Sanchez.
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