Case Studies

Caught Stealing Pro100™ – Game-Changing Biometric Sensor for Baseball Catchers

Client: Caught Stealing LLC

Expertise: Product Design, Product Development, Embedded Sensor Systems, Biometric Data Collection, Compliance

The Challenge

Caught Stealing LLC came to Southwest Engineering Concepts (SOENCO) with a bold vision: to reinvent the way baseball catchers are evaluated by creating a high-precision wearable device that could replace unreliable hand-timed measurements with scientifically accurate biometric tracking.

Their goals were ambitious. They wanted a system that could collect four key performance metrics—pop time, exchange time, velocity, and throwing distance—with unprecedented accuracy, and deliver real-time feedback to both athletes and coaches. On top of that, it needed to be wearable, wireless, rugged, and easy to use on or off the field.

Our Approach: Full-Cycle Product Design & Development

Our product development team took this project from concept through to a production-ready system. Collaborating closely with the client, we focused on user-centered product design, advanced sensor integration, and wireless data transmission.

We designed a compact, lightweight sensor system embedded into wrist straps worn by catchers and infielders. The devices are engineered with aerospace-grade technology capable of capturing high-speed movements with millisecond precision. From the outset, our engineering team worked to ensure the form factor was both athlete-friendly and mechanically robust for high-impact environments.

Key development milestones included:

1. Sensor selection and integration for acceleration, velocity, and distance tracking
2. Prototyping and testing of embedded electronics
3. Mechanical design for comfort and durability during gameplay
4. Firmware development for real-time data processing and transmission
5. Companion app data sync and player profile connectivity (iOS)

Through several iterations and field tests, we fine-tuned the device to meet the highest standards for accuracy and usability.

The Result: The Caught Stealing Pro100™

The final product, the Caught Stealing Pro100™, is a patented wearable sports sensor that delivers the most accurate pop and exchange times ever recorded in baseball. Data is collected in real-time and uploaded to the athlete’s private profile via the Caught Stealing mobile app, creating a transparent, unbiased evaluation system.

Key Features:

1. Pop times recorded to the millisecond
2. Throwing distance measured down to the inch
3. Average velocity tracked in MPH
4. Wireless, real-time data streaming to app and coach dashboards
5. Fully mobile — can be used anywhere, even outside regulation fields

The Impact

The Pro100™ is now used by catchers across the country to build performance profiles and share verified metrics with college recruiters and scouts. By eliminating human error and bias from the evaluation process, the product has effectively leveled the playing field for athlete visibility and recruitment.

It also saves players thousands of dollars in showcase fees, as they can now self-record and submit verified performance data through the app.

For SOENCO, this project is a showcase of our full-spectrum capabilities—from product conceptualization and industrial design to embedded systems engineering and app integration. It demonstrates how cutting-edge product development can bring an entirely new level of innovation to sports tech.