BATON ROUGE – SweetSpot, a Baton Rouge-based backyard sports equipment brand, has announced a rebrand and relaunch designed to increase its footprint. Previously known for its recreational baseball and softball products, including a line licensed by Major League Baseball, SweetSpot now sells football, soccer, golf and pickleball gear through online and in stores.
The company’s new direction is spearheaded by CEO Joe Lawrence, co-founder of Baton Rouge baseball bat manufacturer Marucci Sports.
“In the fast-paced world we live in today, it’s easy to overlook the simple joys that make life truly meaningful,” said Lawrence. “Growing up, my favorite memories were playing catch with my dad in the backyard — those moments of quality time and genuine connection are priceless. SweetSpot is on a mission to bring people together, to recreate those cherished moments that are often lost in the hustle of our competitive world.”
SweetSpot has also announced a fundraising round led by Elysian Park Ventures, the private investment arm affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers ownership group, with participation from Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky.
The SweetSpot brain trust includes Dave Soderquist, the company’s founder, Stan Levy (founder and CEO at marketing agency SASSO), Curtiz Cruz (former head of product engineering at Rawlings and Marucci Sports) and Blair Barbier (SweetSpot CFO). The company’s newly formed board of directors also includes sports executive Mike Fonseca, Mike Shildt (San Diego Padres manager) and Michael Fedele (former head of marketing at BodyArmor). An advisory board is composed of eight professional and retired athletes, including Jack Marucci, co-founder of Marucci Bats and director of performance and innovation at LSU.
“SweetSpot taps into our inner child,” said Levy. “We find the nostalgia of fun-filled backyard memories is often forgotten about. It’s a neglected joy we’ve revived with our brand, embracing the essence of play that captivates both the young and the young at heart.”
