April 1, 2025 · Caleb Balbuena
Local retired MLB player creates innovative device for baseball
Originally reported by Kevin John, published 10:42 PM PDT March 28, 2025.
EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. — El Dorado Hills resident Caleb Balbuena’s playing days are long over with.
“Got drafted in the 6th round with the Orioles,” said Balbuena. “Then in ‘98 signed with the Mariners. Played and got released. Then played in Independent baseball. Got back, then signed with the Rockies.”
After retiring from baseball, the Sonora product, who attended Summerville High School, became a sought-after pitching coach. During this time, he had an epiphany.
“In today’s tech, there’s a lot of technology for pitchers and hitters,” said Balbuena. “We saw a void to where there wasn’t anything for catchers.”
Caleb and his business partner Matt Ceriani then invented something that would be a game changer for catchers.
“What we created is a neoprene and a sensor that would go on your catcher’s glove and then on your throwing wrist,” said Balbuena. “And then out on second base, the fielder would have the neoprene. Whenever the ball makes that last connection, we collect pop time, distance, exchange time, and velocity.”
In other words, it analyzes the time from when the catcher releases the ball to when the infielder catches it. The device is called the Caught Stealing PRO100. The device also comes with an app that displays key features like average miles per hour, pop time, and more. The app coincides with the device.