Quote:
Originally posted by DG
Quote:
Originally posted by jumpmaster
In upper level ball (American Legion and Large HS) I have noticed that about half-way up the bat, at about the area that the barrel begins to swell, a strip of athletic tape about 1/4 inch wide. In addition, while watching the CWS tonight, I have noticed tape up high on quiet a few bats as well.
Originally I thought no big deal, however, after watching a few bunts unfold in front of me, I realized that this tape is in the same vicinity as where the BR places his fingers for a bunt and could, if the ball strikes that area, absorb some of the impact on the ball upon the bat.
My question - guys that are calling upper levels - is making batters remove this tape considered booger pickin' or is it one of those "let it go"? My thinking is OBR Rule 1.10c states that any material beyond 18 inches from the end of the bat causes the bat to be removed from the game.
What say you?
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Booger picking. The tape should mark the 18 inch point, and help the batters keep the tar off the fat end. A piece of tap adds no advantage to a bunt, IMO, and if the other team complains and it is above 18 inches I treat it the same as a pitcher's glove that is black with some tan laces (ie multicolor) and that is to remove it before it is used again, but no penalty.
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If the tape is 18.5 inches up the bat I say let it go, but if it is at 22 or 23 inches, then I am going to have him pull it off. There is no reason for him to have tape on his bat, except if he is trying to gain an unfair advantage in some way. DG says it is so he knows how far up he can put pine tar, but this is legion/HS ball, but who puts pine tar on a metal bat? We all know how often a wood bat shows up in HS.
Why does this guy need tape on his bat? Well if this is where he puts his hand when he bunts, the tape could improve his grip on the bat. What if the tape was wrapped around the bat a few times so it was somewhat thick. Well if the ball were to hit that spot then the ball would not go as far. I just don't see any reason that he needs to have tape on his bat. If the tape is in an illegal spot, and there is no reason to have it there, why would I let him keep it on?