Quote:
Originally Posted by TwoBits
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All I can say is that a game played by wood bats on average is completed in at least 15 minutes to 1/2 hour sooner then metal. (PRO ball excluded)
Also, since the players went to metal bats I have set up in a deeper B / C position then I normally would if they were using wood bats. Almost "bought the farm" a few times with a shot off of a metal bat.
You do not get those "cheap" hits with wood as you do with Al bats. I have seen hitters jammed but with metal they still get those bloop base hits and that just drives the pitchers crazy.
I am NOT saying that I have not had a gem of a game when the particpants used metal but on average throughout my career the games are quicker when they use wood.
Other then economics I can't see using metal at the collegiate level because the "next stop" for those that are fortunate enough to make it is PRO ball where wood is used. Those HR's they hit in college are now a "can of corn" in the PROS.
All in all I prefer to umpire in a wooden bat game any day of the week compared to metal.
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