Aluminum vs. Wood

[briancurtin]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Some areas in IL will apparently be experimenting (and gathering data on offense, safety, cost) with wood bats for HS ball next year

bob,
do you know what areas that experiment may be taking place in? any of the conferences or individual schools that our group handles?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by briancurtin

bob,
do you know what areas that experiment may be taking place in? any of the conferences or individual schools that our group handles?

The Daily Herald had an article a while ago -- it listed two conferences I was not familiar with.

[UMP25]

I remember that article, Bob, and IIRC, it seemed that the IHSA emphasized they're not going to do away with aluminum bats, the controversy/discussions notwithstanding.

Regardless, I'm a purist. There is perhaps no greater sound than the crack of a bat against the ball. Give me wood any day of the week (hmmm...that sounds rather risque, doesn't it?)!

[voiceoflg]

Apologies if this was posted on this board already.

New Jersey is considering it.

"New Jersey lawmakers last Thursday began considering making the state the first to completely ban metal bats from youth sports.

Though Assembly lawmakers released the bill from committee, clearing it for a possible vote by the full house, it’s a long way from becoming law. Little League officials and bat manufacturers oppose it."

[UMP25]

Now why would Little League, who is often criticized for going "overboard" regarding safety rules, be opposed to banning aluminum bats? Does Easton give $$$ to L.L.? Just wondering.

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by UMP25

Now why would Little League, who is often criticized for going "overboard" regarding safety rules, be opposed to banning aluminum bats? Does Easton give $$$ to L.L.? Just wondering.

Do Bears popo in the woods?

[LilLeaguer]

Originally Posted by UMP25

Now why would Little League, who is often criticized for going "overboard" regarding safety rules, be opposed to banning aluminum bats? Does Easton give $$$ to L.L.? Just wondering.

I don't speak for LL, but I can speculate:

• Little League is a national organization. Having one set of rules in one state would be more difficult to adminster, especially in playoffs.
• LL already addresses the safety issue with specific guidelines for LL bats, and may feel that the cost/safety tradeoff has already been optimized.
• I'm pretty sure that ESPN provides more money to LL than any other corporation. I can't remember if equipment companies sponsor the games on ESPN, but any activity that diminishes the commercial value of the LL WS might be an issue. (This is why I'm not a whole-hearted supporter of the current version of the LL WS.)
• I sure got the impression that the LL WS helmets were all supplied by one manufactorer, but I would guess that each team brought their own (usually individually owned) bats.

[LLPA13UmpDan]

Originally Posted by voiceoflg

Apologies if this was posted on this board already.

New Jersey is considering it.

"New Jersey lawmakers last Thursday began considering making the state the first to completely ban metal bats from youth sports.

Though Assembly lawmakers released the bill from committee, clearing it for a possible vote by the full house, it’s a long way from becoming law. Little League officials and bat manufacturers oppose it."

glad to see LL is doing something right NJ expects kids even such as 5-6 year olds to swing a wood bat? They are heavier then metal.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by LLPA13UmpDan

glad to see LL is doing something right NJ expects kids even such as 5-6 year olds to swing a wood bat? They are heavier then metal.

I'm sorry guys, please allow me:

Dan,

What are you talking about?

Don't you think that there are lightweight wood bats, and very heavy aluminum bats? Bats come in all lengths, weights, and barrel tapers. When I was 5 or 6, I swung a wood bat, because that's what we had then. And it was made for little 5 year old kids. Nice and light.

Which weighs more Dan, a ton of steel, or a ton of feathers?

[LLPA13UmpDan]

they weigh the same