Aluminum vs. Wood
 

As we discuss safety and throat guards, etc., there is a growing movement under way to get rid of alumminum bats. I would like to know if anyone in your "neck of the woods" has begun to discuss this issue.

A low probability event
 

OK, it's not umpire stuff... but we are post season:-)

I think the Al bat is now a fixture of the game, and I'm sure some would say it's the reason there is so much 'pee wee' ball. I think what you will see (are seeing) will be adjustments to the game. Little League has set a BPF of I think 1.15 on their bats. Calvin Ball now has an option for their Majors to play on a 50/70 field (Pony has had this for a while.) When the age for player eligibility again get rolled back putting bigger 12 y/os on the field I'm sure you see more towns pushing these types of changes, especially the BPF, since there's a limit on upsizing the field.

SD

ps. If you really want to get nervous, check out some of the composite bats (barrel not handle) that are used in softball. They rebound like Ti.

I've hated aluminum bats since the first time I worked the plate where they were being used. I was punchy from the "ping, ping, ping", thoughout the game, and went home with a headache.

Bob

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

Central Massachusetts attempted to institute a use of wood bats just for the post-season of 2004.

They withdrew the rule before the playoffs began.

BTW, I did three games that year where one team was using aluminum bats exclusively and the other team used wood bats exclusively (as a prep for the playoffs).

The aggregate score was: Aluminum 33, Wood 2.

Truthfully, we do not have to get rid of aluminum bats at all. The bat manufacturers can create aluminum bats with the same rebound qualities and weight of a wood bat, but choose not to. You could have the same durability of aluminum and the performance of wood. Of course, if they did that, the kids wouldn't want the newest, hottest bat every 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?

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

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?)! ;)

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."

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?

I'm not a spokesman
 

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.

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?