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?

they weigh the same

You didn't expect Dan to fall for that old trick did you? He got you there, Uncle Steve........:p

In Ontario, Canada. We start using exclusively wood starting at the age of 17. I tend not to agree with using wood at this age as it seems that the kids don't know how to hit with wood so that a two run lead is almost like a 7 run lead with the metal bats.

When I work the occasional "wood bat" high school age tournaments, I find
it sad how poorly today's kids hit with wood bats. But I realize the cause is the fact that they do not have any experience or practice with wood bats. :(

How many coaches know how to teach a kid to hit with wood? Alot of coaches today never hit with wood in their playing days.

Ok, I can't wait to hear this one.

Besides hitting with the label facing you, what other secret is their to hitting with wood, that is different than hitting with Alum. You know who the natural hitters are with Wood.

And lets not discuss the result of the contact, because that is a given.

Oh, by the way, I was raised on wood bats, so that is why I am so interested in this.

Here in BC, Canada, the majority of the baseball 17 and up is played with wood bats. Personally I think it makes for a better game. More ground balls, more plays...although aluminum does equal homeruns, which puts people in the seats....also wood bats just just sounds right.

I'm interested to know which weighs more: a 22 oz. wood bat or a 22 oz. aluminum bat?

This thread is getting really informative.

Hmmmm! That would depend if the wood bat were Ash or Maple and the aluminum bat were cryogenicly treated. :D :D :D

Ah, that reminds me of the ole question: "Which weighs more, a pound of feathers or a pound of gold?" ;)

(Actually, the answer's "feathers.")

BTW, how many 3c stamps in a dozen?

FINAL JEOPARDY... :D What is twelve, Alex? I'm taking all the hard ones today

I'm just surprised that no one has yet complained about my assertion that a pound of feathers weighs more than a pound of gold.

Take it easy 25 - Dan's still dumping his pillow out onto a scale!

Actually,anyone that believes a pound weighs more than a pound, should be discussing that with people professionaly trained to handle those types of disorders.

You mean, of course, the Bureau of Weights and Measures (or similar). The "pound" used to weigh pillows is not the same as the "pound" used to weigh gold.

I'm not certain , but from what I remember from my grade school days(many years ago) the standard pound is 16 ounces and a pound of gold weighs 12 ounces)

Indeed, Robert. Perhaps our friend can study the difference between "avoirdupois" and "troy."

I'll take whipped cream on that apology there, jicecone. ;)

"A pound of feathers weighs more than a pound of gold because feathers are weighed by avoirdupois weight, which has 16 ounces to a pound,while gold is always weighed by troy weight which only contains 12 ounces to a pound."

Cute.

OK, but a 22 oz. bat is a 22 oz. bat, whether it's made of aluminum, wood, gold, or marzipan.

I don't recommend the marzipan, though you need less pine tar.

Your right Bob, those guys over there really have a good understanding about statements made on the Forum.:o:confused: :o ;)

The difference between Aluminum and wood is that when a gorgeous female walks by, I can't get Aluminum.

Well, this topic quickly turned to crap.