Demarini Vendetta Bat

[MichaelVA2000]

Originally Posted by TwoBits

Rule 1-3-2: The bat which may be wood or non-wood product shall be a smooth cylinder implement....

Demarini's new bat has an 8-sided flat handle with four sides being wider than the other four sides. I know the bat has already passed NFHS's inspection process since it is BESR certified, but it seems like it contradicts their own rules.

On a side note, Reebok's new Vector-O bat has holes in the handle. It is supposed to reduce drag and increase bat speed by allowing air to pass through the handle.

If you've not seen either one, a google search will find them for you.

Both of those bats were discussed during our Fed. meeting this weekend and they are illegal for high school play.

[rookieblue]

I think Michael and I were at the same meeting. The DeMarini and Reebok bats were discussed by name, with both being characterized as illegal for FED ball in Virginia.

[tcarilli]

I exchanged emails with Jim Paronto and Ty Halpin this morning. Both bats, the Reebok and the DeMarini are legal in the NCAA. Given the reason "rule 1-12-b-1 is intended to address the barrel of the bat (hitting area)," I would conclude the Mattingly bat is also legal.

[SJUMBA93]

Per the NJSIAA, neither bat is legal in New Jersey for high school ball.

[BretMan]

First local association meeting was last night. Our local rules interpreter told us that at the present time we are to consider the two bats in question as illegal for NFHS play.

He mentioned the possibility of a pending review and approval by our state rule interpreter and promised to keep us posted.

It was interesting that, after seeing this subject kicked around on multiple internet discussion boards during the past couple of months, our interpreter's Power Point presentation included a segment on these bats, complete with photos. So, they are definitely "on the radar" and being actively discussed, which might ultimately lead to a reversal of any current ban.

[Bishopcolle]

Originally Posted by rookieblue

I think Michael and I were at the same meeting. The DeMarini and Reebok bats were discussed by name, with both being characterized as illegal for FED ball in Virginia.

They are both legal in Utah, supposedly through FED offices.......

[baldman]

I heard from the National Office the Vendetta is legal for 2009

[BretMan]

Interesting that several posters have claimed that these bats have been banned by the NFHS at the national level (individual states can accept or reject any ruling as they see fit), now one says they have been approved at the national level, yet neither side has offered any specific, printed or published ruling to support their claims.

Should I say, "Show me the money", or, "Where's the beef"?

Can anyone offer anything concrete- something from their website, an issued interpretation or clarification, a news release, a memo- that directly addresses these bats?

[TwoBits]

Wow! I had no idea a post I made a month and a half ago had generated so much discussion!