Besr -3

[SAump]

The bat had nothing to do with the injury to the head or face in the OP.
Modifications to current bat specifications will not prevent future injury.
To avoid this type of possible injury, a player should were a face mask.
A lacrosse helmet would protect the pitcher from this type of injury.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

There is a devastating infestation of a beetle that has already destroyed tens of millions of ash trees in the U.S. and Canada. Its effects have already resulted in a shortage of wood for making bats. This will, of course, make them more costly as well.

Maple is not the answer, obviously. Bamboo composite performs magnificently, and is amazingly durable, and of course is quite plentiful. That could be the answer for amateur and collegiate baseball.

Kevin:

Just remember that a bamboo bat would fall in the non-wood category of bats, because bamboo is a type of grass.

MTD, Sr.

[njdevs00cup]

Most of the fall ball at the high school level in my area are wood bat ball. The games are outstanding (most) and a pleasure to work. Pitchers challenge hitters.

I enjoy the two weeks I spend up on Cape Cod every summer watching the best college players in the country hit with wood bats. As I high school umpire I have learned a great deal about the three man rotation watching the games and have seen outstanding umpires.

The one concern I have about the wood bat / metal bat argument is that the first time a player is struck or impaled with a broken wooden bat, the liability will be spread to everyone.