Modified NFHS Bat Rule for 2012
 

Was wondering about the rule change that states "smooth cylinder implement from the top of the cap to the top of the knob". Does that mean bats like the Nike models (and others) that have a "break" before reaching the knob will be illegal in 2012? Looking for a definition of smooth clylinder from top of cap to top of knob...... Thanks for any help. BTW I am new to this forum and not interested in reading another link that has anything to do with MLB umps....:)

pastor doug
 

During the video conference Eliott Hopkins was very clear about two things:

1) Every bat must have a distinctive knob on the end. It appears in some areas of the US players had used tape to make the handle the same size as the knob. Safety issue.

2) Hopkins also made it perfectly clear that bats must be a smooth cylinder. That means it must be round and smooth. Triangular handles, ribbed handles, holes in the handle DO NOT make a cylindrical smooth bat.

Remember: currently there are no bats available that have the BBCOR approval. If you see it today the bat is fake.

BTW, there are websites already on line that promise to "cork your metal bat" or "mill the inside wall of the bat thinner for more bat speed."

Regards,

So the Vandetta and Rebok bats are now officially illegal and that coffin has it's final nail.

By what Tim wrote the Nike would not fit the bill so that will be an interesting battle as that is a pretty popular bat as was the Vendetta.

Bravo! Do whatever it takes to get Nike and Reebok out of the friggin' bat business!

Thanks for the info. But just a reminder that those bats will still be "legal" until 2012... But at least we are making positive progress in getting rid of some very dangerous bats, at least in my opinion.

Have not seen any data to prove (or even suggest) that any of the not perfectly round bats are dangerous. The bats in question are not perfectly round down in the handle part, not at the "business end".

Sand paper edge
 

I have a Louisville Slugger -3 bat with a sandpaper type, non-glare finish over the sweet spot. Not like any other LS models. The extra spin helped me go yard. It made it more difficult to glove the ball too. No one who saw it knew because those balls were also hit really hard. 4 other players hit HRs using my bat. These guys only hit 1 or 2 HRs all year {and 1 w/ my bat?}. After a year of baseball, I had a "flat" spot on the same bat. Never once thought of replacing it after shelling out the original $200.

A More Traditional View
 

DG, I am not sure what your point is.

The "round part" of the new rule is about bat performance not a safety issue.

Eliott noted that the rules committee wanted to get bats back to a more traditional piece of equipment.

The flat spot is followed by a crack (or two) and then the barrel splits and metal spikes or chards fly at some player or observer, endangering their future.

So that's why we throw out bats that are dented or cracked.