Checking bats? what to do?

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by rbmartin

I was working a tourney a few weeks ago (cal ripkin/obr rules). After a batter rocketed one off the wall, defensive coach asked me to "check the bat". I examined the bat (an Anderson Tech-zilla if I recall correctly). All proper markings, proper size, no signs of tampering, no mystery objects rolling around inside, ball sounded normal leaving the bat. I told coach "bats fine" and we played on.

My question is, what type of things should I be looking for when asked to check a bat? What are some things you more experienced guys have seen over the years that I should look for during bat inspection? Should I educate myself as to the style and construction of common bats so I can better spot an altered one?

Sounds like you're asking more about how to look for an altered bat, rather than about how to make sure the bat is rule compliant for the particular league. I look at a bat (only when required) the same way you appear to be doing it.

I would imagine that it would be somewhat difficult to see an alteration to a youth league bat, unless it was glaringly obvious that the end of the bat had been opened up. And I've never seen or heard of an altered bat that has been caught being used in a youth league or HS game.

Tim.