batwarmer

[onetime1]

Well this device calls itself "natural" and "ficial" which I think are both the opposite of artificial. So is it legal then?

[bob jenkins]

illegal

[johnnyg08]

Bat warmer = illegal...

[RKBUmp]

If the website is still claiming they are ASA approved they would be wrong. Batwarmers were illegal in ASA, then for a couple of years they allowed them, then after further testing they determined they did alter the hitting characteristics of the bat and they were outlawed again for 2012.

[EsqUmp]

Originally Posted by onetime1

Well this device calls itself "natural" and "ficial" which I think are both the opposite of artificial. So is it legal then?

If the warming was "natural" then they wouldn't need a device. I have contacted the manufacturer and asked for paperwork from ASA with respect to their certification of this device. ASA, of course, isn't binding on Federation Baseball. I will note, however, that the 2012 ASA rule change appears to specifically prohibit this device.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

If the warming was "natural" then they wouldn't need a device.

Exactly. The only natural bat warmer is the player's body heat.

[john5396]

According to an email from the state office here in NC, Interpreters have been instructed that placing bats on the tin roof of the dugout is intentionally warming the bat and makes the bat illegal. So this device is clearly illegal for NFHS.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by john5396

According to an email from the state office here in NC, Interpreters have been instructed that placing bats on the tin roof of the dugout is intentionally warming the bat . . . .

And just leaning them on the fence in the sun isn't?

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by john5396

According to an email from the state office here in NC, Interpreters have been instructed that placing bats on the tin roof of the dugout is intentionally warming the bat and makes the bat illegal. So this device is clearly illegal for NFHS.

The next thing we will be worried about is the players body temperature prior to handling the bat. Not directed to you john, however some officials need to get a freaking life. Most of these HS players have enough trouble making contact. I understand the importance of having standard and safe equipment but looking for bats on top of the dugout is almost like brushing the bases and pitching plate after each inninng.

Sometimes , you just have to umpire!

[kylejt]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Exactly. The only natural bat warmer is the player's body heat.

I'd say letting them sit in the sun is pretty natural. I had my kids either sit on the barrels, or keep them under their arm pits on cold nights. For day games, I made sure they were in the direct sunlight.

[dash_riprock]

There are several places the coach can stick his bat that I would consider legal. At least one of them would likely result in the bat becoming warmer.

[RPatrino]

And I have silently made that recommendation to players and coaches alike!!

[ozzy6900]

ASA is softball so it doesn't matter whether the item is approved by ASA. This is a baseball forum and NHFS says no to artificial bat warmers. Yes, Rich, it is alright to let your metal bat warm in the sun - just as it is okay to sit on your bat to warm it up.

Of course, real bats (wood) do not need warming up!

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

And I have silently made that recommendation to players and coaches alike!!

hahahahaha
me too

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Exactly. The only natural bat warmer is the player's body heat.

Nahhhh.