Legal bats

[ozzy6900]

We (umpires), no longer check the bats & helmets as of January 2012. It is the Head Coach's responsibility to make sure that the bats and helmets are properly labeled and approved. We are supposed to ask the Head Coach at the plate meeting (you do have a plate meeting, don't you?) if their players are properly equipped (that includes helmets and bats, now).

So the only time we become involved is if there is an appeal from the defense that an improper bat is being used. As long as the stamp or emboss says BBCORE, the bat is okay. No stick-on labels are allowed.

[BretMan]

Just received an email today from our local association president (central Ohio) stating that the NFHS has deemed the Marucci to be an illegal bat.

[mbyron]

Marucci’s 33-inch Cat 5 baseball bat has been banned by the NCAA and NFHS Baseball Express

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by BretMan

Just received an email today from our local association president (central Ohio) stating that the NFHS has deemed the Marucci to be an illegal bat.

Just got the same type of email today in LA. also.

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

So the only time we become involved is if there is an appeal from the defense that an improper bat is being used. As long as the stamp or emboss says BBCORE, the bat is okay. No stick-on labels are allowed.

We can also be asked by a coach pre-game if a bat is legal.

[onetime1]

So it is kind of my problem now as an umpire. What is the plan of action if a player brings an illegal BBCOR Marucci 5 33/30 bat to home plate to hit? Do you allow this to happen and wait for the defense to appeal or stop the action before the hitter steps into the box?

[Forest Ump]

Originally Posted by onetime1

So it is kind of my problem now as an umpire. What is the plan of action if a player brings an illegal BBCOR Marucci 5 33/30 bat to home plate to hit? Do you allow this to happen and wait for the defense to appeal or stop the action before the hitter steps into the box?

Why is it your problem now? There are NFHS rules for dealing with a batter who steps in the box with an illegal bat and for dealing with the HC. The rule enforcement has not changed.

The coaches get the same info we get, maybe more. If a player steps in with an illegal bat, he's cheating. Take care of cheaters.

[onetime1]

Originally Posted by Forest Ump

Why is it your problem now? There are NFHS rules for dealing with a batter who steps in the box with an illegal bat and for dealing with the HC. The rule enforcement has not changed.

The coaches get the same info we get, maybe more. If a player steps in with an illegal bat, he's cheating. Take care of cheaters.

Take care of cheaters by letting him cheat or not?

[ODJ]

Penalize cheaters.

[nopachunts]

Texas Association of Sports Officials has given us cards for the coaches/representatives to sign at the plate attesting to the proper equipping of players and their equipment being legal.

[onetime1]

Originally Posted by ODJ

Penalize cheaters.

How can I penalize? I am not checking bats anymore? But am knowledgable to know this marucci model is illegal.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by onetime1

Take care of cheaters by letting him cheat or not?

If you see it, enforce it. On this issue, I'd try to see it before the kid steps into the box.

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by onetime1

Take care of cheaters by letting him cheat or not?

Sometimes you just have to umpire. Call what you see.

Most players will know when the opposing team is using an illegal bat. I once had a catcher ask me to look at one after the kid roped one to the wall. It was a -8, which looks like -3 when you get it dirty. I had to umpire.