Doctored Bats

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Anyone know of any "automatic notification" listservs for these kinds of things? Or am I looking at the closest thing to it right here?

Presently, this is it. However, this past winter ASA has openly noted that they are exploring the cost of initiating a connection with any umpires which would possibly include an e-mail address to which information like this could easily be disseminated to the troops.

[Deepsouthblue]

I talked with a past president of ASA yesterday about banned bats. He was picking up a Miken Freak to have tested to see if it had been altered. There were tool marks on the end cap, and a pitcher had been struck in the face with a batted ball off of this bat and hospitalized. (He is o.k., but was in the hospital about two days.)
According to him, the bat was probably an Ultra that had been painted to look like a Freak by Miken. He theorized the bat was probably already made (but unpainted) when the Ultra was banned and Miken painted it to be a Freak so they could sell it to more customers. This particular bat was an old Miken Freak that had the 2000 stamp on it. I'm sure there are more out there like this one.
He also mentioned a bat (I can't remember which one) that he saw that tested at 97 mph brand new. They then rolled the bat on a roller and beat on it with mallets (accelerated break-in) and the bat then tested at 104 mph.
These are just a couple of things ASA is dealing with concerning altered and/or banned bats.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Deepsouthblue

I talked with a past president of ASA yesterday about banned bats. He was picking up a Miken Freak to have tested to see if it had been altered. There were tool marks on the end cap, and a pitcher had been struck in the face with a batted ball off of this bat and hospitalized. (He is o.k., but was in the hospital about two days.)
According to him, the bat was probably an Ultra that had been painted to look like a Freak by Miken. He theorized the bat was probably already made (but unpainted) when the Ultra was banned and Miken painted it to be a Freak so they could sell it to more customers. This particular bat was an old Miken Freak that had the 2000 stamp on it. I'm sure there are more out there like this one.

I have a hard time buying this theory. If Miken had painted the bat, there would be no markings on the bat or end cap, no need for it unless the player who owned the bat was not happy with how hot it already was. Miken has been one of the leaders in bat control, so I find it hard to believe they would jeopardize their standing and business by violating any agreement with the softball associations.

If this is found to be true, that is just the tip of the iceberg. Someone better have a load of money for the lawsuits by sanctioning bodies, leagues, teams and players and that would just be on the civil side. I would think there could possibly be criminal charges raised againt Miken and all associated companies.

[Deepsouthblue]

I thought they were tool marks, as did the umpires and tournament director and UIC. He did not. Sorry for the confusion.

But this is just what he said. Anyway, he was sending the bat to Washington State today to have it tested. Of course, the bat has been around for 6-7 years; it has probably been broken in by now and will test faster than 98 mph.

[bkbjones]

bkbjones, while serving as a tournament UIC, has bribed two umpires with the only decent ribs in the Greater Seattle area that are not made at my house.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Deepsouthblue

I thought they were tool marks, as did the umpires and tournament director and UIC. He did not. Sorry for the confusion.

But this is just what he said. Anyway, he was sending the bat to Washington State today to have it tested. Of course, the bat has been around for 6-7 years; it has probably been broken in by now and will test faster than 98 mph.

Interesting. How is E.T. doing?

[Deepsouthblue]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Interesting. How is E.T. doing?

Fine. I played 9 holes on Wednesday with him and a couple of other guys. He was hitting it left most of the day, but he still shot better than me.

I'll find out about the bat when I see him again.