Softballs - 275 comp.
 

Interesting data on the new ball being used by ASA in certain areas:

They are allowing the 1.20 USSSA bats to be used with the 275 core balls.

The balls we are using presently (375 comp) have a max. rating of about 1800 lbs force when they are hit which is a standard number. The balls out there today have a rating of anywhere from 1850 - 2400 lbs of force when hit. (not in standards)

The 275 comp ball, has an average of only 450-475 lbs force when hit even with the USSSA bats. One-Third of the norm. That's why the ball should be used in Recreation League Play (safety)

Another interesting figure he dropped on me was, "it only takes a 1200 lbs force either to fracture a skull seriously or cause death if hit in the head.

Very interesting numbers. No wonder infielders are using all kinds of protective equipment these days.

(info came from a reputable sporting goods company rep)

I have no doubt this is the direction in which we'll eventually be going: softballs having less and less "pop" until they're almost mush. Unfortunately, the bat manufacturers are simply going to make bats hotter and hotter until we're right back where we started.

When I fist started playing slowpitch softball ~10 years ago, in the middle of the summer 5 pitchers had been killed nation wide from line drives either in the head or chest, so our league, which was an ASA league, went to softer mid summer for safety reasons. (I didnt pay attention to the #s back then but the balls were noticeably softer). But it seems like the balls used today (44/375) are still "juiced"

This is for slowpitch softball...Ive always said that with the bat technology the way it is its not only becoming too dangerous for pitchers, but also for CI. You figure a 3B will play 5-10' behind the bag, thats only 70-75' from home. You'd call a baseball 3B playing 15-20' in from 3B suicidal for playing that close, yet the balls come down the line with almost the same speeds (for big softball hitters), yet in softball this is acceptable.

It will never happen bc the bat manufacturers pour a ton of $$ into softball and everyone wants to be barry bonds, and not placido polanco, but the game IMO would be better if it were played with wood bats.

just my .02

Ironically, one of the bat manufacturers markets wood bats on their website for slow-pitch. I can't remember which one, noticed it last week when I was looking up the bats for another thread on this website.

I believe you're referring to Viper.

No, but that would make two. I'll look it up, I think it may have been Louisville Slugger.

Part of it is the mentality that some players have, but most of it is due to the equipment. If the restrictions on the bats become loosened by ASA, two things will happen. First, the players will have a sh1t-fit every time we check their bats and say, "oh, you can use that Freak Plus now." Second, the bat manufacturers will just make the bats hotter and hotter until ASA, once more, steps in and says, "enough."

I think ASA should stick with the current bat regulations they have, continue to work with bat manufacturers to keep the doctored bats at bay, as well as pursue the bat doctors who are fouling the game. Also, continue to work with the ball manufacturers to develop a ball that has the same, consistent pop every time. I believe Mike touched on this subject a few months ago.

I will admit that bats are a personal crusade of mine. I think these cheaters should be strung up by their toes and left to rot in the middle of Death Valley. If I can nudge them any closer towards this goal by educating myself and being consistent and diligent EVERY time I check a bat, well, I'm just happy to play my part.

No, man, the fire ants and scorpions will never get them up there. :eek:

Good. It'll take longer.

Found it. It wasn't Louisville Slugger. It was Worth. They have two models of wooden bats for slow-pitch, one bamboo, and the other ash. Look at:

Bats | WorthSports

I'm amazed that these bats even pass the test. The properties of wood are never consistent, and each bat will vary greatly.

What test?

The road test. :p

No, the 98 MPH certification.

Unless they're WAY below 98 MPH. They probably are.

I don't believe there is any way to test the compression of a wood bat.