NOCSAE stamp on batting helmet face protector

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Of course, they want to go to a non-policed situation because they WILL cheat and expect to get away with it.

NCAA baseball ignored ASA's addressing of altered bats and subsequent actions by NFHS & NCAA softball to corral a bad situation. Their opinion was much like the FP softball community is stating that the altered bat was a slow pitch softball issue and never touch the integrity of THEIR game. So, how did that work out for NCAA baseball?

Well, it has become evident over the past decade that this ignorance was detrimental to the game and players in all games at all levels were affected by the "win at all cost" and "you ain't trying if you ain't cheating" attitude.

And, of course, it is never the coach's fault, just like those who know their pitcher is illegal and will take no action to correct the situation.

I've never had a problem with checking equipment. It is easier and less time consuming to check the equipment before the game than have to stop a game because is comes into question during the game.

Not withstanding the BESR/non-BESR kerfluffle, I have not ever found an illegal bat during all of the years that I had to check baseball and softball bats per NFHS Rules. Nor have I had an illegal bat in either sport enter that game per NFHS Rules. And the same is true for ASA and USSSA bat checking with one excpetion: Last Summer Junior and I found a slow pitch bat while checking bats in a ASA girls' fast pitch tournament; go figure.

Do illegal bats get into games? I am certain that they do because I have umpired in tournaments where illegal bats have been removed from competition, but they have far and few between. Umpires need to get out of the check the bats pre-game business and take care of business when it need to be taken care of.

MTD, Sr.

[Dakota]

I don't have a problem checking helmets for safety (cracks, or especially loose face guards), since these are not cheating, just being sloppy.

Checking bats is a waste of everyone's time. The only cheaters it will stop are the stupid cheaters.

[Manny A]

I have no issues checking bats in NCAA play, as long as the teams make it as easy as possible on the umpires by ensuring ALL their bats are present and organized in the order of the list. And after a few times of checking, you'll know where to look for those miniscule model numbers.

My frustration grows when our crew enters a dugout to do the bat check, and the team:
- Doesn't have their bat list completed, or it's completed incorrectly
- Doesn't have all their bats present because a couple of coaches are using them in the outfield, a couple of girls are out there swinging them for pre-game practice (after already going through cage work, for crying out loud)
- Doesn't have the bats in any semblance of order
- Supposedly has all the bats ready for the check, but we can see more bats sticking out of bat bags in the dugout

Most teams are pretty good about it. It's just those few that seem to forget how to get it done right away.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

I have not ever found an illegal bat during all of the years that I had to check baseball and softball bats per NFHS Rules. Nor have I had an illegal bat in either sport enter that game per NFHS Rules.
MTD, Sr.

That seems extremely rare, possibly some other force at work.