Former New York Mets pitcher, John Franco, is one of many supporting a bill that would ban the use of metal bats in New York City. Franco hopes it passes so that others may follow. Mike Mussina, NY Yankees pitcher, is opposing the bill. He's on the Little League member's board. And bat maker, Easton, follows Mussina's opinion on the ban. No surprise. Here's a link to the story.

 

NY Metal Bat Ban

I'm not a scientist but I do know that an aluminum bat has a larger sweet spot which means the hitter has a higher chance of hitting a rope at the pitcher. I've never pushed my son to pitch for this one reason.

Bats have BPF ratings and all the manufacturer's, have complied in reducing this to 1.3 I believe.

 

Reaction time is minimal, for pitchers and hand/eye coordination, in youth programs is not as developed, as in older from 60'-6"....I'm for wooden bats across the board, but I realize this will not happen in the next 10 years, unless several tragedies ocurr and no one, would wish that.

There is no question that metal bats have more pop. I've heard many parents (if not every parent) of kids that pitch express the same concern. Big business though, with lots of money... it will be hard to change, but I agree that change should not have to come from harm. Bring on the wood bat classic, it just sounds better.

I find it kind of strange that one of the reasons originally given for using metal bat as opposed to wood was to save money(too many broken wooden bats, I guess). Of course, science intervened as it has with other sports, such as golf and tennis, and suddenly, everyone has to have the newest bat with the most "pop", which not only is potentially dangerous, but also winds up costing MORE money for the baseball team. The 400-500 dollars spent on the newest ultra plasma or whatever they are calling it, would buy a whole bunch of wooden bats, and let the kid's natural talent determine who wins games, not who has the most money to spend for equipment. How about having science enhance our sports with this radical idea: make metal bats simulate wooden bats??? I'm sure the technology is there; it could make things safer for our kids, level the playing field somewhat, and save some money all in one fell swoop!

What about the metal wood bats? It seems like they would give you the pop of wood, but less likely to break.

well, wood bats would help teach kids to hit a lot better because of the samller sweet spot on them, but since it is so much smaller the kids hands would sting if they dont hit it their and they might not like it as much...hmm..i never heard of the metal wood bats..that is a good idea

BPF (Bat Performance Factor) is simply the increase in the liveliness of a ball hitting a bat compared to throwing a ball against a solid wall (i.e., 20% faster rebound = a BPF of 1.20).

 

The NCAA/NFHS have determined a set of rules for bats to be legal for 2000 and beyond.

• The bats diameter, can be no larger than 2 5/8".
  
• The bats can be no lighter than 3 ounces less than the length (i.e. 31"/28oz)
  
• The bats can have an exit speed no higher than 97 MPH off the barrel of the bat. The bats must have a "BESR" logo on the barrel of the bat, designating that the bat meets the Ball Exit Speed Requirement.

Reduction of velocity won't necessarily save catastrophic injury, to a pitcher but it does allow some slight increase, in reaction time....which can certainly be a difference.

There is no question that metal bats have more pop. I've heard many parents (if not every parent) of kids that pitch express the same concern. Big business though, with lots of money... it will be hard to change, but I agree that change should not have to come from harm. Bring on the wood bat classic, it just sounds better.

 

Knott Central will have a wood bat tourney in April. :thumb:

Didn't read the article but a composite bat would probably suffice. Less breakage and less screaming bb's to the pitcher.

BPF (Bat Performance Factor) is simply the increase in the liveliness of a ball hitting a bat compared to throwing a ball against a solid wall (i.e., 20% faster rebound = a BPF of 1.20).

 

The NCAA/NFHS have determined a set of rules for bats to be legal for 2000 and beyond.

• The bats diameter, can be no larger than 2 5/8".
  
• The bats can be no lighter than 3 ounces less than the length (i.e. 31"/28oz)
  
• The bats can have an exit speed no higher than 97 MPH off the barrel of the bat. The bats must have a "BESR" logo on the barrel of the bat, designating that the bat meets the Ball Exit Speed Requirement.

Reduction of velocity won't necessarily save catastrophic injury, to a pitcher but it does allow some slight increase, in reaction time....which can certainly be a difference.

 

What would you guess the exit speed of the average high school ball player, between 70mph and 80mph? This would be the equilvant of catching a pitch, although off ballance.

What would you guess the exit speed of the average high school ball player, between 70mph and 80mph? This would be the equilvant of catching a pitch, although off ballance.

10 year old: 50 avg, 60 is good.

12 year old: 60 avg, 70 is good.

Freshman in HS: 70, 80 is good.

Varsity: 80 avg, 90 is good.

College: 85-90 avg, 90's is good.

It would be great to hear the "crack" of the wooden bats once again. I do not think we will see a change anytime soon.

Imagine a Bonds or a McGwire hitting a home run with a metal bat. 650-700 feet?

10 year old: 50 avg, 60 is good.

12 year old: 60 avg, 70 is good.

Freshman in HS: 70, 80 is good.

Varsity: 80 avg, 90 is good.

College: 85-90 avg, 90's is good.

 

I can see a danger level at the college level. And 70mph 45 feet away for a 12 year old could be trouble. Other then that, pitchers may have a tougher time fielding the position but should be able to protect themselves.

 

Is that bat speed you listed or velosity of the ball leaving the bat?