are aluminum bats dangerous?

In 2004, Little League introduced a new rule prohibiting all pitchers from throwing or spiking the ball (except during practice). What kinds of bats are legal for middle school baseball? Others, like Jim Quinlan, the national program coordinator for American Legion Baseball, say that wood bats can also be dangerous. Aluminum bats are also more durable than wood, so you wont have to replace them as often. Composite bats, for example, must fulfill particular specifications in order to be used in BBCOR leagues (NCAA, NFHS, etc.). "The ball's not coming off the bat with the speed it was four years ago, and that's good," he said. He received an e-mail message from Kay Bugger, the mother of a current Bucks player and of another player who was on the team in 2003. First, be sure to check the construction carefully. This can make it harder for pitchers to control where the ball goes after its been hit. Many manufacturers will use lower quality materials in the barrel in order to save money, so be sure to read the product descriptions carefully. Ultimately, it is up to the individual player to decide what type of bat works best for them. Demarini and Louisville Slugger bats were the most popular bats used in college baseball during the 2021 season. "But I can handle it. "Still, our association recognizes, as everybody should, that unfortunately there are inherent dangers at the college and high school level. Metal bats are also approved by the USSSA; these are occasionally used in youth tournaments. } This is why wooden bats are still the preferred choice in professional baseball. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The first metal baseball bat was owned by William Shroyer in 1924 but wasn't used in baseball until Worth introduced in 1970. College baseball teams have been able to take advantage of these benefits, leading to an increase in home runs and overall excitement in the game. Wood bats do not need certification because they are made of only one natural material. While all metal bats are not created equal, they do have some advantages over wood bats. Some people swear by aluminum bats, while others prefer wood bats. Whats more important, after all, but time for a change. H&B officials paint MacKay as an opportunist with a history of deceit. In addition to the legal ramifications, the use of composites in baseball bats can be dangerous for young players because they have a large surface area relative to their weight, which can lead to injury if hit by a ball. Scott Kvernum of Williston, N.D., was in the stands at Denton Field as his sons team played recently against Miles City. The Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL) began using aluminum bats in 1984, becoming one of the first to do so. In 2001, after several fatal accidents involving metal bats, MLB banned the use of metal bats in favor of alternatives. WebAluminum bats are significantly less likely to break and, if they do, cause major injury. Handles should be made of wood that is thin or thick, depending on how you want to use them, and they should be comfortable for you. There are two main types of aluminum bats: standard size and big barrel. Benefits Of Aluminum vs Wood Bats. Instead of replacing wood bats on a regular basis, it is better to invest in aluminum bats, which are more resistant to damage and can last several seasons before needing to be replaced. Every bat that meets those requirements carries a stamp of approval or it cannot be used in college or high school baseball. A -12 or -13 drop weight (the difference between the bats length in inches and its weight in ounces) is ideal for most hitters. Yes, metal bats are legal in both high school and college baseball. With proper care, your bat should last you many seasons of enjoyment. This type of bat is not allowed in most leagues because it can be dangerous. bats are lighter and have more weight than five ounces of aluminum. It is made of wood or aluminum and has a knob on the end to prevent it from slipping out of your hand. If all of these criteria are met, the bat may be used in college baseball. They also have a larger sweet spot, meaning that they are more likely to make contact with the ball. Aluminum bats are lighter to swing than wood ones, and the ball flies off faster. MacKay spent a day on the witness stand testifying to the dangers of the bat he designed. Finally, since there is a larger sweet spot on these bats, they may not have as much pop as some. In 2009, 108.976 children were treated in emergency hospitals due to baseball accidents on the basis of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Two piece bats are usually a bit lighter and more balanced than single piece bats, but they may not be as durable. The Mavericks have forfeited four games to Bozeman. There is no break-in period required. It has no bend, its really rigid. The NCAA has adopted a BESR standard for Bat Exit Speed Ratio, or BESR, for the time being. The Pros And Cons Of Aluminum Bats In Baseball: Why Arent Standard barrel is considered to be a drop three. This simply means that the length of the bat, in inches, minus the weight of the bat, in ounces, equals three. It is used by coaches to hit balls to players during practice. Wooden bats are typically made from maple, ash or birch trees. } Because the bat has a longer strike distance, it is more difficult to hit balls with it than a wooden bat. The introduction of composite bats has once again altered the game of baseball. Heres the Gear You Need to Get, The Ultimate Guide to Baseball-Themed Online Slot Games, How To Hem Baseball Pants: A Step-by-Step Guide For Customizing Your Look. The NCAA does not allow the use of aluminum bats in college baseball. The weight and length of wood bats are only regulated by weight and length rules, which are not as stringent as those of metal bats. So once they are discarded, they can only be put in landfill sites. For example, a 34-inch bat that weighs 31 ounces is considered a drop three. There are many different types of composite bats. Because the baseball industry has long been concerned about player safety, wooden bats are the only option for players and fans. I'm a James Miller, and I'm an expert in materials science. Hickory, which is the heaviest and toughest of all fattening tree species, was the first baseball bat. But opponents say some aluminum bats hit balls so hard that pitchers standing 60 feet from the plate have no time to react. While metal bats are not allowed in official MLB games, they are allowed in practice and other non-professional settings. "I invented the atom bomb and didn't realize it until we got out there and shot it," he said, according to the Daily Oklahoman. Hollow bats are typically lighter than solid bats, which makes them easier to swing. There are several advantages to using an aluminum bat. This favors hitters but is obviously dangerous to pitchers and infielders (Heavy Metal, p. 27, 1997). Please help us improve this review! If youre looking for a top-of-the-line bat that will give you an edge on the competition, a composite bat is a good choice. The major downside to aluminum bats is that they can dent easily, so its important to take good care of them. They also provide more consistent performance due to their shape and material, allowing for more consistent results when batters make contact with the ball. However, the jury decided the product was not defective.