Are White baseball bats going to be illegal next year for High school baseball?
Sunday, October 4th, 2009 at
3:06 am
So this last spring I got a white Easton stealth -3. I loved the bat and hit great with it and its still in great condition but I have been hearing that next year all white baseball bats will be illegall for high school baseball. Is this really going to happen?
I have not heard of this but I can see it happening. I believe it is a safety issue. Just like in the majors they are trying to get rid of maple bats because they splinter to easily. As we all know aluminum bats have much more pop when they hit the ball, thus the ball is coming at the fielder much faster. I believe it is the same reason why pitchers can’t have white on their gloves or long white sleeves. The batter can’t see the ball as quickly and may get hit in the head and seriously injured. With a white bat, the fielder may not see the ball until it is too late and may get it in the face or head, or other lower regions. I actually could see this happening and wouldn’t doubt it if it became a large debate before next season. Any way, stealth bats are the best. I frickin love ‘em.
it will if Obama gets his way.
i don’t think they will be getting rid of white bats.
you might be hearing about composite baseball bats being banned from college baseball. And i don’t think it applies for high school baseball yet.
and there are no composite white stealths so you should be fine.
This should answer your question:
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (July 6, 2009) — The clarification of baseball bat specifications was among four rules adjusted by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Baseball Rules Committee at its annual meeting June 7-9 in Indianapolis. The rules changes subsequently were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
A change to Rule 1-3-2 regarding bat specifications was made in the hope it will clarify bat compliance. The rule, which will be effective January 1, 2012, specifies that the bat should be a “smooth cylinder implement from the top of the cap to the top of the knob.”
“The committee was looking to clarify the rule and make the purchase of bats an easier process,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of educational services and liaison to the Baseball Rules Committee. “We want to make sure that kids and parents know what is permissible.”
The change will also require that all non-wood bats meet the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) performance standard, which is the standard used by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Formerly, non-wood bats had to meet the Ball Exit Speed Ratio (BESR) standard.
The new rule also states that non-wood bats must be labeled with a rectangular certification mark “a minimum of a half-inch on each side and located on the barrel of the bat in any contrasting color.” The new standard ensures that performances by non-wood bats are more comparable to those of wood bats. It’s also expected to minimize risk, improve play and increase teaching opportunities.
“After working with the NCAA and having access to its research, we’ve concluded it’s in our best interest to make this change,” Hopkins said. “BBCOR includes the BESR standard, so we’re actually expanding upon our current standard, which will be more appropriate for our age and skill level.”
Nothing about the color of the bat.
Bob
It all depends on which state you live in. Each state has a different set of rules and regulations. I’d encourage you to search for your States High School Athletic Association. For example here in Washington State we are ran by the WIAA. Good luck!
P.S.
In the off season you should train with wood, when hitting with aluminum you are able to take a bad swing and still hit the ball hard and get a good result. Swinging with wood forces you to swing correctly and practice proper fundamentals at the plate. I promise you will see a HUGE increase in your production at the plate come high school season.