Illegal Bats

consequences...life's best teacher

When there are some real consequences for using an illegal bat then things will get cleaned up pretty quickly.....suspensions of players (and their coaches) and game forfeitures will speed up the process of everyone coming into compliance. Until then, it will probably continue to be messy.

 

where the confusion is...

Where players and coaches are getting confused is when the umpires come and check the bats and helmets before the game. The umpire is checking the bats for dents.. not for legal/illegal bats. It is the coach's responsibility to know what bats are legal and illegal. Therefore, if the coach knows the rule, he has to tell his guys if their bat is legal or not. If it isn't, throw it out.. don't allow them to use it. Don't just think because the ump didn't throw it out before the game that it's legal. That's not his duty. Then, if a player uses an illegal bat and the opposing coach or player knows it's illegal, they protest and then the umpire comes into play and looks at his list and if it is illegal, the batter is out, before or after his at-bat. If nobody brings it to the umps attention, nothing will be done. That's where the coach should have enough integrity about himself to say, "if the bat's illegal, don't use it. Don't wait for the coach to protest it." Just don't use illegal bats and there will be no problems! With that being said, players/coaches better enjoy what bats they have this year because next year, there are going to be a lot of 2-1 and 3-1 ballgames due to the bat changes next year.

 

Over simplification

There is a list of legal and illegal bats published by the NFHS so it's not that difficult to figure out. For example, there are no Easton composite bats on the legal list so if you see an Easton composite it's illegal. As a parent it's my responsibility to make sure that the equipment my kids use conforms to the rules and if they don't I am complicit in his cheating. A home run with a juiced bat has more to do with science than the player. Yes he had to hit the ball but would it have left the yard without help? Look at the home run numbers in college this year and decide if besr bats "helped" last year. The umps are overwhelmed so we need to help send our kids out with legal equipment. The rule is for the protection of the players.

 

Plus, what does that say about the integrity and character of the players and parents if players are trying to cheat, and the parents are allowing them to do so? I've seen that happen, and I just can't see anything being so important that it would be worth compromising those principles and teaching children to do so as well.

 

Who is responsible

I watched a game today and saw at least 4 bats that were illegal.I just wonder how hard it is to know that any Easton Comp is illegal.I think the only bats that are in question are the Louisville.I think all the Demarini are ok.The teams that are using these bats are going to end up losing a Conf game or even a State game.I know the coaches have a lot to keep up with but if they have a player using a illegal bat they need to stop it before they lose a big game.I hate to see a player from the other team tell a ump that the bat the player used is illegal.

 

AGREED! The player is responsible for this. Umps check the bats that are put out in front of them. They don't go through the bags in the dugout. Players, check the list. If your bat is not on it, don't use it. If you do, you are putting your team at risk. Ask your teammates if that is ok and if they know the consequences to the team if you get called for using an illegal bat.

 

Illegal bats?

Come on guys get real. Umps can't even call a strike zone by the rule book. We always hear,"he calls a low strike" or he calls a high strike". The strike zone is in the rule book and it is not called consistently. Now you are gonna complicate things for them and make them determine what bats are legal or illegal? Geeze. Let's not put too many things on them. I am just happy they find their way to the field.

 

It will get worse

Mudcat you know that they can find the way. i heard that was the reason why GPS was started.Heck I can live with a low strike! Just get the ball across the strike and not in the other batters box!!!

 

Solution is right in front of you...

End the confusion and go to wood...

 

Easton or dimarini will find a way to cork those coach... or some unethical parent wanting to give their kid an edge