MLB To Consider New Bat Rules
June 25, 2008 by Ribbie3b
Filed under Truth/Rumors
P
roposals for rule changes in Major League baseball are becoming more common than all of those angry Mets fans out there. First instant replay, now the Bats.
The future of the maple constructed bat is now uncertain in Major League Baseball play. Statistical analysis has relayed information showing league officials that the bats are shattering way to often-putting players (especially the pitcher) at a higher risk of being struck by shrapnel. Studies have proven that Ash bats splinter more quickly, breaking up into smaller pieces as they expire; this is not the case with Maple.
On Tuesday, Representatives from the commissioner’s office, the players union and teams spoke on a conference call about the potential danger with bats that have seemingly been shattering more frequently. The committee is responsible for monitoring fan and player safety, an issue that has become more pronounced with every flying bat shard.
In a news release, the committee said it planned to consult with bat experts and bat manufacturers, conduct field and laboratory tests, and gather information about protective procedures in ballparks.
Johnny Damon of the Yankees recently switched to Ash bats after hearing about a possible “Maple Debate”. In 2001, Maple became a huge ”fad” when Barry Bonds used Maple bats throughout his record-setting 73-home run season. It is currently estimated that 60 percent of all players use the “pitcher killing” clubs.
Based on percentages, players have always prefered Maple vs. Ash constructed bats because they like the sound of the baseball coming off the bat leading the players to believe Maple bats have more “pop”.
However studies have proven that notion to be wrong. A study in 2005 by Dr. James Sherwood (funny that is last name is SherWOOD) of the Baseball Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell found no evidence that a baseball hit by a maple bat carried farther than an ash bat-struck baseball.
The MLB claims action will not be taken immediatley, but the bat ban will be on a list of priorities leading up to the beginning of next season. Players are in denial that the league will do anything at all.
“Is something going to be done about it?” asked Philadelphia player representative Jimmy Rollins. “I doubt it.”
Sorry Jimmy, I think this link proves that it is time. This umpire got beaned hardcore by a broken maple.
Hrmm.. I guess no one found this interesting — after three bats shattered today projecting themselves into the outfield….?
And how Ironic was it that Jimmy Rollins went into shallow left to pick up a few pieces…heh!