Rawlings Power Forge bat?

Craig, I am all for a bat of minimum length/weight, if it is applied to everyone. I am sure that all of the outfielders out there would want it to be more than 5 ounces, since they aren't getting enough action as it is! The question I posed was simply, what if it is left up to the individual leagues to decide, and some decide to not ban these lighter bats? Can you say without hesitation that you would both refuse to ever use the bat or play in a tournament or league that allowed them? Everyone is saying ban them or not ban them, but no one is stating flat out they will not allow their sons to use the bat or play against a team that does. I will consider purchasing the bat if it is as good as people say (if I can afford it), and I would not refuse to play a team that did use them. Society being like it is, I seriously doubt that all the different youth leagues would agree to a weight/length restriction. And if some allow it, more and more teams and players will get it, because they will not want to be at a disadvantage.

When 405 aluminum came out, the difference between it and 31 aluminum was incredible, but I don't remember people saying they should be banned? Where did you come up with 160 mph batted ball back at the pitcher (especially from 9/12 year olds)? Have you seen figures given for the bat that shows this? Before I would outright ban these bats I would need to see justification based on tests. How much better is the 405 aluminum vs. 31, and how much better are the Redline/Forged bats vs 405? You are going up against Easton, Rawlings, Wilson, etc., after they invested a lot of money on these bats (not to mention the people who have already paid $150/$250). I never implied that bats should continue to be made lighter and stronger, I did say that as long as they make them lighter and stronger, and leagues allow them, there will be a market for them. Two years ago I spent $70 for a lightweight TPX bat, and I thought it was expensive. Last year I spent $105 on a Easton Reflex. Now this Redline and Forged bat come along at a cost of $160 for a youth bat. The other problem with these expensive bats, is that as a youth, you will be lucky to use the same bat for two years before outgrowing it. Bats, like cigarettes, are pricing themselves out of the market.

By the way, I did not suggest we go to a softball, I meant a softer, less compression ball. In the long run that would be the best answer to this whole problem. I am not suggestin using an Incrdible Ball, but a ball that has just enough less compression so as to offset to some degree the improvements in bats. Most leagues purchase there balls in the Spring, or have teams purchase their own. It's too late for this season, but it is something that can be done in a year. That way people who do own an expensive piece of equipment that they worked long hours to get the money for, and Rawilings and Easton aren't out. In fact, Rawlings would stand to gain since they are a major ball maker. Again, before I would do anything, I would need to see on paper, that these new bats do indeed pose a genuine threat to our youth. After all, the ball that hit the pitcher apparently didn't hurt him, so mabye some of this argument is getting blown out of porportion.

I commend you for having the foresite to bring this subject. Through thoughtfull discussion some sort of common ground can be reached.