Thursday, October 20, 2011

If you're familiar with Ameteur Baseball (High School or College)you have heard about the recent switch from BESR bats to BBCOR bats. BESR bats measure the speed of the ball after its been hit. The ball is not meant to surpass the speed of 97 MPH. When they are brand new they don't exceed that speed. Once these bats are broken in. They can go to speeds up to 120 MPH, which they are not suppose to, especially the composite barrel bats. In the beginning of the 2011 school year the NCAA and NFHS will ban all the composite bats. The rule for bats is that now all non wood bats will have to meet the Batted Coefficient of Restitution(BBCOR)standard. According to the NFHS, “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”. With a lower speed after contact there will be fewer homeruns and high scoring games. Pretty much the composite bats were like bats on steroids. Like the Major Leagues who have banned steroids. They have seen their HR per season numbers drop. Instead of seeing the usual 60 plus HR's from Sosa, McGwire, and Bonds. You now see the 40 plus Hr's from Bautista. This new BBCOR rule will have the same effect in High School and College baseball. You're number 3, 4, & 5 hitters will see their production numbers go down. This will make the game a little less instresting unless you're a pitcher.

Erik Rocha
KIN332I.S3200

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