roothog66 posted:It's not a crutch if allowed within the rules. You wouldn't be giving him a crutch. If you consider that a crutch, then why not have him hit with wood in high school? Whether they need it doesn't matter. They are allowed use of the bats under the rule set. Tiger Woods didn't need graphite clubs. However, bringing a knife to a gun fight will always put you at an unnecessary competitive disadvantage. Having said all of this, I know LL and probably BR/CR will be going to new bat performance rules.
Additionally (and I know we've been through this before) take note of the official statement that the NCAA made when announcing a move to BBCOR. Nowhere does it mention safety. The official reasons were about the proliferation of scoring. It was an attempt to hold scoring down.
It would be idiotic to say it was for safety; they would open themselves up to numerous lawsuits by stating they used unsafe bats. Wood is not safer IMO than a BBCOR, the exit velocity is similar and they have a tendency to shatter.
Do you think everyone should use BBCOR (required) by rule? Do you not think it matters at all and 14u kids should use any drop or performance ratio they want (there is no increased risk of injury)?