future of composites in high school?

I can't imagine the fed being involved. I would imagine it will be the individual state HS organizations. They very often follow the NCAA.

Quite frankly there is too much room for cheating and they should be banned on the HS level as well. Why have a bat thats performance can be radically change and is very hard to detect.

If it indeed comes, expect it to be a NFHS rule....

I had heard that composites would no longer be legal to use at the high school level beginning with the 2012 school year.

Jan 1 2012 is the NFHS date I've read fo the new bats. Recently made a smokin deal on a barely used CF4, it should be warn out by then

Right now, the new NFHS rule effecting HS bats only speaks to the two-piece bat construction, regardless of material.

NFHS ruling

GED10DaD

Here is a local article of a recent pitcher who was hit by a line drive:

Marin Catholic Pitcher

I hope that boy is OK. I can't imagine going through that with my son and he's pitching in a scrimmage right now. He's already suffered a broken wrist and a shattered nose playing baseball. I hope he never suffers something like this. I'm going to pray for that boys family right now.

I hope we find out by the summer, before I shell out another $400 for a bat!

From the article linked above:

"[A Bat should be a] smooth cylinder implement from the top of the cap to the top of the knob.”

This would seem to implicate the two-piece type bats like the DeMarini Voodoo and Vexxums and the like. It certainly does not sound like it implicates fully composite bats at all.

See the following from NFHS (starting January 1, 2012):

"The change will also require that all non-wood bats meet the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) performance standard, which is the standard used by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Formerly, non-wood bats had to meet the Ball Exit Speed Ratio (BESR) standard.

The new rule also states that non-wood bats must be labeled with a rectangular certification mark “a minimum of a half-inch on each side and located on the barrel of the bat in any contrasting color.” 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."

Simply put, if it doesn't exhibit the rectangular certification mark as described above, won't be legal for high school play in 2012.

quote:

Originally posted by Milt:
Simply put, if it doesn't exhibit the rectangular certification mark as described above, won't be legal for high school play in 2012.

True, but a similar rule exists today for a BESR sticker.

In no way does the requirment to meet BBCOR stop players from using composite bats, even after 2012.

On the other hand, I expect that the NFHS will echo the NCAA, and prohibit hollow composite bats. I expect (or at least hope) that bats made of laminated strips similar to bamboo bats will be legal. Perhaps an upcoming ban, if that happens, on composites could be made effective in 2012 .

quote:

Originally posted by birdman14:
Quite frankly there is too much room for cheating and they should be banned on the HS level as well. Why have a bat thats performance can be radically change and is very hard to detect.

I guess I'm unfamiliar with the affect of these bats. Is the material of the composite bats the only thing that separates them from other bats? How are you able to cheat with these bats as apposed to other metal bats?

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OnWabana, Composite bats are sold at one rating, then become a different- more lively- rating after being 'broken in', through many hours in the batting cage. Some say a bat broken in by a different process, known as rolling, is unethical. To me, it doesn't matter. Its like tying a string around your mitt.

Personally, I'd like to see composite and metal bats disappear from baseball, entirely. It's the wood that makes it good.

Basically,composite barreled bats have an metal skin with a composite inner sleeve.Between the 2 is a binding resin.As the bat is used the resin breaks down and this allows for a trampoline effect between the 2 surfaces.Composites bats get "hotter" with use.There are other means to make the bat hotter.One method is called "rolling" in which the bat is sent thru a press and the resin is broken down,thus making the bat hotter. The other method is what is called "shaving" in which the cap is removed and a hone is sent down the barrel to thin out the wall of the composite material.This also increases the trampoline effect.

Ok, Thanks. I get it now. I guess I've heard of 'rolling' but it didn't register before.

Vic Dad- I agree. It should be all wood. Especially with the wood composites on the market these days. Can't use the old excuse as much anymore about wood bats breaking all the time.

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There is a possibility that these bats will become banned someday. I wouldn't worry about it right now. If your kid had a year or two left in HS, let him use what feels best. I would not buy one at this time considering they are more expensive at around 250-400 dollars. The one thing I heard is once they are broken in, the more pop they have, thus giving the players the edge a little because the ball comes off the bat faster. This is a good way to improve your stats for college I guess.
Personally, my son is a sophomore, a good player and just bought a 2010 Demarini Vendetta SC4 which is an alloy barrel with a composite handle.

quote:

Originally posted by 3FingeredGlove:

quote:

Originally posted by Milt:
Simply put, if it doesn't exhibit the rectangular certification mark as described above, won't be legal for high school play in 2012.

True, but a similar rule exists today for a BESR sticker.

In no way does the requirment to meet BBCOR stop players from using composite bats, even after 2012.

On the other hand, I expect that the NFHS will echo the NCAA, and prohibit hollow composite bats. I expect (or at least hope) that bats made of laminated strips similar to bamboo bats will be legal. Perhaps an upcoming ban, if that happens, on composites could be made effective in 2012 .

What if there is no way a composite bat can meet the BBCOR. If no composite bats can meet hte spec thet are banned. Also the composite bats that meet the spec won't be any better than the aluminum bats that are $100 cheaper.

The new spec is very little different than the old one, and plenty of composite bats can meet the spec.

However, metal bats lose some of their trampoline effect with usage, but composite bats, as explained earlier in this thread by lodi14, actually get more trampoline effect as the bat is used or artificially flexed.

So the composite bat can start out in spec and improve to be out of spec. Trying to regulate this would be extremely difficult, so the NCAA has decided to ban the composite bats.

Which brands are considered composite?

It is my understanding that the new BBCOR ratings will tone down the bats to basically equal what a wood bat would do, but last more than a few games.

I also understand that the new BBCOR standard eliminates the issues that composite bats have today.

Good article about the changes can be found here.

http://www.mycollegebaseballpl...09NCAAbatchanges.htm

Actual BBCOR rules

http://web1.ncaa.org/web_files...20FINAL%205%2009.pdf

NCAA Baseball Bat Standards.

http://www.ncaa.org/wps/portal...standards/index.html

I have also heard that the new 2011 bats getting ready to hit the street are crazy hot and really push the limits of the current BESR standard.

My prayers go out to the Pitcher and family struggling with sons induced coma. My son is a pitcher and faces really great batters. I am concerned for the batter when the pitch is inside or wild. I am concerned for my son everytime the ball comes off the bat. Like most of your high school pitchers the ball is moving toward the plate in the upper 80's. Dangerous enough, but thank goodness the batter has a helmet and catcher is protected. What is the speed coming back at my son on the mound off of the bat? For those who have pitchers on the mound....I believe you can better understand the concern. Those who have batters are naturally more concerned with batting averages. The game can be great with wood bats. WWBA/Perfect Game proves that year after year.