HIGH School bat change.... What numbers should we expect from our leading hitters?

not trying to steal your thread bxbomber, but is there going to be a published list of legal and/or illegal bats?

The “guidance” from the National Federation of High Schools is very confusing.

NFHS release dated July 7, 2010 – changes to take effect during the 2010-2011 year forbid the use of composite bats until they can meet the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) performance standard.

NFHS release dated July 20, 2010 – states that waivers may be considered for certain types or models of composite bats that can produce consistent results through the life of the bat and remain within the applicable test standard. States NFHS may work with manufacturers on waivers.

NFHS release dated July 28, 2010 – (note – this release postdates the July 7 release) related to baseball rule changes. States:

“ Through December 31, 2011, each aluminum bat shall meet the Ball Exit-Speed Ratio (BESR) performance standard, and such bats shall be labeled with a silkscreen or other permanent certification mark. No BESR label, sticker or decal will be accepted on any non-wood bat.
e. Beginning January 1, 2012, all bats not made of a single piece of wood shall meet the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) performance standard, and such bats shall be labeled with a silkscreen or other permanent certification mark.”

This most recent release does not appear to move up the effective date of the BBCOR rules.

NFHS release dated August 5, 2010 – provides a list (and pictures) of approved BESR-ABI Composite Baseball Bats. All appear to be Demarini and Vendetta bats.

The link to all of these releases is http://www.nfhs.org/baseball.aspx

Here is a list of approved BBCOR bats for use in the college game in 2011. (I believe NFHS will use the same list of approved bats as they will need the BBCOR stamp of approval)

http://m-5.eng.uml.edu/umlbrc/...ied_bats.asp#results

as WB Reporter some of this is still unclear..

Eventually the bats will all be BBCOR stamped. When that happens what does it do to the stats.

I don't think you'll see a big drop off in runs. Plenty of players have been hitting with non-composite bats all along.

The hitters are all going to be working all fall and winter long with legal bats. I'd venture a guess that it won't make a huge difference.

quote:

Originally posted by vabaseballfan:
I don't think you'll see a big drop off in runs. Plenty of players have been hitting with non-composite bats all along.

The hitters are all going to be working all fall and winter long with legal bats. I'd venture a guess that it won't make a huge difference.

I agree. I would think the big difference will happen in 2012 when all bats must meet BBCOR standards.

Last Friday, the National Federation of High Schools issued an update which can be found on the home page of www.nfhs.org. Provides a link to (1) a list of BESR composite bats (those that remain BESR compliant after undergoing the Accelerated Break In (ABI) protocol) but which are not BBCOR certified - thus "legal" only through December 31, 2011 and (2) a link to the web site which Bxbomber provided of bats which are BBCOR certified and will be "legal" beyond December 31, 2011.

FWIW, the process is ongoing, so look for further updates.
As to the OP, I'd expect no real changes - better hitters do well w/wood, metal, or composite. It's the middle & lower ends of the pack that will likely see some dropoff.

I tell you what,if high school has to use the same bats as my son will have to use in college this year you will see a huge drop in home runs.Small ball,stealing and hitting behind the runner will be brought back.The bat pop is huge drop off from previous bats,I guess 50 feet less.Like useing wood.