Aluminum vs Wood Baseball Bats... Evidence?

It's been the top debate in youth baseball for a few years now. Some towns and states have even changed their league rules based on the debate. Are aluminum baseball bats as safe as wooden bats (or visa versa). I have an opinion on this which I will not offer in this article. The purpose of this post is to present various pieces of evidence. This will give readers a better understanding on the issue.

Let's start with an independent, somewhat scientific test comparing metal and wood bats. This is in video form... please watch:

Interesting aye? This test found virtually no difference between the two bats. They did point out however that there is a difference sweet spot.

Next.. another video of a test done under the supervision of a professor. They are measuring energy transfer hitting frozen baseballs. Please watch...

The result was the metal bat drove the ball further. OK, how much further? Did they take a large sampling from each hitter. Not enough info in that video to make a determination.

Now here's an article by Mike Celizic of MSNBC.com. He points out that baseball is a dangerous sport (3 deaths on average per year). He maintains that banning metal baseball bats isn't the solution... Please read:

http://openmike.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/05/19/1040531.aspx

Here's a post in an LA Time's Blog by Shari Roan. This is an interesting read.. particularly the comments by readers.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2008/05/should-kids-swi.html

As I indicated at the top of this post. I'm not going to offer an opinion on the matter. I felt I should do a little research and help readers get all angles of this one. If you want more info.. Google "aluminum vs wood bats".

I will leave you with this...

Read through the proposed law to ban metal and composite bats in New Jersey. Does it really reference scientific fact? It does point out the tragedy (in detail) that happened to that young boy (whom I have all the sympathy in the world for). But again, it's a dangerous sport. Is the document written to convince law makers that a vote against banning metal bats is a vote against decency?

How about this? Should junior golf be banned because a stray drive with a metal driver might cause a similar tragedy? You decide.

Coach Bob

http://youthbaseballblog.blogspot.com/