Changes set for Little League bats
Parents who have children playing youth league baseball and softball this spring might want to wait a little while before purchasing bats for their children.
Little League baseball is implementing rules changes on composite bats that might render some bats illegal.
“This is not something Russellville came up with,” said Little League safety officer Brian Pace. “Since it is Little League and a safety issue, we will enforce it.”
Registration for Russellville Little League begins Feb. 12 and officials will hand out a list of approved bats as players register. Parents who want to purchase a bat before then can visit www.littleleague.org for a list of approved bats.
Pace said bats that are made mostly of composite material are the ones Little League is removing because the ball comes off the bat at a high rate of speed, which poses a danger to players.
Most bats with composite handles and metal barrels are okay for competition.
If a player shows up with an illegal bat, officials will not allow it to be used. Pace said he knows some parents have already purchased bats and they might not be usable.
“I feel sorry for them, but there is nothing we can do about it,” Pace said.
Other leagues such as Dixie Youth may follow in Little League’s footsteps on this safety issue. The best thing for parents to do is consult with league officials in their community before purchasing bats.
