Composite Bats -
The International Board of
Directors of Babe Ruth League Inc. has issued a moratorium on the use of
composite bats in the Cal Ripken Division (4-12) of Babe Ruth Baseball
effective immediately. This moratorium shall be in effect until further
notice by Babe Ruth Headquarters.
This decision is
based on scientific data from the University of Massachusetts (Lowell).
The maximum performance standard for non-wood bats in the divisions for
12-year-olds and below is a Bat Performance Factor (BPF) of 1.15. The
research found that composite bats can exceed the standard after a
break-in process.
“While we are
certainly aware of the timing of this announcement, Babe Ruth League
must act in the best interest of the young people we serve,” Steven M.
Tellefsen, President/CEO Babe Ruth League said. “The decision is based
on the fact that scientific research showed that composite-barreled bats
may exceed the performance standard after being broken in.”
On October 26, 2010, Babe Ruth
League Inc. placed a moratorium on composite bats in our 13-15 and 16-18
divisions with all approved models listed at
www.nfhs.org.
Please
click here for a listing of licensed baseball bats approved for use
in the Cal Ripken (Majors) Division and below.
The moratorium on composite
bats, which now applies to all baseball division of Babe Ruth League
Inc. does not apply to any softball divisions of Babe Ruth.
NOTE: The moratorium on
composite bats only applies to composite barreled bats. Bats that have
only a metal/alloy in the barrel (and no other material, unless it is in
the end cap of the bat) are not subject to the moratorium, regardless of
the composition of the handle. Please contact your National Commissioner
with any questions:
