The NCAA News - News and Features

The NCAA News -- November 22, 1999

NCAA releases preliminary list of approved bats for 2000

BY TY HALPIN
STAFF WRITER

The NCAA has released an initial list of baseball bats that are in compliance for use beginning January 1, 2000.

The bats were approved through the certification process approved by the NCAA Executive Committee in September.

Twenty-two bats have been approved as of November 15, with more bats to be tested. Future lists will be made available on the NCAA's Web site (www.ncaa.org/champsadmin/baseball) and will be mailed to member institutions. The protocol for testing also is available on the site.

James A. Sherwood of the University of Massachusetts at Lowell serves as the director of the NCAA's bat certification program. The testing laboratory, which is housed on the Massachusetts-Lowell campus, assisted the NCAA in creating bat standards through extensive testing.

"So far, the program is going very well," Sherwood said. "Right now, we have several models waiting to be tested. We are doing our best to ensure that all the bat companies will have a mix of bats to satisfy the new standard."

In September, the Executive Committee approved a batted-ball exit speed of less than 97 miles per hour for the 2000 season.

This was in addition to two other standards approved in August 1998 that limited the diameter of the bat to 2 5Ž8 inches and allowed the difference between weight and length to be three units (for example, a 34-inch bat can weigh no fewer than 31 ounces). The new standard was based on testing of solid northern ash wood bats. Testing was performed at Massachusetts-Lowell.

According to the protocol approved by the Executive Committee, each bat must be tested multiple times on different areas of the bat. This process takes approximately four hours per bat.

"The amount of time required varies from bat to bat," Sherwood said. "Like any kind of testing, it is repetitive, but it is important to have an accurate reading."

According to Sherwood, the relationship with the bat manufacturers has been cordial since the standard was approved.

"The relationship has been very positive," Sherwood said. "The bat representatives have left us with the impression that they are very willing to work with us in making bats that are in full compliance with the new rule."

Included in the first list of bats are some models sold last season. Last year's models that are certified this year will be legal for play this year. A process is being formulated to have the bats marked accordingly.

With the additional standards, the Executive Committee passed a three-year moratorium on further changes concerning bats, barring compelling evidence to the contrary.

"The Executive Committee feels that this standard is a positive step," said NCAA President Cedric W. Dempsey. "The certification process that has been implemented is fair and will ensure this standard is met. I am glad we could bring closure to this issue and do so in such a way that will have a positive effect on college baseball."

Frequently asked questions about bat standards

Frequently asked questions regarding baseball bat standards for 1999-00:

Q: Will bats from last season be legal?

A: Only if they are certified according to the NCAA testing protocol. This means that companies must send in last year's model for testing and the bats must pass the third prong of the standard (less than 97 mph exit speed). Easton's "Redline" from last year has passed in the 32-inch and 33-inch models, but the 34-inch model failed.

* * *

Q: When will bats be certified?

A: An updated list of certified bats was released Friday, October 15, on the NCAA Web site (www.ncaa.org/champsadmin/baseball). This list will be distributed to NCAA member institutions, conference coordinators and umpires through Dave Yeast, NCAA coordinator of officials.

* * *

Q: Are there new bats to match the new specifications?

A: Most companies have had ample time to design a bat that will meet the specifications. Several major companies have prototypes that are being tested and are ready for mass production, once certification is completed.

* * *

Q: Will there be any more changes to the standards?

A: There is a three-year moratorium on the standards, barring any major evidence that the standards are not strict enough. Thus, bats purchased this season are expected to be good for a minimum of three years.

* * *

Q: Where can we go to see a list of bats that are available?

A: On the Internet, go to http://www.ncaa.org/champadmin/baseball/ and a list will be posted. A list also will be mailed periodically.

Certified Bats for 2000

The following baseball bats have been certified. All bats that are to be used in NCAA competition must be certified. This rule goes into effect on January 1, 2000.

Manufacturers whose bat(s) failed are redesigning those bats to comply. The bat companies are making their best effort to comply. This list should not be viewed as a reflection of the quality of any company's bats.

Company -- Model -- Length

Baum -- AAA Pro -- 33

Brett Bros. -- Bomber -- 33

Easton -- BZ6* -- 32

Easton -- BZ6* -- 33

Easton -- BZ6 -- 34

Easton -- BRX1 -- 34

Easton -- BRX1 -- 33

Easton -- BRX1 -- 32

Louisville Slugger -- CB3 -- 32

Louisville Slugger -- CB3 -- 33

Louisville Slugger -- CB3 -- 34

Louisville Slugger -- CB2 -- 32

Louisville Slugger -- CB2 -- 33

Louisville Slugger -- CB2 -- 34

Louisville Slugger -- CB1 -- 32

Louisville Slugger -- CB1 -- 33

Worth -- CHVT -- 34

Worth -- CHVT -- 33

Worth -- CHVT -- 32

Worth -- CHBB -- 34

Worth -- CHBB -- 33

Worth -- CHBB -- 32

* The Easton 32- and 33-inch Redline BZ6 models are the same bats as the 1999

2-prong (32-inch/29-oz and 33-in/30-oz, respectively) Redline BZ5 models.