Does the ball come off an aluminum bat faster than off a wood bat?
A. The speed off both bats is comparable, any potential variation could result from the make and model of the ball; the age of the ball: the make and model of the bat; the size and strength of the batter; the size and strength of the pitcher; the speed of the pitch; the type of pitch; the abilities of the pitcher and the batter; the response and reaction time of the pitcher, the exact position and angle of the bat/ball interface. The BESR limit on bats was established to require all aluminum bats to be more ‘wood like’ in performance. Both the NCAA and NFHS have indicated they are presently satisfied with the performance levels of aluminum bats. Q. Why doesn’t professional baseball allow aluminum bats? A. Major League Baseball uses wood bats because of long standing traditions and to measure valid statistical comparisons. Safety is not a factor. Q. Are batted balls off of today’s aluminum bats hitting more pitchers? A. No. We know of no statistical evidence that shows an increase in in
