We all know maple bats are more likely to shatter than ash bats – we’ve seen enough first-hand evidence. But why is that?
Is it because maple is harder than ash?
We always thought so, but this article explains how maple is only 5% more dense than ash. And more importantly, it explains how bat manufacturers choose maple billets with lower-than-average density and how they design bats with thinner handles because batters favor lighter bats.
Just last week, we blogged about how dangerous broken bats can be – for players, coaches, officials and fans. So we weren’t too surprised to see this article in the news about a man who was hit in the face by a broken bat at a Mets game a few years ago who has filed a lawsuit seeking compensation for his injuries.
As much as we feel for the guy (he suffered serious injuries to his face and head), we were a little surprised at the numerous targets of his lawsuit: he is suing the Luis Castillo (the batter), Ramon Castro (Castillo’s then-teammate who loaned him the bat), the New York Mets, Major League Baseball and Rawlings, the bat manufacturer. No word yet on if he’s suing the hot dog vendor from that section of the stadium.
Seriously, though, if his contention is that maple bats are inherently more dangerous than other bats, is the batter really to blame? Or the player who owned the bat? Or the team?
Tell us what you think.
