Since 1997 the use of bats made out of maple has grown in MLB, currently 60% of players use them. Maple is harder and denser than the traditional ash used in bat making, so players think they get more out the bat although some studies have shown that there is no significant benefit from using maple over ash. The problem with maple bats has been the way they break; they sometimes shatter sending dangerous shards around the field or into the stands. A few people have been injured recently and now there is a call to ban the bats outright. There will be a meeting on June 24 between MLB and the MLBPA to discuss the future of maple bats. Any removal from the game will have to be collectively bargained. The owner of Sam Bats told the NY Times today the problem is caused by bat makers who do not let the maple dry out enough before the bat is made, in other words maple is not to blame, inferior bat makers are.
This is going to be an interesting decision by the players on what to do with the bats. Some players fear for their safety and want the bats banned while others believe their hitting would fall off without them. Hal Bodley of MLB.com doesn’t think banning them is the answer.
On a side note, I am in a wood bat softball league where I have been using a maple bats this season. My bat has not shattered but it has not exactly caused me to be Big Papi at the plate either.
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