Wood or Aluminum

[yagmaster]

I know this doesn't really pertain to Major League Baseball, but what do you think makes for a better game, wood or metal bats? I know a lot of High School leagues are at crossroads on this issue. NCAA uses aluminum. I personally think metal makes for a better slugfest but wood makes for a better game. What do you all think?

[roary]

I've always been against the modern 14-12 slugfest. I'd much rather see a 4-2 game. One: It's more exciting, Two: Pitching actually matters. While I dont think a metal bat will turn a poor highschool player into Barry Bonds, it will help with the bat speed and the power.

 

But that brings up a safety issue. If a ball comes off of an aluminum bat at 100 mph (just an estimate) as opposed to 80 mph from a wooden bat, thats a big difference. It can mean the difference between getting hit in the face Bryce Florie style and making an out, or dodging an oncoming ball.

 

I think wooden bats should be used in all levels of baseball. It makes for a better game, better pitching, and is much safer. Plus, the sound of a ball hitting a metal bat is annoying.

[yawkeyway]

I dunno, I kind of like the aluminum bats in college. It makes for a different game than the MLB. Its almost faster paced, more runs scored, bigger offenses, lesser defenses. Its what baseball is kind of turning into nowadays.

 

I certainly don't hate wood, and I'm completely against metal in the bigs, but for lesser levels, I guess it's alright.

[roary]

I've heard horror stories from aluminum bats in little league. I think wood tops all. So what if wooden bats are usualy heavier and more unwieldy? They can be engineered to be lighter. Make 'em hollow for little league, or go Sammy Sosa style and put cork in them. Safety first.

[Tek04]

I like aluminum bats better becuase they dont break...you'd go through so much money because of all the bats you would have to buy because they break so easily...