Ping! The sound no-more of senior Andrew Crook’s 100% composite Easton Surge.
A decision made by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), to follow in the footsteps of the NCAA, and ban 100% composite bats in the 2012 season. The NCAA began their ban in the 2011 season, and this ruling has trickled into the high school game.
Therefore, all bats illegal in the NCAA are also illegal in high school. The new standard of Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) has improved and become more strict, opposed to the old Ball Exit Speed Ratio (BESR) standards. Both include how fast the ball comes off the bat in comparison to how fast the pitcher threw it to the plate.
“It becomes more of a small ball game because most people can’t hit home runs and have as much power,” said Crook.
With less power, play is expected to improve while minimizing risk. In addition, the NFHS hopes to have a bat “more comparable to wood bats.”
Crook transferred from an Easton Surge to a Marucci Black this season, and he’s noticed the differences.
“The old bats were a ‘Ping’ sound,” said Crook. “But now, most are more of a thud, just like a flat sound.”
Most players are even dropping a couple of inches on their bat size, as sweet spots are narrowing further.
As far as more bat speed or less bat speed, the beginning of the season will reveal it’s effect. It took the Wildcats’ favor on Feb. 27 in an 8-2 victory over North Little Rock (0-1).
Crook took the win for Har-Ber (1-0).