Continental Little League: My Site News
Little League International 2012 Bat Rules Changes
Little League International Announces Bat Rules Changes for 2012 Season
Here are the highlights, followed by the actual text of the 2012 baseball bat rules:
- For the Little League Major Baseball Division and below: The moratorium on composite-barreled baseball bats remains in effect. However, some composite-barreled baseball bats that have been proven in laboratory testing to meet the BPF (Bat Performance Factor) standard throughout the life of the bat, through the Accelerated Break-In (ABI) process, have received waivers. www.littleleague.org/learn/equipment/approvedcompbatssmall
- Note that in the Little League Majors Baseball Division and below, there is no limit on the “drop” weight of any bat.
- Licensed Bats: As it has for decades, Little League is publishing a list of licensed bats, all of which have a barrel diameter of 2 1/4 inches. This is not a list of all bats that can be used. As long as the bat meets all the specifications and standards for the specific division of play in question, it need not carry the Little League trademark. (Note that Little League does not license any bats with a diameter of 2 5/8 inches.) The list of licensed 2 1/4 bats can be downloaded as a PDF here: www.littleleague.org/assets/forms_pubs/2011ApprovedNonWoodBatList.pdf
The rules regarding baseball bats for 2012 are:
Rule 1.10 - Baseball - The bat must be a baseball bat which meets Little League specifications and standards as noted in this rule. It shall be a smooth, rounded stick and made of wood or of material and color tested and proved acceptable to Little League standards.
Little League (Majors) and below: it shall not be more than thirty-three (33) inches in length nor more than two and one-quarter (2¼) inches in diameter. Non-wood bats shall be labeled with a BPF (bat performance factor) of 1.15 or less; EXCEPTION: For the 2011-2012 Little League (Majors) and below, for regular season play and Tournament, composite bats are prohibited unless approved by Little League International.
Rule 2.00 Definition of Illegal Bat
Illegal Bat – An Illegal bat is a bat that has been altered or a bat that is not approved for play because it does not meet specifications with regard to length, weight, barrel diameter, labeling or performance standard for the division in which it is used.
Rule 6.06 – Baseball - The batter is out for illegal action when –
(d) The batter enters the batter’s box with an illegal bat (see bat specifications Rule 1.10) or is discovered having used an illegal bat.
Note: If the infraction is discovered before the next pitch following the turn at bat of the player who used an illegal bat -
- The manager of the defense may advise the plate umpire of a decision to decline the penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at the end of the play.
- For the first violation, the offensive team will lose one eligible adult base coach for the duration of the game.
- For the second violation, the manager of the team will be ejected from the game. Any subsequent violation will result in the newly designated manager being ejected.
Monday, September 19
Mizuno Recall
Mizuno USA Inc. Recalls Baseball and Softball Gloves Due to Presence of Mold
Hazard: Some gloves were found to contain a variety of molds that could cause respiratory or other infections in individuals with chronic health problems, or in individuals who have impaired immune systems. Description: The recalled items are leather Mizuno baseball and softball gloves. The gloves have a sewn-in white label on the heel of the glove with the words “Made in Vietnam” and the model number. Supreme Series gloves affected are further identified by the date code imprinted on the heel of the glove near the thumb opening. The following models are affected by this recall:
|
Model |
Description |
Date Code |
|
GSP1251TG |
The glove is dark brown on the top and palm sides with a yellow wrist strap. The words “SUPREME SERIES” are stamped into the palm of the gloves. |
SV0910 |
|
GSP1300T |
The glove is light tan on the top and palm sides with a dark brown wrist strap and dark brown bindings. The words “SUPREME SERIES” are printed in dark brown on the palm of the gloves. |
SV0310 |
|
GSP1401TG |
The glove is dark tan on the top and palm sides with a brown wrist strap and dark brown bindings. The words “SUPREME SERIES” are printed in dark brown on the palm of the gloves. |
SV0610 |
|
MMX122P |
The glove is dark brown on the top and palm sides with a dark brown wrist strap and dark brown bindings. The words “BALLPARK PRO” are printed in gold on the palm of the gloves. |
N/A |
|
MMX115PWM |
The glove is tan on the top and palm sides with a light tan wrist strap and dark brown bindings. The words “BALLPARK PRO” are printed in dark brown on the palm of the gloves. |
N/A |
|
MMX130 |
The glove is tan on the top with dark brown palm and webbing and tan wrist strap and bindings. The words “BALLPARK PRO” are printed in gold on the palm of the gloves. |
N/A |
Sold at: Walmart and Target stores nationwide from April 2010 through May 2011 for between $24 and $60. Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the gloves and contact Mizuno USA to receive a full refund. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Mizuno USA Inc. at (800) 451-7913 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
