re: The "New" Bats: Do you enjoy baseball more now than before??

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It selects for big overweight unathletic kids that just can stand there and crush the ball.

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You hit the nail on the head about that as per youth travel ball. To me, there is a total disconnect in the USA about coordinating the game as it pertains to player development and keeping the game consistent across all levels, from the MLB to college to HS to youth ball.

That's why I think the answer is to look at the MLB and from a summmary standpoint, try to make the bat formulas fit the MLB homer to at bat ratios all the way down to youth baseball. It should be around two homers per 9 innings for both teams. That would provide enough excitement on any level, while not having a slugfest.

You are so right, go to any 12 and under tournament and the super live bats they are using coupled with overweight kids...some are hitting homers like every other at bat with the 200ft fences. If any level needed dumbed down bats, it's 12 and under. This would teach kids how to hit for average, and also keep the ball in play more helping out defensive work.

It's all about balance, and providing the option of ALL tools of the game. I maintain that ball over the fence is a powerful dynamic because it cannot be defended by a position player. If a pitcher doesn't have to worry about the long ball anymore, than changes the whole dynamic of the game that began with Babe Ruth in modern times. (btw, in the 1920s, it was the long ball that allowed the Yankees to call their new, huge stadium "The House that Ruth Built", so I rest my case)