New ASA rule on bat denting
2016/7/15 17:16:25
Question
How is this rule going to affect Anderson bats. These bats wave very easily and seem to get hotter when they do. The waves or dents, depending how an umpire interprets the defect, usually passes a ring test. I know that Anderson came out with a 2009 Techzilla fastpitch and now just introduced a new purple Techzilla fastpitch "holiday edition". The sites that are selling these holiday editions are saying that the alloy is improved to prevent denting and to address the new ASA changes. If this is true. At least with the ring test, you knew if your bat passes or had the possibility to be thrown out. Now you have more umpire discretion than ever before. Some will say a wave is a dent and some will not. Could you clarify this rule and anything you happen to know about Anderson bats. Thank you
Answer
Rod,
I think it all boils down to what the umpire thinks a dent is. I don't really understand why ASA would add subjective judgement to something like determining if a bat is legal. For me, if the ring makes it over the bat it is good unless there is a dent. A dent is a round dimple or crease in the bat. Waves in the surface of Anderson bats really aren't dents.
IF I were you, I would be ready to explain the structure and character of Anderson bats to an umpire that isn't familiar with them. I would also have my daughter be comfortable with another bat just in case the umpire doesn't understand the equipment he/she is inspecting.
If there is even an equipment inspection, you need to have the RT users be ready for the unexpected!
Tom
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