Bat Decals

Question
I have and use a 2003 Worth PST137, all of the decals/stickers have come off. It has the recertification on the knob and the laser engraved ASA approved on the bat itself. I played in a tournament this weekend and the umpire tried to ban me from using it. Saying he didn't know what kind of bat it was. I had contacted worth to try to send it in or get new graphics...basically they tell me I'm out of luck.  What is the deal? Can I use this bat without the decals?  Can I get new decals?  All these people out there using illegal bats and I'm being harassed about my legal bat, it just isn't right.

Answer
Hi Jay,

This is only my opinion but I don't think any bat manufacture will send you decals, there are some idiots out there taking banned bats and making them look like legal bats.  Some used to be on ebay but I think they've been kicked off and ASA is also going after them in court.

If this bat was brought to me as a tournament UIC I would most likely approve it (with the caveat I haven't seen your bat) because I could see the ASA re-cert marks.  Since ASA only does softball (everything else about the bat being legal) it has to be a legal softball bat to bear those marks.

I can't tell you what other UICs would do, but talk to the "big dog" before the tournie or you play your 1st game, show them the bat and see what they say.  Most of us tend to be "consumer friendly" and want the players to enjoy playing ASA softball.

I think it's only fair to state at least here in ASA MI we see very, very little altered or banned bats.  Players know we're looking for them before and during every tournament game and if they have them they leave them home.

Mark