Titanium Bats Outlawed After Scientific Findings

The Amateur Softball Association has reversed its sanctioning of the controversial titanium bat, effective immediately.

Idaho softball commissioner Red Halpern received notification of the ASA’s ruling on Monday.

“The ASA called in the top people in the country to test the bat,” Halpern said. “It was scientifically done. The bat is out and over and done with.”

Test figures on the powerful bats indicate a significant ball speed increase, which decreases a fielder’s reaction time.

“It can adversely affect safety,” Halpern said. “Approval is withdrawn of all titanium bats for use in all classes of ASA championship play.”

That includes use at 1995 national tournaments.

The bat had previously been outlawed in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and Spokane leagues.