My son recently made his middle school team so I had to invest in a drop 3 bat. I purchased the Easton Reflex model BX72. This bat is advertised on Easton website and all the retail sites as a BESR certified bat. Before the first middle school game the umpires throw out this bat saying it is not legal. I spoke with the umpires after tha game and they say it does not have BESR labeled on the bat anywhere, only labeling says ADULT. Wow, what advantage does an 85 lbs 6th grader get with an adult bat I thought.
Since then I have research on the internet and continue to confirm from multiple sources that this bat is BESR certified. Have tried to contact Easton with no response or call back. Wondering if maybe the bat is just a "blemmished" bat that is missing the labeling. Anyone else out there happen to have this same model bat that can tell me.
The bat list that is approved for GHSA sanctioned events is listed on ghsa.net web site . Umpires were right to remove bat because they do not see who is using only legal or not . If left in game any size player can walk to plate with bat . Coaches are responsible for having list at game and prove if composite bat is legal or not . Regardless if legal the bat is illegal without stamp even if on approved list . Umpires can be held liable and at that age sizes and ability differences are much greater than at high school level . I believe there are only 9 or 10 approved composite bats by GHSA . Hope this helps some .
Are you in Tennessee or GA? You most likely purchase a bat less than 30". I believe only 30" and above are BESR certified with most manufacturers not even offering -3 in any sizes less than 32". The below 30" bats (especially the cheaper price point bats like the reflex) are made to meet the Dizzy Dean, Little League, Babe Ruth, etc. 13 year old league -3 bat requirements. I had a friend whose freshman boy's -3 bat got pulled because of the no BEST certified. His was a 33" Rawlings Plasma. So those bats are out there. We are in GA and I asked our middle school athletic director what were bat rules and he said he got -5 for 8th grade and -8 for 7th grade teams. Our first game is tomorrow so it will be interesting what is enforced. That reminds me I need to put the 30" -3 in my 7th graders bag just in case.
Buyers Beware on another point. I recently purchased a 2011 bat on-line. I assumed we would be receiving a BBCOR model, because that is all that was advertised on-line. When it arrived it was stamped BESR. I called the manufacturer and they said they base what is shipped on what league you say you played. Since I put high school they sent a BESR version. But if you look on there site it does not mention BESR versions anywhere.
3son we live in GA. The bat in question is 30" 27 oz. The bat I bought specifcally says BESR certified on the website but no markings on the bat. Let me know how it goes after your first game. I will be making another attempt to get someone from Easton on the phone again today. I would advise anyone in the market for a bat to do your homework and maybe buy retail rather than on-line so you can see what you are buying.
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Posted - 02/27/2011 : 09:58:30
