Combat has just released a very limited run of drop 12 USSSA big barrel bats starting at 26" and going through 30".
The guys at Dalton Sports (who regualary vend tournaments) are one of only a handful of dealers nationwide who are getting any. Do you feel this bat will become a norm for the younger age groups or will most kids stick to drop 10's?
Per Jason Kendrick, (the Combat factory representative) this model is a limited run that MAY go into their full production lineup for next year. I spoke with him personally at a tournament up in Tennessee earlier in the spring. You may want to note that JustBats.com mentions that inventories are low. Just sayin'
Besides, the question was will the drop 12's become the new norm for the younger kids?
Besides, the question was will the drop 12's become the new norm for the younger kids?
Boils down to performance. If kids swinging the -12 are getting better performance from their bats than anyone swinging the -10's and below, then you'll see the smaller kids gravitate toward them. If they don't, then they won't.
Investigate closely to make sure the drop 12s are not the reincarnated Coach Pitch bats that got so many pitchers in trouble two years ago. A few manufacturers have come out with a Jr. Big Barrel in a drop 10 and 12. If these bats have the same performance as the Coach Pitch bats they should be banned. I've witnessed several ugly scene where pitchers had no defense to the balls hit by these bats. Not every 8 or 9 year old will swing that hard but many will and it's ugly. We were 7 playing 8U two years ago when my pitcher was hit in the head and the ball continued 20 feet in the air and into center field.
Im with Kerry on this one......in the 9 yr old group, I have noticed quite a few teams using the new Marucci -10, which clearly has a different sound to it. What I am completely baffled by, is how there were "serious safety" issues with bats a year ago.....why are the governing bodies not stepping to ban the use of jr. big barrel bats in player pitch games? Does it really take a pitcher becoming seriously injured, like the Angels player did a couple years ago with that Easton coach pitch bat?!?!
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Posted - 05/01/2012 : 12:55:05
