TOPIC: Bat Question

Ran into this at a high school game and coach has called me about it. Found a new Easton Bat. been only used in BP. Has a chip of paint that has come off. I would say half the size of a pea. I told him that could be considered Illegal bat because of the unevenness of the surface and was a point of emphasis this year. Bat was not dented but was missing a good size piece of paint that seemed unusually thick. I urged him to get it back to his supplier . Any opinions.?

From a non umpire's point of view I'd say if the chip is large enough to either effect the outcome of the game (pretty big) or if it is obvious that the bat is weakened and may cause injury, get it out of there. As a dad who has spent enough money to feed small countries on these bats, I'd appreciate someone letting me know that the manufacturers usually have very good return policies for things like this. I've had to get replacement bats from both Easton and Miken and in each case had the new bat within 2 days of the initial phone call.

Paint chipping could be the sign of something else? Kids are tapping these bats with their metal spikes now. The something else would be an altered bat. Not many brand new bats chip when only used to hit a ball. Just something to think about. Would return to manufacturer for new bat.

Any time the paint is chipped off the bat, dented, or the bat is worn beyond being able to see the manufacturing and the ASA certification marks is an illegal bat .Where this is a new bat I would believe the manufacture would warranty it. This bat cannot be used.

Please remember any bat that has the 2013 ASA certification mark on it CANNOT BE USED in Federation fast pitch as well as in ASA Junior Olympic program.
Steve Roscia
Maine ASA Umpire-in-Chief