Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Sandra Thibodeaux, New Orleans, LA — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:01:31 GMT

It is a sad statement on our society that every tragedy needs to evolve in to a lawsuit. This was an accident. Children get injured every day. We need to quit suing everyone.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Paul O'Connor, Dallas, TX — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:38:01 GMT

After a cracked skull, the Richardson, TX school district now requires HS softball 3rd base girls wear a protective mask for the head and face. The girls don't really like it, but the parents do - especially when the girls play up between home and 3rd base. This might make more sense than trying to reduce ball speed off bats.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Bobby O'Brien, Augusta, Georgia — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:48:34 GMT

It's rather miopic to think that this same situation couldn't occur with a wooden bat. Whats next? Banning batting gloves because they give you a better grip on the bat?

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Josh P — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:49:17 GMT

Wood bats are more dangerous than feather bats, let's use them. Baseballs are more dangerous than soap bubbles, so there's another good switch. Going outside is more dangerous than staying in, etc. etc. There will always be risks no matter what you do. Sure it's good to eliminate unnecessary risks, but the difference between the speed of a ball off of modern aluminum bats and wood bats is miniscule at best. Unfortunately, many of our favorite recreational activities bear some risks, but to blame a bat company for your son's injury is a bit silly.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Tim, NC — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:01:38 GMT

I've got an idea!
Lets ban leaving the house.
That will keep kids indoors, safe from all but carpal tunnel.

Kids play. Kids don't always think about the consequences, kids get hurt. This is th way it works, otherwise they never learn the painful lessons of life; falling down hurts, thrown rocks hurt.
And sometimes (sorry), but S happens. Hell yes it's tragic, and I would gladly donate to a fund to help these kids, but to take all sports away from all kids? Forever? REALLY?!

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Mike, Salem, VA — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:01:42 GMT

It is a tragedy that kids can die like this, but the fact of the matter is, its a dangerous sport. Realize that, yes this is a potentially deadly sport, but don't sue everyone and their brother because an ACCIDENT happens. No one wants this to happen, but it does. If the bat is the problem, fix the bat, which, it sounds like is, already happening. Teach awareness and discipline. Make sure kids keep their eyes on the ball that is in play all the time. Hope for the best. Suing all of these parties doesn't solve the problem.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

george rich — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:14:30 GMT

These bats are not used in Major League Baseball but are used all the way up to and including college baseball.
A .500 batting average in college will usually translate to maybe a .250 in the pros. If the player ever makes it out of the lowest level of the minors.
Anyone care to figure out why a College all-star is not even a Class-E bum?
Hint, something to do with aluminum bats.(like the bullet from the aluminum bat goes through and the same from wooden bat becomes a routine ground out; a pop fly from aluminum is a dinger but from a wooden bat is a pop up.)

Could this have something to do with more Latino players in the Majors?

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Chris, dallas, tx — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:14:45 GMT

So, what you are saying is, that we must sacrifice three or four children a year instead of getting rid of baseball. That's real nice.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

ben riley olympia, washington — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:18:34 GMT

If the Domalewskis no how danderous the bats are then why did they purchase one? This in my opinion is not right that they are just trying to get money in compensation for their son. These bats i agree are dangerous but so are a million other things

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Chris, St Louis, Mo — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:23:56 GMT

Wiffle Ball!

Is that what this country has come too? What if there son has hit by a ball that was made from wood, would there be a lawsuit? My guess is that the parents would have too sue Louisville slugger, or the kid pitching for not throwing a change up to the batter instead of a fast ball that hit the bat which in turn hit their child. I feel for the parents, but they made the decision to let their child play baseball, there are risks involved; therefore they are accountable.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Mac Hayes, Henderson, Nv — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:26:46 GMT

Good article- tragic case but banning aluminum bats will not solve the problem. I pitched in both high school and college( three years) back in the 60's. It was before the use of aluminum bats. I can distinctly remember being hit in the shin, the chest and shoulder by vicious line drives before I could get my glove in play. Playing sports has risks. I never considered quitting the sport. The family needs to let it go.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Dan Feinberg, Newton Mass. — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:31:00 GMT

Your logic is completely flawed. If we can reduce the number and severity of injuries by using wooden bats instead of metal bats, we should do so. To claim that a few kids will die anyways so we might as well use the more dangerous bats is disingenuous and a disgusting distortion of the facts.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Jeff Howell, Bruce, Ms — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:44:14 GMT

I understand the grief of the parents, but one reason Little Leagues (and other leagues) use aluminum bats is that they are cheaper and last forever. Wood bats break and that costs money. Most Little League teams can't afford dozens of bats. If you force them to use wood bats, then you are going to decrease the number of kids playing baseball because of the cost. As a kid 30 years ago, I played ball with both kinds of bats. You can injure someone with either one. I feel for the parents, but as you said, getting rid of the aluminum bats is not going to end all injuries. That's the reality inherent in the sport.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

steve larson, newbury park, ca — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:52:04 GMT

Tragic situation, but the attitude that "someone has to pay, someone has to be blamed" is hurting our society. I'm curious how this stacks up to bike riding, skateboarding, surfing, or any of the other activities in which children engage. I don't know, but I would guess that there are far more than 3 fatalities a year. I grieve for the parents, but disagree with their crusade.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Tone — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:00:29 GMT

I do feel for the family of the young boy. I played Baseball & had the chance to use Wood & Aluminum bats, & ayou can hit the ball harder with aluminum but in my opinion they need to ban aluminum from hard ball all together, When they reach the pro's they can only use Wood anyway. Now if they choose to do nothing then at least get better head gear for the kids. Accident's do happen infortunatly & safety should always be a priority.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

C Wilson, Fort Mill, SC — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:19:11 GMT

Banning alum bats will never be the solution. Kids are getting bigger and stronger all the time. Society will never be able to completely get rid of the unforeseen events which change our lives. However there is added protection out there. There are several product on the market which are designed to protect the heart. These products range from a belt type padding for the chest to an UnderArmour t-shirt with the extra padding built into the chest. Every sport or activity comes with risks. Riding a bike is dangerous but how many refuse to wear bike helmets (probably the same ones who refuse to quit smoking even though they know it's will kill them or people who don't know that their coffee is hot). All you can do it protect yourself to the best of your ability. This was a terrible accident and it is very, very sad. Don't push for the removal of the bats, push for more and better saftey equipment. Push for chest protectors, mouth pieces, face guards & ankle guards. It is the responsibility of each parent to protect their child. Do your homework, spend the extra bucks (shop at the "play it again" type stores) and protect your own child. Don't expect or wait for an organization or manufacture to do it for you. Baseball is dangerous because there are so many ways to get hurt and very few protections from it. Another thing - parents & coaches, don't play kids in positions that they are not ready for. Moms & Dad's want to see little Johnny pitching or playing short stop so that they can relive their own childhood. Stop doing that. Many youth leagues try to split the talents into like groups so that you don't have over powering players on the same field with less experienced or players that aren't at that level yet. Instead of calling it politics and the boys club, be thankful that the organization cares enough to keep your child in a group with his proper peers. OH and don't forget the occassional game of catch in the yard. That will help little Johnny be all that you want him to be.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Dina Ann — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:19:18 GMT

As a human being you have sympathy for the family, but this is a tragic accident that could have happened regardless of the bat type. All to often we look for someone to blame for senseless tragedies

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Rusty Bryan, Barry, Texas — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:27:44 GMT

While I sympathized with the plight of the young boy, I see this as just a tragic accident. As a younger man in 1978, pitching for a mens slow pitch softball team, I was also hit by a line drive to the chest off of a metal bat which resulted in my being hospitalized for 3 days with an enlarged heart (due to the swelling caused by the blow). You could see the stitch marks from the ball on my chest for about 3 weeks. There are inherent dangers to all sports, including youth sports. Suing the little league and the manufacturer of the equipment is not a reasonable act.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Jay — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:30:47 GMT

I guess we should wrap our kids in bubble wrap and sit them in a closet. If a kid falls off a bike, do we sue the bike maker? If he gets hit by a car, do we sue the car manufacturer? I feel awful for this child and his parents, but suing a bat company for a line drive? Lets sue Isaac Newton because of the laws of physics too. Come on. I know the is America and we can sue who we want, but this is just as bad, if not worse than suing for spilling hot coffee in your lap.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Brian — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:52:39 GMT

OK, here we go again. Let's ban baseball, basketball, football, hockey, playing cards (ever cut your finger?), dolls, ... (fill in your sport of choice).

If we apply the same reasoning, then let's ban food (people choke on it, get food poisoning too), water (people drown in it), cars (no further explanation needed), toenail cutters, exercise, walking (people trip), trees (they fall in high wind), electricity (ever been shocked?), schools (there's bullies in school, remember), airplanes (they crash), government (not going there), war (no comment)... You get the idea.

Better yet. Why don't we all just crawl into a little airtight cocoon, close our eyes and just pretend the dangerous world doesn't exist.

By the way, I have 3 grown-up healthy boys that have done it all, and in doing so, had their fair share of cuts, bruises, bumps. All part of growing up, understanding clearly what "danger" is and survived by learning to respect it.

Oh! wait, my kids grew up in the savage and dangerous world of the 1990's. Now, we want our 21st century kids fat, soft, clueless cowards and afraid of the world, but safe! Yes very safe!

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

C. Eidson — Mon, 19 May 2008 23:17:40 GMT

I couldn't agree with this article more. As I do deeply feel sympathy for the family and hate that a child has to go through this, come on people. This is a very, very freak instance. People are being way to sue-crazy. If your child gets struck by lightning, are you going to try to sue God? Life is unpredictable, and while any parents wants to protect their child, you can't shield them from everything. Bad, unfortunate things will happen from time to time, when we least expect them. That is just part of life. But we can't live in fear or create fear. That is no way to live.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Scott, Brunswick, GA — Mon, 19 May 2008 23:18:58 GMT

A simple question: If your son had the capacity to understand what had happened to him, how would he feel? Would he be upset that his family is blaming everyone else for something that was an "accident" that happened while he was doing something he enjoyed? If I miss a step while coming down a ladder, do I sue the maker of the ladder? If I burn my hand on a hot skillet after cooking breakfast, do I sue the maker of the skillet or the maker of the stove? If I trip and fall in a store because I wasn't watching where I was going, do I sue the store? The answer to all of these is NO, because I PUT MYSELF IN THAT SITUATION AND ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS WHILE I AM IN THAT SITUATION IS ULTIMATELY MY FAULT! Isn't it about time that the citizens of the United States gets away from the "IT'S NOT MY FAULT" attitude and start the "WHAT COULD I HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY" or "SOMETIMES THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASON" mentality. Things happen, and it is NOT always someone elses fault!

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Bill Hogan Del Rio, Tx. — Mon, 19 May 2008 23:33:32 GMT

If parents know these bats are dangerous,why do they let their childern play on teams that use them?

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Jeff S — Mon, 19 May 2008 23:35:37 GMT

As a parent and board member for a local Little League we have this conversation and continually research the topic discussed above to make sure that we, as board members are doing everything we can to make sure the players are as safe as possible. We have found that the BPF (bat Performance Factor) requirements of 1.15 (for non-wood bats) is equal or less than the BPF of today's wood bats. The ever evolving technology and market demand of wood bat’s is causing the industry to make harder wood bats resulting in a higher BPF.

It is unfortunate that this happened to Steven Domalewski and my prayers go out to his family but published studies available (even linked to in the above article) show that there is no scientific evidence to prove that non-wood bats have increased injury rates in Little League. In fact a study by Dr. Frederick Mueller, Director of the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research has shown that 2 of the three deaths in the past 10 years were wood bats. (source http://www.littleleague.org/media/USA_Youth_Baseball_012507.asp )

To write a clearly biased article without even referencing a study regarding 25 years of data that Little League International has published shows what a slanted view this is.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Reva Pearlston, Toronto, Ontario — Mon, 19 May 2008 23:35:56 GMT

Metal bats may or may not be a part of the problem here. But there is another factor, one that jumped off the page at me when I read the full story. It's simply this - no one at that diamond, the coach, the boy's father (a teacher), none of the other parents, none of the other players, had training in CPR.

If CPR training were mandatory for all youth coaches and all youth leaders of any ilk, including teachers, then the Steven Domalewski's of the future won't suffer the brain damage caused by cardiac arrest.

This is not to say that I don't have enormous sympathy for the Domalewski family, and for the families of all of those youngsters injured in sports-related incidents. This is simply to say that there are relatively simple ways to help to prevent such tragedies, ways that help everyone around us.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Tom, Dallas Tx — Mon, 19 May 2008 23:49:19 GMT

This ACCIDENT is truly a tragedy. However to hold the equipment makers liable for this ACCIDENT is (in my opinion) wrong. To correct the article above, the child was not playing in a Little League sanctioned game. The parents are sueing the Litle League because the Aluminum bat has a "Little League Approved" logo stamped on it.

If the parents of this child need to find someone negligent or culpable for this ACCIDENT, perhaps they should be suing themselves- Are they not the ones that allowed their child to participate in this potentially (remotely) dangerous pasttime?

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

College Pitcher — Mon, 19 May 2008 23:54:42 GMT

How about this novel concept. Why don't parents demand that youth league coaches teach proper mechanics to pitchers. If a pitcher finishes his delivery correctly his glove hand should be "rolled" up in front of his chest/body. Too many baseball injuries occur because these kids are not taught the proper fundamentals. Quit blaming the bats, little league, stores, the price of tea in China for injuries that occur as part of a sport.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Charles, Seattle — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:06:42 GMT

Oh, man. I've got a 10-year-old son and the thought of him being seriously hurt playing baseball makes me heartsick. But I have to agree with Mike here. The numbers are so small that they are statistically insignificant. Which I know is no consolation to those individuals who are afflicted, but you can't legislate away every danger, and you're never going to be 100% safe.

You're in more danger driving your child to the field than when they are playing the game; changing bats doesn't change your overall risk level by any appreciable amount. It's a reverse lottery, but the good news is, you're probably about as likely to "win" it as you are the regular one.

I wish the Domalewskis all the best, but their lawsuits are misguided. They won't protect more kids from injury, and they won't bring back their son to his pre-injury state.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Brenda Hunter — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:16:05 GMT

I feel sorry for the child who was injured, but I wouldn't side with his family in a lawsuit. Any type of reliable bat could have caused that injury, and people knew when they play sports that they run the risk of being injured or killed. I think this lawsuit is frivolous. The family's lawyer will have to show negligence on the part of the bat manufacturer. If the bat operated as normal, then the child's injury was simply a fluke.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Andy Ligon, Farmville, Va — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:33:06 GMT

Seems to me wooden bats are very dangerous when they break and become flying missiles!

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

David, Orlando, FL — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:40:44 GMT

I feel for the parents of the boy. However, by letting your child participate in any sport, you have to accept the fact that they could be injured, possibly severely. People today always look for someone else to blame for their woes. I am surprised they haven't sued those who maintain the field saying he couldn't get traction to get out of the way of the ball.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

robert, Seattle, WA — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:41:29 GMT

He wasn't even playing in a Little League game when it happened.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

David Brown, Chesterfield, Mo — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:52:39 GMT

We have played with my son in many wood bat tournaments and with aluminum bats. It is very clear to anyone who has a youngster ages 10 through high school that the ball comes off aluminum bats at a greater rate of speed. You do not have to test this, just watch a tournament. Even the drop-3 bats used in High School are hotter than wood bats. Go and see. Futher proof lies in the Scores. Check the scores of wooden bat tournaments versus tournaments where aluminum bats are used. You will find a distinct difference and remember the wooden bat tournaments are usually only played by the elite teams.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Gary Ray Betz — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:14:29 GMT

Actually, Steven Domalewski was pitching in a Police Athletic League game, not a Little League game. The Domalewskis are suing Little League because they gave the seal of approval to the bat, saying it was safe for children.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Greg, Portland, OR — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:34:01 GMT

Baseball injures more than football? This is a dubious claim and the link doesn't back that up. I do think more kids and adults play baseball than football but I cannot imagine how a non-contact sport could cause more injuries than a contact one, if compared side-by-side per capita.

Other than that glaring problem the biggest issue that should be brought up is that no one is to blame and these parents are trying to find a scapegoat. They are going to lose and there won't be a settlement. All of the parties that are being sued can't afford the precedent. They need to win.

What was left out is that the kid wasn't even playing in a league sanctioned by Little League Baseball! They are suing Little League Baseball only because they have a rule allowing those bats. And suing the store that sold the bat? Please. You don't sue the car dealership when you get hit by a car. Why aren't they suing the manufacturer of the baseball?

This is ambulance chasing all the way. I'm sorry your kid is messed up and will never be the same but it wasn't anyones fault and nothing is going to change that. Have some dignity and don't disgrace yourselves by being litigious jerks.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Deke Martin, Bayfield, Colorado — Tue, 20 May 2008 02:02:03 GMT

I agree Mike. I can't even fathom the pain that family has endured. But their anger is misdirected. Baseball is game played with a hard stick and a hard ball. It IS a dangerous game. Try to imagine yourself facing Bob Feller WITHOUT a helmet? The game can only provide so many protections. Consider that kids keep getting bigger, sooner. Some kids who are 12 now look like they should be playing 16-under ball. Combine that with the fact that there are other kids on the field who do not possess to an equal degree the type of hand-eye coordination and reaction times as those kids who are crushing the ball. Changing a bat is not going to make a difference.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Tom Stotz, Buffalo, New York — Tue, 20 May 2008 02:02:45 GMT

Why are people always blaming someone else. A tragedy for sure, but come on, lets sue the little league, the bat manufacture and the store that sold the bat. What if he was hit by a broken wooden bat? Guess what, they still sue, it must have been a faulty product.
Maybe we should all live in caves until common sense prevails in these type of lawsuits.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

William, Mulberry FL — Tue, 20 May 2008 02:10:42 GMT

My son plays little league, and while I feel for the parents and family of the child that was injured, all sports have some inherent chance of injury. Are people going to sue golf club manufacturers when they tear their rotator cuffs due to the unnatural motion of swinging a club? Our society has gotten to the point where it looks to place blame instead of accepting responsibility.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Patrick Schrek, Henrico County, VA — Tue, 20 May 2008 02:32:32 GMT

As the parents of a daughter who lives and breathes fastpitch softball at the most competitive level of play available to 10 year olds, we've seen our share of line shots back at the pitcher (in fact three this past weekend alone in the four games they played). Unlike baseball at this age, the pitching distance is but 35 feet, and with a leap just slightly longer than her height, she is roughly 30 feet from the batter after delivering a pitch in the mid-40s. It's very disconcerting when you dwell on it for any length of time, but there's NO chance of separating the girls with this talent and ability from the circle... none. They thrive on it and with the scant tragic exception (and exactly where can you be assured of none?), most all will benefit greatly in life from this unique sporting experience.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Marc Darrow, Newnan, GA — Tue, 20 May 2008 03:19:51 GMT

I feel for this family and this boy. This story hits home because my 9 year old son plays baseball and is subject to the same dangers of the sport. However, I am so tired of people these days filing suits about everything that happens. Playing the game of baseball can be dangerous. Hitting the ball with an aluminum bat can be dangerous. Hitting the ball with a wood bat can be dangerous. I guarantee you this boy batted in this game with an aluminum bat. If the parents thought it was so dangerous, why did they allow their son to play? If they thought it was so dangerous to use aluminum bats, why did they let their son use one? People need to take responsibility for their own decisions and stop blaming everyone else and filing lawsuits because something bad happened. I pray that this type of injury never happens to my son, but I accept that it can happen and he does too. But he continues to play the game because he loves it. Just remember bad things can happen to you just walking down the street.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Amy Bright, Savannah, GA — Tue, 20 May 2008 07:22:14 GMT

Banning aluminum bats is absurd! I feel absolutely horrible for this little boy and his family, but what if the scenario was different….
Runners on 2nd and 3rd, 2 outs, home team is up to bat and down by 1 run…little Johnnie gets up and hits a screamer up the middle and this time Steven Domalewski makes the catch of his life….Now he is the hero and his parents think he is the best little leaguer in New Jersey.
When players get on the field they know as well as the parents that there are consequences to having fun. Injuries happen everyday and just because a horrible incident like this occurs, the parents want some kind of payback and it just isn’t right.
***Just for my knowledge, I really want to know what kind of bat that Steven was using against the little boy that was pitching against him…..

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Matt, Waldorf, MD — Tue, 20 May 2008 12:48:53 GMT

Right on all accounts. You can not legislate the .00001% of fatalities out of existence. Every parent that puts their child in any sport should be aware of the inherent (no matter how small) danger.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Joe, St. Louis — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:54:56 GMT

Hypothetical: Your son is struck and killedd by a driver behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang. You decide to sue the Dept. of Transportation, the dealer that sold the driver the car, and the Ford Motor Co. Does any of this sound familiar?

It's a horrible tragedy that this family has to endure, but it was still an accident. There is no valid reason to sue the bat maker nor the store that sold the bat. Suing Little League Baseball is still a reach, but not out of the realm of reasonable.

One can only hope that the judge hearing this case will not entertain the notion that the manufacturer, the store, or Little League Baseball is responsible for this terrible accident. While I sympathize with the family and wouldn't wish this on anyone, there's nothing about this story that entitles them to any sort of compensation.

If they had had qualms about their son being in danger by playing baseball, he shouldn't have been on that field. It's not like their son was in the game then somebody decided 'Hey, I know we'be been using wooden bats up to this point, but let's use aluminum bats for the rest of the game.'

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

K. Bradley Sutton, MA — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:26:04 GMT

One of the things that annoys me about this argument is that it is not the bats that are the problem. It is the way that kids are taught to pitch (the WRONG way!) There are too many "coaches" out there that know absolutely nothing about pitching. Pitching is one of the most dangerous positions you can play in sports and if it is not done correctly, it can be lethal and at least damaging to your body.

I believe mandatory education for all coaches would help reduce these kinds of injuries because the kids would learn how to land correctly to be able to defend themselves. Ever watch Greg Maddux? That's what kids need to be taught!

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Dave Paterson, Pemberton, BC — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:29:41 GMT

Surely these people that are calling for the banning of aluminum bats are not thinking of replacing them with the old wooden ones. I am sure that there were more serious injuries with wood than with aluminum. Wooden bats break with regularity and with all the best wood being used up for the pros, the quality that is left will be even worse. When I was in little league(a stretch of 4 years) I saw 2 kids impailed with the broken end of a bat that flew apart. Neither proved to be fatal or permenantly disabling, but still these were potentially life threatening. I believe Mike is correct when he says that there will always be deaths linked to kids sports. The best we can do is to minimize the things that can go wrong.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Kathy, Morristown New Jersey — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:55:25 GMT

My son has been playing baseball since he could walk and I find NO REASON whatsoever to change the Little League rules of aluminum bats vs. wooden bats. We are talking about KIDS playing a sport. If you can't comprehend that any sport carries the inherent risk of injury or,God forbid, death, then stay on the bench! My son plays lacrosse, baseball and soccer. He wears all the necessary pads, helmets, gloves, arm protectors,shin guards etc. but that doesn't mean he won't get hurt. I cringe sometimes watching him from the sidelines;some of these sports are tough! But he enjoys them, they make him happy, keep him fit, and he has made tons of friends. C'mon accidents happen and I truly feel for this family but the odds of this happening are so minute that is seems to be an overreaction. All it would take is a WOODEN bat to break in half, go sailing towards a little leaguer and it would do considerably MORE damage to someone than any baseball coming off an aluminum bat. I say keep the aluminum, its much safer for the little ones.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Rudolph Pizzano, Beverly, Mass — Tue, 20 May 2008 16:09:09 GMT

Metal bats are part of our "performance enhancing" culture where people will spend money to take short-cuts to excellence. Why do 30 pushups a day to get stronger when your father can buy you a $300 bat to get the same result? That will take the kid as far as High School, but if he can't hit with a wooden bat, he will never be a serious MLB prospect. If you ban metal bats, you'll see a lot more Americans of all backgrounds in the majors.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Jamie Smith, Pittsburgh, PA — Tue, 20 May 2008 16:43:29 GMT

It is quite unfortunate that this injury occurred; however, as the writer makes quite clear, baseball is a sport with inherent risks like nearly all sports. To sue the bat manufacturer, the sporting goods store, and the Little League is another ridiculous legal response that unjustly punishes all involved. Again, while the injury is unfortunate, the question remains --just how ignorant are the parents who resort to this "remedy?"
In the end if these types of lawsuits are successful, we will be left to play baseball using video games. But of course then the parents will sue for carpal tunnel syndrome injuries. Then they can sue the video game makers, the retail store, the game machine, the TV manufacturer, the table that supported the game machine, the chair upon which the boy sat, etc. Stupidity like this is what causes a loss of empathy.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

jon, wheeling, wv — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:33:07 GMT

Cordis nortis, the condition suffered by the NJ youngster is truly a tragedy, but, by definition, likewise a true accident. This condition can be caused by any blunt trauma to the chest at practically any speed. It is entirely due to the freak timing of the trauma with a portion of the electrical activity of the heart. It can happen from a thump to the chest caused by a football, tennis ball, or even the pounding some boys are known to playfully inflict on one another. Because of the thin body habitus of most youngsters, a trauma does not have to come at you at 50 mph. The fact that an attorney took this case demonstrates their lack of knowledge. Undoubtedly, the defense will have to settle this rather than appropriately defend thier product because of the emotional content of this case. This represents the true tragedy in American society, our legal system.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

John, MI — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:41:50 GMT

I think this is the first article I have ever read of yours that I agree with 100%.

If Little League was forced to use wooden bats the less kids that do play wouldn't because they would never hit a homerun and alot of them would lose interest. And how can the parents have any right to sue the store that sold the bat? They sell a product, they can't be liable for a kid catching a line drive in a game.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Greg, Indianapolis — Tue, 20 May 2008 19:13:45 GMT

This is a horrible example of what can go wrong. My heart goes out to the family, and all families whom have had to deal with this sort of tragedy. However, we as parents are responsible for permitting our children to participate in sports. We have heard of the dangers and we gamble hoping that our child will not become the statistic. Everytime we allow our child to get off the couch, we gamble. The fact is that anything can happen and there truly are no guarantees. If my child trips coming down the stairs in the morning, who should I sue? There is an inherint risk to EVERYTHING we do. Even if we are just sitting on the sofa watching tv (there are airplanes in the sky as well as meteors falling from space). We as parents must consider these risks when "permitting" our children to participate in any event. My children are involved in sports because I feel that the life experiences they will gain outweigh the risks of these unforseen events. Again, it is horrible what this family is dealing with. But we can't scream "Dear Government" everytime we gamble and lose.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

John P. Tucson, Az — Tue, 20 May 2008 19:37:11 GMT

Pretty soon kids are going to have to wear bubble wrap and foam. Parents like these are going to slowly take away this great game and make it to where kids don't want to play. Let the kids play and remember what is was like when we played the game.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

tracee Cummins Joshua Texas — Tue, 20 May 2008 23:42:07 GMT

Bless the family of Steven Domalewski, and Steven.

They are all very brave individuals.

My son was also injured while playing baseball. He was pitching and a ball hit him in the head. This is also a league that uses alum bats. I would join in the effort to keep alum. bats away, but that may take years... an easier solution to attack this urgent problem is to make manufacturers not allow WHITE tipped bats. Any color other then white so the players can see the ball come off the bat. The same premise is why pitchers cannot wear white sleeves.So the batter can see the ball release from the pitchers hand.

I want to write letters but I am not sure who to write first in my effort. Easton , Rawlings, etc. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Cindy, Tempe AZ — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:27:10 GMT

Amen! I think it's ridiculous this guy is suing everyone like he is. I understand his pain, and wanting to lash out and make someone pay, but our litigious sue-happy society is out of control. Why hasn't he sued the boy who used the bat to hit the ball? For that matter, what about his own son's culpability? He's the one who threw the pitch; if he'd have thrown it differently, the ball might not have been hit at the same angle and would've avoided him altogether. It was an ACCIDENT. Accidents happen in every aspect of life. I hope his lawsuits get thrown out, but I know that won't happen.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

JD, Colorado Springs, CO — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:57:23 GMT

I hate metal bats. That's why I don't watch college baseball. I'm a "baseball purist." Read (the late)Buck O'Neill's book, "I Was Right On Time." He talks about hearing "the sound", that moment when ball meets (wooden) bat. Baseball is all about "the crack of the bat," not the "ping." Let's keep it real, shall we? Metal bats came on the scene and proliferated because they don't break. They do not enhance the game in any way. Should they be banned? Perhaps not. But remember: Real men (and women) use wood. ('Got wood?)

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

RICHARD JENNEJAHN, CULIACAN SINALOA MEXICO — Sat, 24 May 2008 16:09:32 GMT

I am almost 71 and played softball almoas 40 years, I
used a 34" 34oz wood bat most of the time but I do
have an aluminium bat same size. I never liked anything but wooden bats, did not like the sound of
aluminium bats. I had to supply my own bats as teams
only had thin handled lightweight aluminium bats. They
must have the technogility now to make a much better
aluminum bat. I also thought that trying to drive the
ball waas wrong, teach the kids to hit first. I was a
500. hitter with power but hits were more important to
me.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

J. Romero, Albuquerue NM — Tue, 27 May 2008 23:44:28 GMT

Why don't we sue the people who bought the bat for the child.
Why don't we sue the people who let the child use the bat.
Why don't we sue the people who allowed the child to play baseball.
You could go on and on........for once, somebody take responsibility for their own actions, and not pass the blame. It is very unfortunate, but it was an accident.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Jim Favara — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:26:13 GMT

I think the game of little league need to be changed to protect are young kids. First, bunts wouldn't be permitted, so kids the 3rd basemen won't have to cheat up the line. 2)Protective head and chestware for pitchers and 3rd basemen. 3)Eliminate aluminum bats. Will this eliminate all injuries -no, but I'm sure it will cut down the nmber of near-fatal or fatal injuries.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

James K. Bachmann, Pueblo, CO — Thu, 29 May 2008 15:56:40 GMT

Modify the aluminum bats so that they are as close to the wooden bats as possible for speed of the ball coming off, and for the size of the sweet spot. Maybe they could be made to sound like wooden bats, too, when they hit the ball. A cracking sound is better than a clinking sound. Nothing to do with safety, but it makes the game more enjoyable. Maybe the bats could have an outer, wooden part, and an inner, aluminum part. Then they might still last longer than purely wooden bats, and sound more like wooden bats.

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Wayne M. Green Bay, WI — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:01:29 GMT

Oh dang, I just cut myself clipping my nails and now I am going to sue Revlon and Cub Foods for selling me these clippers!!!!

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Bomb, MI — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:09:46 GMT

All sports have their risk. It is part of the game. Kids will be kids and on and on. Freak accidents happen, and I feel bad for the parents, but recieving some money won't help the pain. So suck it up and deal with it. Plain and simple...welcome to life :)

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

Dave P Denver Colorado — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:01:53 GMT

This is a very sad story for sure and I also have a son. As mentioned many things can happen in all walks of life with our children. Wood Bats is not an answer in LL. There are shirts with guards on the chest that can be purchased. Look for other equipment pieces to protect. Cover you childs heart. The sport is Americas Pastime and even with wood.......balls will still move and a chest shot is going to damage. The numbers will not change

Banning aluminum bats isn't the solution

David Ellis, Denver, CO — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:31:06 GMT

I played with aluminum baseball bats back in my younger days when I played baseball. Today it's aluminum softball bats. Aluminum bats do allow for a larger "sweet spot" than do wooden bats, but we must also recognize that aluminum bats don't shatter into projectiles like wooden bats can.

Baseball can be a dangerous game. That is part of the fun of it. Those who are unable to remain attentive at all times, and those who are cursed with slow reflexes, should not risk playing.

It is up to parents to monitor whether their kids are able to play and if they determine that the sport is too challenging or too dangerous, then be parents and pull your kids out. Don't go asking bat manufacturers to build bats made of foam.

There are going to be injuries. It's just a fact of the sport. What sport isn't prone to injuries? Nothing is ever going to be 100 percent safe, and, quite frankly, that's the way it should be.