When is Bat Shaving OK?

 

My how much is too much question relates to bat shaving, doctoring or altering?   How far should a ball travel?  How fast should it go?  What justifies using altered equipment?  When is it Ok? When is it not?  In the book “The Appeal” by John Grisham the political tool Ron Fisk’s major family crisis erupts when his child is hit by a line-drive hit off of a bat that was deemed to be illegal by Little League standards. I think everyone can agree that using an illegal bat or making, buying or allowing your child to knowingly use such a bat in little league is a real scum-bag move.  Why is it different for adults? 

 

Everyone I know that plays softball is not independently wealthy.  They have to work to pay bills, car payments, mortgages and medical bills.  While they enjoy the competitive nature of playing softball the vast majority of people play the game recreationally.  They like to get together with the guys, play, get a few beers afterword and maybe travel to an out of town tournament once a year.   They play to win, but not at all costs.  How can one person or a team full of people of a recreational sport  want to win so badly they are willing to risk injury to another person to win?  How could they be willing to use altered equipment when they know there is a real chance of injury to someone else? 

 

Please e-mail your opinions to 29@softballohio.com.