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Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the performance of softball bats from the Olympics down to the recreational level. It is theorized that the introduction of composite-based material bats has been the largest contributor to the increase in batted-ball performance, which directly corresponds to a decrease in available pitcher reaction time that can lead to an increase in injury potential. To test this theory, a controlled field-test study comparing all of the different bat model types currently available was conducted. The performance of ten bat model types; two composite-based, two titanium-based, two aluminum-based multi-wall, two aluminum-based single-wall and two wood-based bats were measured using 1686 N/0.64 cm (379 lbs/0.25”) compression softballs in order to calculate available pitcher reaction times when using a specific bat model type. Over 1000 Batted-ball velocity measurements were analyzed using two calibrated radar devices and five experienced test subjects. The results of this study indicate that when titanium-based or composite-based softball bat performance results are compared to published safety studies in the sports of softball and baseball, available pitcher reaction times are unsafe, which can lead to a higher injury risk potential. The significance of this research is to provide experimental field-test data on the possible safety risks to pitchers that can be used to reduce the injury potential and promote safety awareness in the sport of softball. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is currently much debate about the safety of the sport of softball. Batted-ball speed and average pitcher reaction time are factors often used to determine safe performance. Batted-ball speed is shown to be the most important factor to consider when determining safe play. Average pitcher reaction time is explained and directly correlated to batted-ball speed. Eleven aluminum multi-wall, three aluminum single-wall and two composite softball bats were tested with mid-compression polyurethane softballs averaging 1721 ±62 N/6.4 mm to represent the relative bat-ball performance for the sport of slowpitch softball. Nine men and six women were chosen for this study out of a test group of over three hundred slowpitch softball players. On average, aluminum bat performance results were within the recommended safety limits established by the national softball associations. However, when composite bats were used, their performance results exceeded the recommended safety limits which can pose a significant safety risk. Using aluminum softball bats, batted-ball speeds ranged from 80 to 145 km.h. Using composite softball bats, batted-ball speeds ranged from 146 to 161 km.h. The scientific relevance of this study is to provide performance information that can lead to injury prevention in the sport of softball. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]