Bat Lab Testing Technique Restores Aspects of Game

Batman Stymies Bat Doctors. Softball has become a safer and more complete sport, on both sides of the ball, thanks to new bat testing methods at Washington State University’s Bat Lab. Subtle improvements in bat performance had been difficult to detect but proof of bat tampering was evident in the increased number of homeruns per game. Tampering also increased ball speed from the approved 98 mph to speeds of 105 mph, creating a safety hazard for players, said Lloyd Smith, professor in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering and director of the bat lab. As a result of the new testing technique, defense has returned to the game and there are more infield hits and active outs, resulting in shorter games. The lab is one of three in the country that tests bats to the new standard and is the country’s first high-speed testing facility to determine a bat’s effectiveness. Smith can be reached at 509.335.3221 or e-mail to lvsmith@wsu.edu.