Assemblyman David G. McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) today announced he will push his legislation to prohibit the use of “non-wood bats” in organized baseball and softball games in which minors participate. This preventative measure would eliminate the increased safety hazard associated with metal bats due to the faster speeds in which the ball ricochets off metal bats compared to traditional wooden bats.

“There have been numerous deaths caused by children being struck with a line drive off a metal bat. We are not saying that this will eliminate the risk of being hit, but possibly slow down some line drives, effectively increasing the reaction time for the player to either make the catch or simply get out of the way,” said McDonough.

Last month, the New York City Council voted 41-4 to outlaw metal bats in all city high schools, and he feels that state and local leaders should follow suit. Opponents of the legislation claim there is no conclusive evidence to prove metal bats are a danger, but McDonough countered that argument saying that it is widely accepted that metal bats outperform wooden bats due to the increased speed a metal bat generates.

“The lack of documented cases of players being injured by these bats cannot eliminate the possibility that the increased speed of the ball generated by metal bats can reduce reaction time and ultimately increase the chance for injuries,” added McDonough.

McDonough noted that the Nassau-Suffolk Catholic High School Athletic Association and the Garden City Athletic Association has already made the switch to wooden bats. He also said he is committed to partnering with local athletic leagues, community organizations and concerned parents to increase awareness and pressure necessary to get this vital child safety legislation enacted.

“It is a $200 million industry and I’m sure it will be a tough road to get this legislation passed, but the switch to wooden bats is a necessary step to improve safety on the ball field,” concluded McDonough.