The July 1999 survey on toughest fielding plays also asked a supplementary question on aluminum bats. While apparently two separate topics, there is common ground - faster balls off the bat make for tougher fielding plays.

Interestingly, there were several votes who identified hard liners and balls his behind fielders as a problem yet some of these same voters favored keeping aluminum bats - that doesn't make sense to us.

As you can see from the results, most voters favor some change, but the majority vote for change is split between an outright ban and a 5 mph (or better) exit speed reduction.

Also of note: older players and coaches are more in favor of change than younger ages (once the danger becomes greater).


Note: 'at least 5 mph' includes those who voted for even more speed reduction, as does "at least 10'. 'Some change' includes both speed reduction or ban.