Dad was a little miffed BUT

[wild man]

I had a girl show up to practice with a new composite bat. We were using a hitting stick and I would not let her use it on the hitting stick.

I got a call from Dad that night who was kind of bent about Spend ing 300+ on a bat and me not letting her use it in practice. I then told him that I believe that the hitting stick could likely damage the bat.

I told him that we have a barrel of junk bats to use on these. Am I right?

 

[Immortal1]

I would say you made the right choice. Your (her) best bet is to use live pitching or T work with actual game balls to "break in" or season the bat. The hitting stick, although designed well, will likely focus the impact on a smaller spot on the bat with more impact force (maybe more than you would want). Hope this helps.

 

[quincy]

Yes and No.

I understand why you would like to protect their equipment but if they do not care why should you.

Say your piece, discussion is over.

Let them do what they want.

With that said it sounds like there was a communication breakdown. You explained to player why they should not use the bat, player explains to parent. Parent calls you “miffed”. I would guess something got lost in the original message or you did not explained the why very well.

Something went south here.

 

[shockcoach]

I understand what you're saying, but I've never seen one break using a hitting stick. Just my personal experience.

 

[FPMark]

What was his reaction when you told him why? Did he understand, or disagree? If he disagrees, all you can do is let them do what they want to do. It's his money. You at least warned them about your concern.

 

[Amy in AZ.]

No. A Hitting Stick is not going to damage a composite bat. The bat needs broken in. What better way than to use it at practice?

 

[Coach JV]

I agree with Amy, the hit stick should be fine.
If they want to alleviate fear of damage, have her use
a 'Tuff Sleeve'