ASA vs EASTON

[coachkev]

This post is just theory and in no way fact, but I think it is plausible speculation.

I have heard recently that consumers of Easton Bats are having problems with warranty replacement bats. I have also heard of the ASA ban going into affect on all composite bats. I believe that the issue with composite bats may be at least partially a political battle between ASA and Easton. My reasoning is the removal of Softball from the Olympics: specifically, the fact that an Easton Representative missed a crucial voting opportunity that would have secured softball in the 2012 games.

So how could ASA punish Easton for taking away the super bowl of softball? I believe a ban on the product that Easton manufacturers would do just the trick. Not all bat companies would be completely left out in the cold, as most offer alternative aluminum bats at a competitive level (Anderson, Worth, Dimarini) all make aluminum bats or 2 piece bats, but all Easton has to offer in Fast pitch at a competitive level is composite (Synergy, Stealth). Also as I was informed ASA only banned composite bats in Women’s Fast Pitch, not any other ASA softball (Men’s or Slow pitch).

So what I see is possibly a political stand to punish Easton. They characterize it as a safety issue to cover their true motive by saying the bats are easy to modify and therefore potentially unsafe, etc. But the bat I have seen doing the most damage to softballs and its players is not an Easton bat. If true, the punishment would put Easton at a major loss of revenue and create unhappy customers because they cannot honor warranty replacements with the same product due to stoppage of manufacturing. Also, Easton has to go back to the drawing board for a new line of bats, and getting them into the market, promoting them, and honoring sponsorships at major colleges will all be a problem.

I have a player who is caught in the middle of this exact scenario. Stealth broke and it was sent back to be replaced to which she received an unknown bat that is obviously not the same quality or of the same monetary value. Upon contacting Easton they were told this is the bat the can best offer at this time. This player’s parent is now shopping another bat company and probably never buys Easton products again. This is the punishment I see for getting ASA removed from the 2012 games. If so, I have to agree with the tactic as I am not happy about not seeing softball in the 2012 games.

To think a company we all know as a softball leader in products could have and didn't vote is a slap in the face in my opinion and deserves a slap back. I think ASA may have administered that slap. Again this is all just a theory for conversation sake.

[MTR]

This post is just theory and in no way fact, but I think it is plausible speculation.

I have heard recently that consumers of Easton Bats are having problems with warranty replacement bats. I have also heard of the ASA ban going into affect on all composite bats. I believe that the issue with composite bats may be at least partially a political battle between ASA and Easton. My reasoning is the removal of Softball from the Olympics: specifically, the fact that an Easton Representative missed a crucial voting opportunity that would have secured softball in the 2012 games.

So how could ASA punish Easton for taking away the super bowl of softball? I believe a ban on the product that Easton manufacturers would do just the trick. Not all bat companies would be completely left out in the cold, as most offer alternative aluminum bats at a competitive level (Anderson, Worth, Dimarini) all make aluminum bats or 2 piece bats, but all Easton has to offer in Fast pitch at a competitive level is composite (Synergy, Stealth). Also as I was informed ASA only banned composite bats in Women’s Fast Pitch, not any other ASA softball (Men’s or Slow pitch).

So what I see is possibly a political stand to punish Easton. They characterize it as a safety issue to cover their true motive by saying the bats are easy to modify and therefore potentially unsafe, etc. But the bat I have seen doing the most damage to softballs and its players is not an Easton bat. If true, the punishment would put Easton at a major loss of revenue and create unhappy customers because they cannot honor warranty replacements with the same product due to stoppage of manufacturing. Also, Easton has to go back to the drawing board for a new line of bats, and getting them into the market, promoting them, and honoring sponsorships at major colleges will all be a problem.

I have a player who is caught in the middle of this exact scenario. Stealth broke and it was sent back to be replaced to which she received an unknown bat that is obviously not the same quality or of the same monetary value. Upon contacting Easton they were told this is the bat the can best offer at this time. This player’s parent is now shopping another bat company and probably never buys Easton products again. This is the punishment I see for getting ASA removed from the 2012 games. If so, I have to agree with the tactic as I am not happy about not seeing softball in the 2012 games.

To think a company we all know as a softball leader in products could have and didn't vote is a slap in the face in my opinion and deserves a slap back. I think ASA may have administered that slap. Again this is all just a theory for conversation sake.

Glad this is theory because there is nothing here that holds water. Your information is faulty beginning at the top. ASA is not going to ban composite bats. That is extremely old news.

ASA cannot and will not ban any equipment from a specific company if that equipment meets the same standards applied to every other bat on the market.

Also, ASA isn't in the Olympics. That would be the ISF. D'oh!

You obviously are not well informed and whoever is feeding you this garbage is either just as ill-informed or having a great laugh.

[artomatic]

jeez, MTR, don't be such a sourpuss...
he said it was for conversational purposes...

[coachkev]

ASA the governing body of softball has no links to the olympics?
If so I do stand corrected and my "Theroy" is KaPut

When will a valid answer come as to why Easton has no replacements for the Stealth?

What is the rule going to be pertaining to composite bats from ASA?

Why aren't the games of 2012 having softball? and who is to blame?

Lastly why are my sources idiots?

When will I get a clue?

[MTR]

ASA the governing body of softball has no links to the olympics?
If so I do stand corrected and my "Theroy" is KaPut

No, only the national team for the USA which must still qualify through ISF to participate in the Olympics. They do lobby other IOC members for support as it is a source of income to support the national team. There will still be many international contests including World Cups to determine world champions just as there was prior to getting into the Olympics.

When will a valid answer come as to why Easton has no replacements for the Stealth?

Ask Easton.

What is the rule going to be pertaining to composite bats from ASA?

There is no rule concerning composite or any other bats based upon the material of which they are constructed. You may want to read this: http://www.asasoftball.com/about/getStory.asp?nid=1619[/quote]

Why aren't the games of 2012 having softball? and who is to blame? [/quote]

You can blame Jim Easton if you like as he could have possibly stopped the movement this time around, but it is more likely the IOC members who will lie their collective asses off if it gets them perks. Don Porter has often stated that they felt comfortable as they had the alleged commitment of more than 70 voting members. Obviously, more than 20 lied. There is a piece which ran this week on HBO's Real Sports addressing this issue.

Lastly why are my sources idiots?

I didn't say they WERE idiots, but offered that as an option

When will I get a clue?

The information you raised for your theory has no basis. The stuff you say you have heard, learned or been told are just outright inaccurate and the issues are not new to discussion boards.

Even topics raised for discussion, there should be some base of truth or fact.

[softballdad2]

I agree with MTR, do some research and think before you type. D A!!!