Citing safety, Calif lawmakers seek temporary ban on use of metal baseball bats in high school

Calif. lawmakers seek temporary ban on metal bats

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A California legislative committee has advanced a bill seeking a two-year moratorium on the use of metal bats in high school baseball.

The legislation by Assemblyman Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, would allow a safety review of the equipment.

It was introduced after a 16-year-old pitcher for Marin Catholic High School was struck in the head by a line drive hit off an aluminum bat.

The March incident left the teenager, Gunnar Sandberg, with a traumatic brain injury. Huffman says Sandberg was released Wednesday from the hospital.

Supporters say metal alloy and aluminum bats make the baseball travel faster and lead to more serious injuries. Opponents counter that wooden bats also are dangerous.

The bill was passed by the state Senate Education Committee.