"Richard Gadsden" <richard@gadsden.name> wrote in message 
news:memo.20050923210017.2352A@tg001a0001.blueyonder.co.uk...
> In article <YIGYe.27839$hp.23478@lakeread08> on Thu, 22 Sep 2005 
> 19:01:12
> -0400, jpmccord@hotmail.com (JPM III) wrote:
>
>> Also, the rules do not state that a baseball batter must drop the 
>> bat
>> on the bases. Any hitter is allowed to carry his bat if he wishes, 
>> but
>> as the explanation goes, much more emphasis is placed on the 
>> difficulty
>> of achieving extra bases or scoring extra runs, so it is to the
>> batter-runner's advantage to drop the bat. However, it certainly is 
>> not
>> against the rules to hang on to it as long as it is not used to
>> intimidate fielders.
>
> Would the bat count as part of the body for being safe?
>

Not sure.


> If so, they're missing a trick, as they could do a headfirst slide 
> and
> stretch the bat out ahead of their body, to touch the base (or 
> plate).
> That would surely make it easier to get safe?
>

I doubt it... I think that carrying a 33 or 34lb bat whilst running 90 
(or more) feet would hinder them somewhat... and could be more trouble 
than its worth.... whereas most cricketers do a bat first lunge to get 
to the other end, baseball slides can be potentially more 
dangerous.... If its a close run thing to get a base, the player will 
generally slide, either feet first, or sometimes head first (slightly 
more risky), whilst at the base the opposing fielder will be waiting 
for them hoping to get the ball in time to tag the player out.

Also, these days, bats seem more prone to breaking, especially on big 
hits, sometimes only a small piece will break off, sometimes the 
player is left with the handle in his hand... would it really be worth 
running with something that is shorter than a relay race baton ?