Illinois State University Researchs Non-Wood versus Wood Bats for IHSA

Kevin Laudner, assistant professor in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation, was the principal investigator of a comparative study of Illinois high school baseball teams using wood bats and non-wood bats during the same season. The research project was commissioned by the Illinois High School Association.

The results of the research have been included in a major portion of the Illinois mass media and beyond.

The researchers found that games with non-wood bats lasted longer and produced more hits than those with wood bats, but researchers at Illinois State University found that there was no statistically significant difference in injuries.

“Based on the results of this study, we have determined that using non-wood bats results in a greater number of hits per game and a longer duration of games when compared to wood bats among high school baseball players. However, there was no statistically significant evidence that non-wood bats result in an increased incidence or severity of injury,” said Laudner

Read more about the School of Kinesiology and Recreation by visiting their Web site at KNR.