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Details for B-LO

Real name:

Brian Lonardo

Location:

Mesa AZ

Division:

Men's 55

Messages posted by B-LO

Oct. 4, 2025
B-LO

Topic: Associations
Discussion: Sanctions

I would start with the ball first and work your way back to the bat. The ASA bat/ball combo have a lower severity of injury index and is the safest combo. More bounce/knuckle/sponge, but less severe injuries, which in a senior league is a big deal imho. There's a great write up I found here.

https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/ea67-2456809/52COR300Compression_Softballs.pdf

I am a commish for our local league here in AZ - a grouping of 55+ communities with their own fields - very rec like even the 4 teams in our upper division would be AA/lower level in SSUSA.

We have this discussion all the time (senior vs asa balls/bat) during our pre-season/post season board meetings.

For a while we did ASA bats & USSSA/52/375 balls, but about 4 years ago we switched. Prior, the #1 topic at the fields were how many bats we were breaking all winter and the only reason we used the hotter balls is because old guys like to hit dingers. And we had a few scarey injuries.

I play 55AAA and 60 Major in SSUSA, playing against younger(55aaa) and highly skilled players with decades of tournament experience and I still mask/gear up on 1st, given the bat speeds/exit velo's.

I hit 8 HRs in my last 3 SSUSA tournaments. In my last 2 ASA tournaments with the kids, I didn't even 1 bounce a 300 ft fence. The exit Velo is slower and balls travel less far. Watch any bat review to see the data/exit velos.

I can't imagine using that a seniorbat/ball combo in local league play given the fielder/skill levels. Someone will get hurt.

I would simply keep ASA/USA for league play, and save the hot bats/balls for tournament play. If the players are bitching about having to buy multi bats, do pick-a-stick and get ASA 4-5 bats for your league and a bucket and you're done. Myself I have 2 asa bats, and 2 senior bats. No biggie.

June 4, 2025
B-LO

Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: Bats as airplane checked baggage

The airlines have really cracked down on oversized bags and are charging a lot more for them now. You used to be able to check a golf bag, or a roller bag as a normal checked bag. Now anything over 62 linear inches counts as oversized and costs 100 bucks each way for the airlines i just checked (delta/aa/swa).

I did a ton of looking for a checkable bag that is under 62 linear inches and at least 34 inches long. Technically you can diagnallly place 1-2 bat in a 32 inch long piece of luggage. But a 34in + length bags that are under 62 linear inches - not so easy.

I found that a tripod bag works. It fits 3 bats easily, my shoes, glove, batting gloves as well as other small things. The bag is padded and the zippers seem strong. You can def get a hard case version or more sturdy/fancy tripod case - just keep it under 62 total inches - Mine is 39x7x7=53 total and cost < 40 bucks..

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NJMW5KC?th=1