Apr 23, 2007 11:23 pm US/Central
Citing Dangers, New York Bans Metal Baseball Bats
Injured Oak Lawn Player And His Family Hope Chicago Area Will Follow Suit
by Rob Johnson
OAK LAWN, Ill. (CBS) ―
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Bill Kalant was in a coma for 18 days after a baseball hit with a metal bat struck him in the temple during a high school game.
CBS
The largest school system in the nation is banning metal bats from high school baseball -- claiming they're a danger to players out on the field.
The New York City ban goes into effect in September. As CBS 2's Rob Johnson reports, some parents and players in the Chicago area would like to see a similar ban here.
The sound of a metal bat hitting a baseball is unmistakable, and the danger is unforgettable to the Kalant family of Oak Lawn. Two years ago Bill Kalant was almost killed when he was struck in the temple by a ball that was hit with a metal bat.
"The ball comes of that bat like a rocket," said Tony Kalant.
Bill was in a coma for 18 days and underwent brain surgery. Now the Kalants are advocates for a metal bat ban, even though Illinois still has no plans to prohibit metal bat use.
"I feel a lot better because no one can get hit in the head and spend all of that time in the hospital and learn how to walk like a brand new baby," Bill said of a ban on the bats.
"They were talking about considering things like that, and some of the coaches were talking and they said well only one in 60, 000 players [are effected], but when you experience the one out of 60,000 it's traumatic," Tony Kalant said.
Metal bat manufacturers insist there is no more inherent danger with metal than with wood bats – the ones used in the major leagues.
"The issue is safety and there's no data or solid information that proves that the aluminum bats are unsafe," said Ron Devinny of the High School Baseball Coaches Association.
For the Kalants, they hope the New York ban is a precursor of things to come.
"I take my hat off to the New York City Council because that's the way the game should be played," Tony Kalant said.
Bill Kalant's recovery continues, and he is making huge strides. He enrolled Monday in classes at Moraine Valley Community College, and is looking forward to resuming regular activities now that his physical therapy is complete.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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