You’d think a Stanford educated guy like Mike Mussina would realize there’s little to be gained by a pitcher shilling for an aluminium bat company in today’s climate. From the New York Daily News’ Lisa Colangelo (link swiped from Repoz and Baseball Think Factory).
“I can unequivocally state that non-wood bats are no more dangerous than their wooden counterparts,” said Mussina, speaking as a member of the board of Little League Baseball.
“Though less dangerous than many other sports, baseball is not without risk,” the pitcher added in a statement distributed by a public relations firm that represents a metal-bat manufacturer.
“However, if New York City were to ban nonwood bats for high school players, those kids would be no more safe than when they take the field today.”
City Councilman James Oddo (R-S.I.), the chief backer of the ban, criticized the veteran hurler for entering the fray with a reference to the broken nose Mussina suffered in a 1998 game.
“Had the ball that hit Mike Mussina come off an aluminum bat, he probably wouldn’t be around to make such a ridiculous comment,” said Oddo, a die-hard Mets fan.
Mussina’s endorsement of aluminum bats also disappointed Debbie Patch, a Montana woman whose 18-year-old son died after being hit in the head by a baseball two years ago.
“Brandon was such a Yankees fan,” said Patch, who testified at a City Council hearing on the legislation last month.
“Someone should ask Mike Mussina if he would pitch against Barry Bonds using a high-performance bat,” Patch said. “It’s like suicide out there.”