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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 16, 1999)
BATS from page 11 NCAA has shrunk the barrel dimensions from 2% inches to 25/s inches, the weight-length differential has been changed from -5 to -3 weight units per inch. For example, a 33-inch bat can no longer weigh 28 ounces. It must weigh at least 30. Both stipulations mean a smaller sweet spot and a slightly heavier bat - neither of which are a concern for the Nebraska baseball team. “I don’t feel that it’s really made a difference,” senior desig nated hitter Jeff Hedman said. “They feel the same; they just sound a little different.” And, as NU Coach Dave Van Horn has said, they look a little dif ferent, too. But following the Comhuskers’ Feb. 5-7 tournament in Peoria, Ariz., during which they hit .308 as a team and outscored their opponents by a tally of 23-22, Van Horn said he’s seen an easy transition in his team’s use of the new bats. “They’re fine,” Van Horn said. “Really, the only difference is that they’re a little heavier, and the barrel is a little longer. You give up the size (in barrel diameter) for a little more length.” One thing nobody will have to concede is the aluminum alloy, which remains unchanged in the new bats. Van Horn and the NU players said that without a radical change in the metal used in the bats’ makeup, size and weight changes will not make a substantial difference in suppressing college baseball’s offensive output. “The aluminum is still the same,” Husker third baseman Danny Kimura said. “You’ll still get the same pop. The ball still jumps the same.” A change in metal may not be far off, though, Van Horn said. The NCAA is planning on making more changes follow ing this season, depending on how the current changes impact the game. In addition to a change in the metal, Van Horn said, the NCAA may also consider shortening the barrel length. But Van Horn said too many changes too often may confound the issues. “I don’t want them to change it a whole lot,” Van Horn said. That sentiment resounds among the bat companies as well. Bill Williams, director of the Hillerich and Bradsby/Louisville Slugger Museum in Louisville, Ky., said while his company was ready for the change, it took awhile to get the production line rolling. Williams said one problem was that the NCAA had waited so tong to announce the decision. “We were already making bats that met the new require ments,” Williams said. “It wasn’t as if we didn’t have die tool ing, we just didn’t have the time. You can’t just turn out metal bats overnight.” The players agreed the NCAA may have waited too long in handing down the rule changes. Before winter break, the Nebraska squad had been using wood, awaiting a ruling from the NCAA as to what the new bat dimensions would be. When the Comhuskers came back from break, the team still didn’t know how or when the NCAA would decide. It was not until Jan. 15 - tnree weeks oetore the season began - that the decision became official. “We didn’t hear anything about it,” Hedman said. “Right before Christmas, they started throwing this at us, and then we came back from Christmas break not even knowing if we were going to be using wood or new aluminum or the old model bats or what.” Van Horn said with the new sense of urgency, there was a scramble among all schools to get the new bats. The big push has meant the bats have become a most pre cious commodity in the college ranks. “We’re treating them like gold,” Van Horn said. “We’re try ing to baby them a little bit” Said Kimura: “They’ve had to make so many bats for so many schools. We have a couple of bats that we use only in BP, because they dent relatively easy. We save our game bats.” In addition to the limitations, the bats are also expensive. On the public market, a bat with the new specifications could cost between $150 and $200. With the rush, Williams said, Louisville Slugger, the com pany with which NU has their bat contract, has picked up their production to meet the demands. “We’re cranking them out just as fast as we can,” Williams said. And if things continue to change, Van Horn said, things will continue to get more complex. Additionally, Van Horn also wonders if the changes will ultimately change the game, or if the success on the college level transcends the mere material that players are using to step the game up on a higher level. And while the bats may change size or metal makeup, col lege baseball remains a far cry from the more pastoral versions of the game. “The baseball is wound a little tighter,” Van Horn said. “Players are bigger, stronger and quicker than they were 20 years ago. It’ll be tough to curb that offensive style that is such a part of the game now.” 66 Were treating (the bats) like gold. We re trying to baby them a little bit.” Dave Van Horn NU baseball coach NU wants bats redone in softball By Darren Ivy Senior staff writer Several times, Nebraska Women’s Assistant Softball Coach Lori Sippel has told the first baseman or third baseman to move back when a certain batter is at the plate. Sippel takes the precaution so one of her players doesn’t take a direct shot to die face. “I fear for their safety,” Sippel said. “There are some potentially lethal hitters out there.” When a pitcher starts her delivery, she is 43 feet from the plate. First and third basemen play anywhere from 35 feet to 55 feet from the plate, Sippel said. As players have gotten bigger and stronger, the liveliness of the ball and game has increased. But the NCAA rules for bats have lagged behind. Titanium bats were outlawed four years ago, but since then the only changes have been limitations on the dimensions of the bat. Since titanium bats were outlawed, manufacturers such as Easton and Louisville Slugger have made the legal bats lively. One way they’ve accomplished that is by having single-, double- and triple-walled bats, senior Jennifer Williams said. A triple-walled bat is heavier to swing, but the ball comes off the bat faster. Another bat is the end-loaded bat. No current Comhuskers use that bat, but former player Jamie Funkhauser did. “If you hit it just right, die ball goes a long way,” Williams said. “If you don’t hit it perfect, you foul it off or pop it up.” Senior outfielder Jessica Robbins said NU players each have their own preferences for bats. “It’s basically whatever bat works for you,” Robbins said. Sippel said almost any bat weight and length can be used as long as the handles aren’t taped, the bat meets NCAA dimension rules and there aren’t dents. In the past few years, Sippel said no Huskers have been smacked in the face with line drives. She knocked on wood, hoping NU would continue to be fortunate. With current bats, risks still are great, Sippel said. But she thinks it’s only a matter of time before new rules are passed. “Either the bats have to change or the balls need to,” Sippel said. “Regulations about the ball have been considered. We do try to talk about making the game safer.” 402-472-2588 $5.00/15 words 402-472-1761 (FAX) M ■■■ » /—^ \ -y ■ »-y -» 1 ^ ^ ^ $3.50/15 words (students) dn@unl.edu ■ 1 A I | , I | , I $0.15 each additional word 34 Nebraska Union % . I ZA I' I’ I I’ I I $0.75 billing charge P.O. Box 880448 1 J / \ L 7L /II II_J I y l J „ $0.75/line headline Lincoln, ME 68588-0448 ^ , Deadline: 3 p.m. weekday prior 265 Stereos & TVs 340 Entertainment 600 Rides _ 270 Ticket Exchange 346 Hairstyling _ _ 603 Spring Break Tnps 205 Bicycles 290 Vehicles 350 Health/Fitness 400 Roommates 500 Help Wanted J!2 £,^^«ementS 210 Books 355 hwfruction/Tutonng 410 Housing Wanted 510 Child Care J15 213 Clothing 365 Legal Services 420 Rooms for Rent 520 Work Study IS comment 216 Compeers 370 Miscellaneous 430 Houses for Rent 530 Summer Jobs Sn * 220 Furniture 300 Adoption 378 Pregnancy 440 Duplexes for Rent 540 Internships 230 Jewelry 305 Alterations/Sewing 385 Rentals 450 Apartments for Rent 555 Business Opportunities 775 r[Puna 240 Miscellaneous 310 Automotive 388 Tanning 460 Summer Housing wanted 250 Pets 320 Bridal 390 Tattooing 470 Mobile Homes 255 Photo Equipment338 Employment395 Typing/Resumes490 Homes for Sale670 900 Numbers 1_1 Huge Sale 29% off all books Saturday, Feb. 13th- Thursday, Feb. 18th. A Novel Idea Book Store, 118 N 14th St. Hours Mon.-Sat. 10-6, Sun 1-5. Dell 486 with Laser printer. CD ROM. Fully loaded. Ex cellent condition. $595. Call for details at 438-7341. Car stereo for sale, Panasonic, detachable face, like new, $125 OBO. Call 474-6094. For Sale: Casio SK-1sampling keyboard. $75/OBO. Call Jeff at 488-2462 evenings. WINTER IS STILL HERE. All snow board equipment on sale. 25% off accessories, 15% on decks. Seventwenty Snowboards. 475-2453. Attractive, educated, financially secure couple is eager to have a family and provide your newborn with a won derful life, love, home and security. Expenses paid. Please can Leslye and Andy at 1 -800-294-5177. Auto Accidents & DWI Other criminal matters, call Sanford Pollack 476-7474. Free Pregnancy Test Birthright is a confidential helping hand. Please call for appointment or more information, 483-2609. Check out our website www.birthright.oig. Academic Expressions Resumes, curriculum vitae, theses, dissertations, newsletters. Academic editing, Ml_A/APA/AP/Chicago Manual. 402-628-2221. irondaddnavixpet. 400s loosing 3BR, 2BA, need 1 roommate ASAP. No deposit. Please call 438-7541. Looking for a non-smoking male/female roommate for 3 bedroom apartment, $175/month + 1/3 utilities. Call Bob or Zac 438-1735. ^ _ Male or female roommate wanted immediately to share nice 2BR, 2 bathroom apartment with W/D. $285+ 1/2 utilities. 486-1642 or 730-8410. Roommate needed for 3BR townhouse, $198.33+ utilities. Available now. Call 464-3303 Roommate wanted: 4BR, 3 bath, all appliances, com puter, affluent neighborhood, $250 + utilities. Call Ryan at 325- 6023. _' 2533 Washington. Furnished living room and bedroom, refrigerator, nonsmoking/nondrinking gentleman. $175, utilities paid. 477-5032. _ 3 bedroom, near UNL, $600.432-6644. 726 Y St 3BR, $650. Near campus. 1541 N. 28th. Nice 5BR, 2 bath, near campus, $850. 1237 Court Nice 3BR, 11/2 bath, garage, near campus, $650. CaH 432-0644. _ 2302 Holdrege, 3+ bedroom, 2 bath, garage, wash er/dryer excellent condition. Walk to UNL, references required. $650.423-6779. 3BR, 11/2 bath, walk to campus, 700 Y St., dishwasher, C/A, W/D included, $630, 489-9294. Group to Rent Five bedroom, two baths. All utilities paid, washer/dryer, new carpet, $260/person. 1407 N. 19th, 430-9415. Brand new 3BR, 2BA Duplex. Diswasher, disposal, 2 car garage. Available Feb. 1st. $795. 1021 & 1025 Mi cheileCt. Call Mitzi 465-6034 or Don 430-7880. Large 1 & 3 BR duplexes, 4 bedroom house near both campuses. 489-5168.__ Near campus, new 3 bedroom, 2 baths, garage. 2430 U, 1850 N. 24th. $600-$800.438-3393 or 440-2225. NEWER 3BR 3baths, double attached garage, all appliances, wash/dry, dishwasher. Campus close. Reduced to $795. HIP.485-8911. !! SUNNY &CHEERFUL & II SMOKE FREE!! 1BR 2000 J St. Clean $295 2BR 2000 J St, Nice $350 2BR 1501 S 19th, New carpet $395 No Smokers or Pets 440-3000 1 BEDROOM APTS In Unique Complex between campuses, super clean, 3-month leases, newer decor, stove/fridge/dishwasher/disposal/blinds. parking, cen tral heat/air, laundry, gas/water/garbage paid, enclosed patios, big closets, breakfast bar, $345, 489-4857. One large one bedroom: ‘Jacuzzi, fireplace, dishwasher, French doors, very nice, 9ft ceiling, ceiling fans $535. Heat/gas paid, off street parking with laundry. 2929 R St., 474-3529. No smokers, no pets. 640 S. 20th- Efficiency $299, 1BR $349, 2BR $419 andup. . 2301 A St- 1BR $329. Jones Properties 475-7262 1120 E St., 1 bedroom just remodeled. Heat paid, no pets, $300. 560-5077. 1227 G, available immediately, clean, efficiency, wood floors, dishwasher, new appliances, parking lot, bike room, responsible landlord, quiet neighbors, walk-in Closet. $315. 436-0365. 1400 North 33rd 1BR, A/C, range, refrigerator, balcony, coin laundry, off street parking. Campus dose. $330. HIP • 465-8911. 2910 N. 42nd. Brand new 4BR, 2BA, deluxe unit with all appliances, including W/D, C/A, garage available, no pets. $950-$995. Taking reservations for spring and summer. 474-5327 or 560-5077. Apartments on UNL Campus Studio and one bedroom units. No smoking, no pets, controlled access, laundry, UNL shuttle stop, campus parking. $300-425/month. Brickyard Apartments, 17th and Holdredge. 477-6578. Available 2/20!! 1BR 5mins from campus, o/spkng, central air, 28th and J area. $365/mo+util. MUST SEE! 475-8443. AVAILABLE APRIL 1 One bedroom condo in historic building. Security ac cess, 15 minute walk to UNL. For details, contact (402)438-0777.. Better dollar value studio and one bedroom in well maintained vintage building. $295-330.432-2288. CATS WELCOME! Qui?t 1BR, 939 S. 11th, wood floors, sun room, $375, low Utilities, 476-6028. Clean 0,1,2 & 3 bedroom apartments. Rents $225 - $410 plus electricity. For more information call Pat or Melody 402-484-2610 or Hearing impaired/TDD 402-434-2613. Colonial Heights Apartments 2815 Tierra Drive *421-3070 111 RENT SPECIALS 111 • 6 month lease to receive half month .free or a 12 month lease to receive a month free. Certain restrictions •^ndoor/outdoor pool, sauna and spa • Elevators, tanning bed arid weight room • 3 month leases available Large 2 bedroom, microwave, dishwasher, laundry, disposal, $495/month 2501 E St. 432-6476. N/S, N/P. MANAGEMENTONE Now leasing for summer and fall, 3 year rent freeze. Call for locations and prices, 477-2600 or www.mgmtone.com Quiet dean, furnished 1 bedroom, laundry, near Capitol, $240. Call 432-6476. Two bedroom apt., large kitchen, fireplace, off-street parking, newly renovated, laundry room on premises. 901 North 25th. $375.00/month. Convienent location, great price. Call Garron at 438-6246 or Ooc at 553-5901.; <ffi> Century \USUX SALES AM) MANAGEMENT GOl We provide: * Locations throughout Lincoln * 24-H0ur Emergency Maintenance * Professional & Personable Leasing Staff Call us today! 402-437-8300 Willowhaven Apartments 1800 Knox •FIREPLACE •Swimming Pool 'Minutes form downtown *1 BR^start at $349 *2 BR's start at $459 •Clean & updated •Friendly service Century and Sales Management 437-8322 or 437-8300 500* MS ^jjP^ $20-$40/hr. IN SPARE TIME! $100 Signing Bonus! 1-800-600-0343 x1927.
