Marucci’s 33-inch Cat 5 baseball bat has been banned by the NCAA and NFHS

UPDATED February 23 with more information.

The 33-inch model of the 2011 Marucci Cat 5 Adult Baseball Bat has been decertified by both the NCAA and NFHS, and it will not be legal this season in college or high school baseball.

The NCAA announced the decertification on Friday. The NFHS, the national governing body of high school sports, followed suit on Tuesday in an e-mail memo to state association athletic directors.

As a result, the 33-inch Marucci Cat 5 is considered a non-compliant bat in both leagues and leagues that follow NCAA or NFHS rules.

The decertification affects only the 33-inch model; all other Marucci bats, including the Marucci Black and other Cat 5 sizes are still legal.

The decertification is part of the NCAA’s ongoing process of field testing game-used bats. The 33-inch Marucci Cat 5 baseball bat was found to exceed the allowed exit speeds under the BBCOR performance standard.

Marucci has set up a process for customers to return their decertified baseball bats. You can find more information, including instructions on how to complete a return here. You can also contact Marucci at 1-888-768-8118.

Bats must be returned to Marucci by March 31, 2012 to receive a replacement.

Marucci has released a FAQ, which we’ve re-posted below. If you have any other questions, feel free to post them in the comments.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Will Marucci replace my 33×30 Cat52 BBCOR?
A: Yes. We stand behind our products and will replace your 33×30 Cat52 BBCOR with another Marucci bat.

Q: What are my options in replacing my bat?
A: You can find out more details on Marucci’s return program for the 33-inch CAT52 BBCOR bat at www.maruccisports.com/returns.

PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR BATS TO OUR STORES – THEY MUST BE RETURNED TO MARUCCI ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS FOUND AT www.maruccisports.com/returns.

Q: When can I expect to receive my replacement bat?
A: Marucci will process returns in the order that they are received and anticipates sending out the first replacement bats in March. For those opting to upgrade to the Marucci Black or choosing the Professional-Cut Wood bats, Marucci will begin fulfilling returns immediately.

Related: Browse our entire selection of Marucci baseball bats.

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Easton’s brand new 2012 BBCOR certified baseball bats are tailor made for your playing style

Not all batters are built the same.

Power hitters demand different things from their baseball bats than contact hitters.

With that in mind, the bats in Easton’s 2012 line of BBCOR certified baseball bats are tailored to each batter’s individual strengths. That means sluggers can use sticks that’ll improve their game, and the same for guys who hit for average.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the Easton baseball bats that just hit the shelves.

For power hitters

Easton’s XL series BBCOR baseball bats are designed with extra-long barrels and are end-loaded. That gives stronger hitters a longer hitting surface, a larger sweet spot and more power behind every hit, thanks to the extra mass in the barrel.

• Easton 2012 XL3 -3 Adult Baseball Bat ($199.99)
  
  Construction: One-piece THT100 Scandium alloy.

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• Easton 2012 XL2 -3 Adult Baseball Bat ($299.99)
  
  Construction: Two-piece IMX Composite/THT100 Scandium alloy.

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• Easton 2012 XL1 -3 Adult Baseball Bat ($399.99)
  
  Construction: Two-piece IMX Composite.

For contact hitters

For Easton’s Speed series, the mass has been shifted into the handle of the bat. With a lighter barrel, contact hitters can get better swing speed while at the plate.

• Easton 2012 Speed S3 -3 Adult Baseball Bat ($199.99)
  
  Construction: One-piece THT100 Scandium alloy.

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• Easton 2012 Speed S2 -3 Adult Baseball Bat ($299.99)
  
  Construction: Two-piece IMX Composite/THT100 Scandium alloy.

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Easton 2012 Speed S2 Stiff Flex -3 Adult Bat ($299.99)

Construction: Two-piece IMX Composite/THT100 Scandium alloy with extra-stiff flex handle.
Exclusive: Available only at Baseball Express.

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• Easton 2012 Speed S1 -3 Adult Baseball Bat ($399.99)
  
  Construction: Two-piece IMX composite.

Related: Shop our entire selection of BBCOR certified baseball bats.

What is everybody swinging at the College World Series?

Eight teams are left, and the College World Series is set to officially kick off this weekend.

Before things officially get underway, we thought we’d take a quick look at the bats that each team is using.

North Carolina and Texas — Nike

Nike’s 2012 collection of BBCOR baseball bats includes the Aero M1 and the Aero MC2. The Aero M1 features a Zr91 metal barrel, while the Aero MC2 is 100% composite.

Texas — Louisville Slugger

Texas isn’t limited to Nike — the Horns also use Louisville Slugger bats. The crown jewel in Louisville’s 2012 BBCOR lineup is the Exogrid 2, which is designed with an internal composite sleeve for an ultra-stiff handle.

The Z-1000 features several tweaks to give the player the best bat possible under the new BBCOR guidelines, and the 2012 Omaha is the latest addition to Louisville’s popular line of Omaha bats.

Vanderbilt, Florida, Cal and Texas A&M — Easton

Half of the teams in the College World Series use Easton bats, and that’s a ringing endorsement if we’ve ever heard one. Easton has released five BBCOR bats, three of which we’ll highlight here.

First and foremost, there’s the Omen. With IMX Composite construction, the Omen is balanced for a lighter swing weight and faster speed through the strike zone. After that, there’s the Surge and the Surge X-Stiff, which are both two-piece hybrid bats.

Virginia and South Carolina — Rawlings

The defending champs and the Virginia Cavaliers both swing Rawlings bats. The 2012 Rawlings 5150 BBCOR baseball bat utilizes proprietary metal forming techniques to optimize balance and trampoline effect.

How are the bats doing so far? Here are the home run stats from Super Regionals.

Easton bats (4 teams) — 11 total games played, 16 HRs, 1.45 HRs per game
DeMarini bats (3 teams) -– 8 total games played, 7 HRs, 0.875 HRs per game
Louisville bats (4 teams) — 10 total games played, 7 HRs, 0.7 HRs per game
Rawlings (2 teams) -– 5 total games played, 3 HRs, 0.6 HRs per game
Nike (3 teams) — 6 total games played, 2 HRs, 0.33 HRs per game

Related: See our entire selection of BBCOR baseball bats.

BESR blowout: Take an extra $25 off already discounted baseball bats

With this week’s promo code, you can take $25 off your total order of $99 or more.

That means you can save even more on these already-discounted BESR baseball bats. Just use the code JFGBBD9 at checkout to lock in the prices listed below.

The code is valid through March 28. These BESR baseball bats are available while supplies last.

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Combat 2011 B1 Bomber Stiff -3 Adult Baseball Bat
(Was: $299.99, WITH CODE: $134.98)

Balanced low swing weight. This composite bat has been recertified for NFHS play and is listed on NFHS.org as legal for 2011. (w/o code: $159.98)

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Easton 2011 Surge BESR -3 Adult Baseball Bat
(Was: $299.99, WITH CODE: $174.98)

New THT100 Alloy for greater durability, strength, toughness, and performance. Stiff Handle Flex for maximum power through the hitting zone. (w/o code: $199.98)

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Easton 2011 Rival XXL BESR -3 Adult Baseball Bat
(Was: $199.99, WITH CODE: $124.98)

New THT100 Alloy for greater durability, strength, toughness and performance. Ultra thin 31/32″ handle with stiff flex rating for maximum power through the hitting zone. (w/o code: $149.98)

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Easton 2010 SV12 Ozone 95 -3 Adult Baseball Bat
(Was: $299.99, WITH CODE: $174.98)

The SV12 bats feature exclusive V12 scandium alloy, which has been optimized to create the most durable alumium bat on the market. (w/o code: $199.98)

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Easton 2011 Reflex -3 Adult Baseball Bat
(Was: $89.99, NOW: $79.98)

7050 Aircraft Alloy. Thin 31/32″ tapered handle with Pro Tack grip. ($79.98)

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Louisville 2010 TPX Air Exogrid -3 Adult Baseball Bat
(Was: $399.99, WITH CODE: $174.98)

One-piece hybrid and Air 2X Dual Air technologies provide the top players with the best combination of performance and solid feel. The Air 2X dual air chamber isolates the hitting area to enhance the sweet spot for better performance. (w/o code: $199.98)

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Louisville 2011 Exogrid 2 -3 Adult Baseball Bat
(Was: $369.99, WITH CODE: $274.98)

AC21 Scandium in the barrel optimizes the relationship between aluminum alloys and composite materials giving the player the stiffest handle, and maximum performance and durability in a Hybrid bat. AC21 combined with composites ensures thin walls and unmatched performance. (w/o code: $299.98)

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Louisville 2011 H2 -3 Adult Baseball Bat
(Was: $299.99, WITH CODE: $174.98)

Balanced low swing weight. This composite bat has been recertified for NFHS play and is listed on NFHS.org as legal for 2011. (w/o code: $159.98)

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Louisville 2010 Omaha Limited -3 Adult Baseball Bat
(Was: $199.99, WITH CODE: $124.98)

This new Louisville Slugger Omaha bat features the ST+20 alloy with a 31/32″ tapered handle and the patented Pro Cup end cap for great bat speed and performance. (w/o code: $149.98)

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Louisville 2010 TPX H2 -3 Adult Baseball Bat
(Was: $299.99, WITH CODE: $124.98)

New TPX H2 from Louisville features an exclusive one-piece design that bonds the ST+20 barrel and new exclusive triple-composite handle & transition area seamlessly, providing outstanding performance of a one-piece stiff handle design. (w/o code: $149.98)

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Louisville 2010 Omaha XT Stiff -3 Adult Baseball Bat
(Was: $269.99, WITH CODE: $124.98)

This bat is made with the Louisville Slugger’s ST+20 alloy, which has a combined strength + toughness that is 20% greater than industry leading alloys. (w/o code: $149.98)

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Mattingly 2010 Ripped -3 Adult Baseball Bat
(Was: $159.99, WITH CODE: $74.98)

The patented “V” shaped handle automatically lines up the knocking knuckles and keeps the bat in the finger tips, not in the palm, assuring a proper grip every time. (w/o code: $99.98)

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Marucci 2011 CAT5 -3 Adult Baseball Bat
(Was: $279.99, WITH CODE: $174.98)

The Marucci CAT5 features Abin Harmonic Dampening technology, which effectively eliminates hand sting associated with harmonic vibration. Studies show that lack of sting on impact boosts player confidence and performance. (w/o code: $199.98)

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Nike 2010 Aero Fuse Chrome -3 Adult Baseball Bat
(Was: $299.99, WITH CODE: $174.98)

The composite-and-alloy Speedlink System and an Aero Cap tuned and weighted for quickness add up to 3 mph in swing speed. (w/o code: $199.98)

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Nike 2010 Aero Torque -3 Adult Baseball Bat
(Was: $249.99, WITH CODE: $124.98)

New Zr91 alloy creates more explosive hits. Cushioned synthetic leather grip. (w/o code: $149.98)

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Rawlings 2011 5150 Exogrid -3 Adult Baseball Bat
(Was: $299.99, WITH CODE: $124.98)

Game proven Exogrid technology optimized for feel and performance with Ph.D technology and Rawlings’ 5150 alloy. (w/o code: $149.98)

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Rawlings 2010 5150 Alloy -3 Adult Baseball Bat
(Was: $199.99, WITH CODE: $74.98)

New 5150 Alloy formulated for higher strength and increased flex. Balanced design allows for maximum swing speed and maximum bat control. (w/o code: $99.98)

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Reebok 2010 Vector O-Tech -3 Adult Baseball Bat
(Was: $379.99, WITH CODE: $164.98)

Engineered into the handle section, the O ports can reduce drag when you swing. Carbon fiber handle and high-performance alloy barrel. (w/o code: $159.98)

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Reebok 2009 Vector O-Tech -3 Adult Baseball Bat
(Was: $379.99, WITH CODE: $134.98)

Engineered into the handle section, the O ports can reduce drag when you swing. Carbon fiber handle and high-performance alloy barrel. (w/o code: $159.98)

Related: Browse our entire selection of baseball bats.