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Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

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Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

A Safer Swing for Baseball?

Metal bats: You're outta there! Youth baseball leagues in Massachusetts have switched from powerful metal bats to wood bats, which can't hit a ball as far or as fast. No other state has taken this step.

The ban is aimed at reducing injuries. Those who favor the change say that baseballs hit with metal bats go so fast that kids don't have time to react.

Critics have come out swinging. Players say they hit better with metal bats, and coaches argue that there is no proof that wood bats are safer. Next month, state officials will decide whether to ban metal bats next season too.

Coach Alex Campea of West Roxbury says his players "know that hitting is going to be a bigger challenge. But they're excited."

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