A big high-five to the California Interscholastic Federation for its surprise announcement on Wednesday that high school baseball teams must follow new safety standards for metal bats!

The Federation made the announcement in the wake of serious accidents that brought national attention to the bats’ safety. The state legislature had been considering a law that would have placed a two-year moratorium on the use of metal bats. Assemblyman Jared Huffman, who introduced the bill, said he postponed a vote for months while working with the CIF to implement safety changes. The CIF will also encourage member high schools to require players to wear protective headgear.

This new development in one of the nation’s largest states is significant for all of us who have advocated against the use of metal bats. I will renew my efforts in Illinois to make baseball safer. No child should have to suffer a head injury, or worse, due to the lack of adequate safety measures.