Rawlings Recalls 45,000 Slow-Pitch Softball Bats Due to Shearing Tops

Plain-English summary

Rawlings Sporting Goods Co. Inc. is voluntarily recalling approximately 45,000 slow-pitch aluminum softball bats in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recall involves specific model numbers: SBZ2, SBZ3, SBZ4, SBB3, SBB4, SBB5, SBB6, SBB7, SPT-PK2, and DUAL-E. The "Rawlings" brand name and model numbers are located on the barrel of each bat. These adult-sized bats were sold in various colors.

The recall is necessary because the tops of the bats can shear off during use, which poses an injury hazard to batters and bystanders. CPSC and Rawlings have received 16 reports of the bat tops shearing off, but no injuries have been reported. The affected bats were sold at major retailers, including Wal-Mart, Target, and Kmart, as well as sporting goods stores nationwide, from September 1997 through May 1999. The retail price range was between $40 and $200.

Consumers should stop using the recalled bats immediately. To obtain a refund, consumers should call Rawlings at (636) 349-3500 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. CDT, Monday through Friday, for return instructions. Consumers may also write to Rawlings at P.O. Box 22000, St. Louis, Mo., 63126.

The recalled product

Product

Rawlings slow-pitch softball bats

Manufacturer

Wal-Mart

Category

Consumer Product — Sports Equipment

Hazard

• laceration
• impact-injury

Distribution

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