New York mayor will veto bat ban

NEW YOR -- Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Monday he would veto a bill to ban metal bats from high school baseball in the nation's largest school system, a change that supporters say would make the game safer.

"I don't know whether aluminum bats are more dangerous or less dangerous," Bloomberg said. "But I don't think it's the city's business to regulate that."

It appeared that the New York City Council would have enough votes to override a veto.

Sponsors of the bill, passed last month, say non-wood bats produce faster, harder hits that can endanger young players.

Similar measures have been proposed by youth leagues and lawmakers in other states, including New Jersey, where a 12-year-old boy suffered cardiac arrest when he was struck in the chest by a batted ball last year. The is still in rehabilitation.

Opponents, including Little League Baseball and sporting goods makers, say there is no scientific evidence proving these bats pose more of a risk than wooden bats.

While the measure was being considered by the council, former New York Mets relief pitcher John Franco testified in support of the ban, while Yankees starting pitcher Mike Mussina came out against it.

-- AP