Leading off today: A federal judge in Manhattan will decide if wooden baseball bats will replace aluminum on New York City's baseball fields next spring.
Judge John Koeltl will make the call on a lawsuit filed in April to overturn a City Council ban, the New York Daily News reported.
The suit was filed by USA Baseball, an alliance of bat companies, parents and coaches who say the metal ban was pushed through by means of "unfounded rumors and scare tactics" regarding safety. The suit claims wooden bats are no safer than metal. They have the support of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, whose veto of the ban was overturned by the Council vote.
Legendary Archbishop Molloy coach Jack Curran backs the ban. He resorted to wood-only practices several years ago after a week in which two players were hit in the head by balls off a metal bat.
"You can't react quickly enough," Curran said.
ESGs open Wednesday night: Opening ceremonies for the 30th Empire State Games will be held at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla on July 25 at 7:30 p.m.
For those planning to attend, parking will be at a premiumbecause there are no spaces available at the Kensico Dam Plaza. Instead, free shuttle bus service will be available at Westchester Community College beginning at 5:30 p.m.
