NYSSWA: New York State Sportswriters Association

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Leading off today: The judge in New York City's metal bat-ban says it's the kind of issue usually left to elected officials. Still, U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl did not immediately rule after hearing arguments Wednesday from lawyers for the city, bat manufacturers and school baseball programs.

Koeltl told David A. Ettinger, a lawyer for those challenging the ban, that the safety issues raised in the suit are normally reserved for legislators.

The law resulted from claims that metal bats cause balls to be hit faster.

During arguments Wednesday, Koeltl was told that the law resulted from legislators seeking to balance safety with the desire of young athletes to have the higher batting averages. "Aren't those the kinds of choices we leave to legislators?" Koeltl asked. "Those are the kinds of lines that depend on policy choices."

Ettinger contended that City Council needed to provide scientific evidence that the metal bats are unsafe. Manufacturers could then adjust the makeup of metal bats to make them safer.

Aquinas' Jones picks Syracuse: Matt Jones, a 6-foot-3

senior at Aquinas, has accepted a scholarship offer to play football for Syracuse University next year.

Jones made his decision Friday. He could play linebacker, defensive end or H-back. Jones started the first seven games of his junior season at quarterback for Aquinas, throwing 10 touchdown passes. He compiled four TD receptions and five sacks over the final five games of a 9-3 season.

Mahopac gymnast to Auburn: Mahopac rising senior Kylie Shields will attend Auburn University on a scholarship.

Shields took home four state titles in March at the state championships in Rochester. She was also considering Louisiana State, Florida, Arizona and Ohio State.

Shields has made an unofficial visit to Auburn already and will make her official visit in September during a football weekend.

Extra points: Central New York media reported Thursday that a private developer has approached Syracuse University about building a new football stadium. Syracuse athletic director Daryl Gross declined to offer specifics about the proposal and said a feasibility study is being conducted.

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12/1/23: Bennett controversy takes unexpected turn

9/29/23: Massapequa files lawsuit over mascot mandate

9/26/23: Soccer association fitting refs with body cameras