Louisville Slugger Knob Question

[GoDodgers32]

I've noticed this many times and always been curious to what the difference is between just the regular knob and the knob with the (A) and (LDM X) Anyone know what its all about?

[Dach0sen0ne]

A= Amish Maple (VM is also Amish, just graded higher)

AA= Amish Ash.

With regards to LDM, LDM-X and all it's variants, Straight from TECO:

Player's Perspective

• If I wish to use a maple bat these bat density regulations apply to me:
  • I have never signed a Major League contract:
    • You have a minimum maple density of 0.0245 lb/in.3
    • You may not use any bat labeled LDM or LDM-X
  • I signed a 2011 or 2012 Major League contract:
    • You have a minimum maple density of 0.0240 lb/in.3 (LDM-X)
    • You may not use any bat labeled LDM, only LDM-X is allowed
  • I signed a Major League contract prior to 2011:
    • You have a minimum maple density of 0.0219 lb/in.3
    • You may use any compliant bat regardless of the density label

Supplier's Perspective

• Only maple bats are subject to density regulations
  • Maple billet with a density under 0.0219 lb/in.3 may not be used:
    • No Major or Minor League Baseball player may use a bat with a density under 0.0219 lb/in.3
  • Maple billet with a density between 0.0219 lb/in.3 and 0.0240 lb/in.3:
    • A bat constructed from this billet must be labeled LDM
    • Only players who have signed a Major League conract prior to 2011 may use this bat
  • Maple billet with a density between 0.0240 lb/in.3 and 0.0245 lb/in.3:
    • A bat constructed from this billet must be labeled LDM-X
    • Players who have signed a 2011 or 2012 Major League contract may use this bat
    • Players who have signed a Major League contract prior to 2011 may use this bat
  • Maple billet with a density greater than 0.0245 lb/in.3:
    • A bat constructed from this billet should not be labeled LDM or LDM-X
    • Any Major or Minor League Baseball player may use this bat

Bat's Perspective

• Bat is not labeled LDM or LDM-X
  • Bat has a density greater than 0.0245 lb/in.3
  • Any Major or Minor League Baseball player may use this bat
• Bat is labeled LDM-X:
  • Bat has a density between 0.0240 lb/in.3 and 0.0245 lb/in.3
    • Players who have signed a 2011 or 2012 Major League contract may use this bat
    • Players who have signed a Major League contract prior to 2011 may use this bat
• Bat is labeled LDM:
  • Bat has a density between 0.0219 lb/in.3 and 0.0240 lb/in.3
    • Only players who have signed a Major League contract prior to 2011 may use this bat

Its quoted from the following thread;
http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_f...ad.php?t=49842

[GoDodgers32]

Very interesting! Thanks for the help!