Recall: Baseball and Softball Training Aids Recalled by Schutt Manufacturing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued April 27, 1998, Revised July 9, 2001 Release # 98-100

Company Phone Number: (800) 426-9784 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052

Note: Phone number change.

CPSC, Schutt Manufacturing Co. Announce Recall of Baseball and Softball Training Aids

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Schutt Manufacturing Co., of Litchfield, Ill., is announcing the recall of about 12,000 Baseball Striker and Softball Striker batting aids. During normal use, the ball can become separated from its cable when struck with a bat, and cause serious injuries to users and bystanders.

Schutt Manufacturing Co. has received three reports of injuries, including one serious eye injury.

The Baseball Striker and Softball Striker are hitting training devices which are used for a batter's warm-up. It is made up of an metal extending arm with a cable that has a molded polyurethane baseball or softball hanging from the end. The device is mounted to a chain-link fence. When the batter hits the ball, it is designed to rotate in a circle on the cable around the extending arm.

The Baseball Strikers and Softball Striker were produced by Hollywood Bases during January 1994 through September 1996 and produced by Schutt Manufacturing Co. during September 1996 through April 1998. Both versions look similar, except the Hollywood Bases models have painted rather than plated extending arms and the different company names are identified on the products.

Large sporting goods chains and small sporting goods stores nationwide sold the Baseball Striker and Softball Striker from January 1994 to April 1998 for approximately $50 to $70.

Consumers should immediately stop using the Baseball Striker and Softball Striker and return them to the sporting goods store where purchased for a refund. For more information, call Schutt Manufacturing Co. at (800) 426-9784 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday, or write the company at Schutt Manufacturing Company, 610 South Industrial Drive, Litchfield, IL 62056.