Allow steel spikes to be worn in our league?: How do you feel about that?...
...so far, the President has received 1 copy of the petition with 8 player's signatures in favour of steel spikes. If you are in possession of any others, please forward to a member of the Executive.

Since it's very first year back in 1992, there have been requests to allow the use of steel spikes in the LMBL. At least once each year, a motion has been tabled, discussed and defeated (up to now) at an Executive meeting. In an attempt to help you form your own opinion, I've listed most of the previously-stated Advantages and Disadvantages between steel and rubber or plastic cleats.

Advantages
• Better traction when running on hard surfaces - this includes fielding and base-running
• Better grip for pitchers on a hard pitching mound
• Better grip for batters in the batter's box
• Steel Cleats tend to be last longer than plastic or hard rubber
• New players coming from leagues that allow steel spikes don't have to buy non-steel cleats

Disadvantages
• Higher probability for serious injury during close plays (sliding into a fielder ankles or standing on a fielder's hand) at home plate or on the bases.
• Higher probability for foot, ankle and kee injuries - cleats get caught in the ground, tarps, fences, other player's equipment, etc
• Edges of Steel Cleats can become quite sharp over time
• Steel Cleats tend to be more expensive
• Steel Cleats are not allowed in some leagues and tournaments - you would have to purchase both or get interchangeable cleats

Personal perspective from a player who has worn both: My baseball background before joining the LMBL was Competitive and Recreational Slo-Pitch where non-steel was required. Slowpitch tends to be a more active game than baseball and I do not recall any cleat-related injuries or complaints. Since reactivating my baseball career in 1993, I do not recall any cleat-related injuries, but I have repeatedly heard players complaining about not being able to wear steel, although they continue to play even today. Over my 9 years in the LMBL, I have pitched, caught, and up until a few years ago - was a fairly agressive base-runner. Yes, there were times when wearing steel may have improved my play, but I also recall several slides into 2nd base where steel and flesh would have met head on - keep in mind we are not the world's best baserunners and that collisions will occur even if not intended.

On the flip side, I wore steel in a tournament (most players wore non-steel) recently. I noticed an improvement in traction and grip during batting, baserunning and running in the outfield. I noticed nothing of significance while pitching. There were no cleat-related injuries that I was aware of.