This is the transcript of the weekly softball chat that Ray appeared on March 26th, 1997. The weekly chat takes place every Wednesday at 6:00 pm pacific time on America Online.

RPRStrike3: I would like to welcome Ray DeMarini to "Softball Chat" tonight. Ray will be answering all your questions after he introduces himself. Now let's all welcome Ray DeMarini  :-)

Ray :  Welcome all softball players.  I will try to answer as many questions as I can. The questions I can help you with are those of mechanics of hitting and questions pertaining to bats.

JHolt19673: How come everyone else can give a one year warranty and you can’t?

Ray :  I don't have any control over what anyone else does . These are extreme edge of performance bats and are meant to perform on the edge, however, if you take care of them you won't have any problems denting. Also, if you really have a legitimate problem, we will take care of it any time.

MONI 013:  Why do inside pitches tend to dent the bat easily?  Does cold weather do that?

Ray:  Cold weather definitely dents bats, that would be anyone’s bats. Contrary to what many players think,  it's because the ball gets harder in cold weather. The ball gets harder for the dynamics of the bat.

JPShady:  What exercises do you feel are most important in gaining bat speed? and POWER!

Ray:  Great question!!!  #1 - squats....and if you can't do squats,  leg presses.   #2- I would recommend DUMBBELL bench presses and bent over rows with dumbbells and my most favorite is weighted dips.  Those exercises are directly attributed to POWER. I know from my own testing, these work!

JPShady: Thanks Ray.

Jimmy520:  I want to know if I should drop from a 28oz to a 27 oz bat.  I have an average 80-90 mph swing with a 28oz. but feel I could still afford to increase my speed, that is what I was wondering.  I read your article on Larry Carter and yourself. I feel that I could only benefit from a 27oz., do you agree?

Ray: Rather than answer that question, I would rather address the issue of bat weights and what you should use.  Bat selection should be based on your ability to follow through with minimal loss of bat speed.  As an example, I can swing a 30 oz as fast as I can swing a 27oz.  The problem is, when I make contact with the ball, I don't have enough leverage to go through the ball with the bat speed that I can with a 27 oz. ....so for me, even though I can swing a 30 oz as fast as the 27 oz, I lose bat speed through the ball weight and not as much distance.

Jimmy520:  I understand. thanks for your help, that is what I thought.  I have the Ultimate DeMarini 28oz but I am going to drop to the 27 oz.  Thanks again.

Ray:  Jimmy- my pleasure.

Jimmy520:  Mine too. thanks

AmmoJR28: What brand of bat did you use before you created yours?

Ray: Everyone of them that's why I made my own.

TwoBase:  Enjoyed "Bat Speed Video".  Back problem prevents weight training.  Any tips for helping us ladies "power up"?

Ray: Oh yeah......I have a device called CHUTE SPEED TRAINER.  This will sound crazy but it's an extremely sophisticated device for increasing power and speed.  It is a parachute that attaches to any softball bat or little league bat. I have had a lot of people use these including major league players, and all with excellent results.

TwoBase:  Thanks.  Sounds like a good alternative to weights.

RArrospide:  I have the chute speed....IT WORKS.

RHutt:  Do you feel a top heavy bat is better than a bat where the weight is distributed evenly?

Ray:  For slow pitch- definitely!  However I have seen guys with 400 ft power using a balanced bat.

Peach74944:  Does a dent on an Easton reflex have any effect on the hitting or does it take power out of the bat.  Should the bat be replaced?

Ray:  Generally, not specific to Easton, dents are really not that detrimental to performance. The problem is getting them past the umpire! :-)  Of course when the bat is dented way out of shape, it won't work any more. If it has a few dents.... use it.

Mavs 29:  When does the Ultimate Softball show start... and how about one living in the regular leagues like with my team. Come out here and play with us Ray.

Ray: Actually, my 1997 ultimate softball show is devoted to C and B, D type of players.  I admire these players by far over the majors.  These players are out there for love of  and passion of the sport  like me.  We filmed the 1st show this week end in Las Vegas- featuring the C division- it was GREAT!

MDeCamp11:  When will Ultimate Softball be airing on television? Which network will I find it on

Ray:  The show is to be determined- possibly CNN or FOX around May 1st.

MDeCamp11:  How hard is it to dent the double wall?  How long will the bat last?

Ray:  The double wall is the most durable bat on the market.  Many changes were made to the 97 model to improve durability- I am VERY happy with the results! The key to bat longevity is don't even think about using it below 60 degrees.  Don't use wet balls regardless of the temperature- they are heavy!

MDeCamp11:  Should I use it for batting practice?

Ray:  Rotate the bat in batting practice.  There is a rotation index on the bat to help you accomplish this.  If you follow these 3 rules, you will easily get a full season out of the bat. Maybe much more depending on your power.

MDeCamp11:  Thanks Ray

LTrues:  Will you be making a "customized bat" and does your hand grip (placement) affect bat speed?

Ray:  We DO make custom bats on special orders. Like weights, your hand position definitely affects bat speed.

LTrues: I've tried placing the bottom pinky over the handle and my wrist breaks better.

Ray:  I use an overlap grip, which means my right hand isn't even on the bat- it overlaps my left hand. This definitely increases bat speed for ME!!!  However it is up to the individual to experiment to see what works best!

LTrues:  Thanks Ray and I'm anxious to see your show.  Speed seems to be everything, and I'll try your way once.

COH 33:  Ray, what does the 1.2 really mean.  How are the bats tested?

Ray: Great question! They are tested at New York University by a professor of Physics.  A ball is shot out of an air cannon at 60 mph at a stationary bat mounted in a swivel.  Then the ball hits the bat, the speed of the bat is recorded and a series of math problems is performed to determine the liveliness of the bat.  This is a very simple explanation of something that is very complicated.  They take into account moment of inertia, etc, etc. The result of the calculations is the BPF rating.  I feel that the 1.20 is very close to ideal.  It allows all the fun of the game, while meeting safety requirements .

COH 33:  OK, thanks!

JPShady:  Is C405 better than CU31?  What would your bats compare to? Physics, Ray? Scary!

Ray:    1st of all physics is very scary.  CU31 is not as strong as C405.  C405 is approximately 10% stronger.  Therefore, the walls can be made thinner.  It is rumored that a new alloy is coming from Alcoa, that is 10% stronger than C405, this will be GREAT for the sport, because this will really help durability!

JPShady:  Thanks Ray.

TheMadMac: Ray, will your 1998 models comply with the new ASA bat specifications (and be stamped)?

Ray: Definitely!!!

AMXFAMILY:  Can you use too light of a bat?

Ray:  Yes.

AMXFAMILY:  How so?

Ray:  For slow pitch men's ball , it seems that 26 oz is the line.  However, one of the most powerful hitters I have ever seen uses a 25oz balanced bat.  My advice to anybody,  if in doubt go to a 28.  It is acceptable to everybody.

AMXFAMILY:  Thanks

COH 33:  Who was the hitter you mentioned above?

Ray:  COH- it is Brian Mitchell- played on my LABTEC team and had immense power. He also holds the record at my factory for the highest ball speed off a tee, 108mph, which is s-m-o-k-i-n-g! !!

TLL769:  Ray love your double wall bats.  If all bats are 1.20 then why is the double wall better? I have three of your double walls.

Ray:  Because single wall bats on the market are not really that close to the 1.20 line and if they are, they will dent very quickly.  The double wall has a tremendous inherent design as well.  It is capable of attaining it's BPF rating over a much larger area over a single walled bat.

BigCat844:  If I used a DeMarini bat, will it help me hit it out of Tiger stadium again?

Ray:  It might help you,  but may not enable you to do it! (Laugh)  I saw Mike Macencko hit a ball out of Tiger stadium out on the street.  Mike for my money is the greatest hitter I have ever seen.

GAS N EAS: What about this triple wall bat and how does that change the bat and hitting for distance?

Ray:  I can't comment about the bat, because I have never seen them.

MHiggs09:  Don't you think the bats are getting too good? The fences aren't going anywhere!!!

Ray: No- I think the 1.20 is perfect.  I am little I like it! :-)

Jazzsoft:  I've heard that you make a double wall bat for women' s fast pitch but I can't find it. Is it available yet ?

Ray:  Yes, call my factory at 800- 937-BATS

KING3KING:  I am interested in plyometrics, do you have any recommendations for a beginner ?

Ray:  Yes, I have a lot of experience with Plyometrics.  I used to train pro football players. This type of training really works.  One must ensure you are taught the correct way to do them.  I recommend you either get a book or preferably an expert to show you how to do them.  The rewards would be great However!!!  This type of training requires caution,  it can hurt you if not done properly.

KING3KING: Can you recommend a book?

Ray:  No, I wish I could, I know they are out there.  Look in the muscle magazines.

Jimmy520: My wife has a very quick swing and pulls the ball to the left constantly, any suggestions?

Ray:  To me- if she is constantly pulling the ball, it indicates that she MAY be opening up her shoulder too quickly.

Jimmy520: How can she correct that problem?

Ray:  I recommend you get a pitching screen and have her go right back at the pitcher, which all players should be proficient at. Or I am starting a video analysis program, you could tape your swing- we will look at it and tell you what to do . That will start in about 3 weeks, call my factory for info.

Jimmy520:  That would be great. She says thanks.