A compression test measures the stiffness and safety of a softball bat using a specialized machine. Officials perform this check to ensure the bat meets the legal performance standards for the league. A bat that is too soft or bouncy provides an unfair advantage and may cause injuries. The machine applies pressure to the barrel to see how much the material flexes under stress. The umpire placed the bat into the cylinder and confirmed the digital reading was legal. Bats that fail this test receive a sticker or are removed from the dugout for safety. Regular testing prevents players from using modified equipment that could hit the ball at dangerous speeds.
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