Softball Bats (Rawlings) – Performance Defect (1999)
Hazard assessment based on recall description.
This AI-generated summary is provided for general informational purposes only and is derived from publicly available recall notices. It supplements but does not replace official agency classifications or safety instructions.
Check Your Product
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Product
Rawlings slow-pitch softball bats
Brand
Wal-Mart
Lot Codes / Batch Numbers
Not specified in CPSC notice. Check official source for details.
Wal-Mart is recalling Rawlings slow-pitch softball bats. The hazard is: Laceration. Based on CPSC recall notice.
Summary derived from CPSC notice
The following details were not provided by CPSC: remedy information, UPC codes.
Reason for Recall
As stated by CPSC
Softball Bats Recalled by Rawlings Sporting Goods NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 20, 1999 Release # 99-113 Company Phone Number: (636) 349-3500 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Yolanda Fultz-Morris, (301) 504-7066 CPSC, Rawlings Sporting Goods Co. Inc. Announce Recall of Softball Bats WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Rawlings Sporting Goods Co. Inc., of St. Louis, Mo., is voluntarily recalling about 45,000 slow-pitch softball bats. The tops of the bats can shear off during use, posing an injury hazard to batters and bystanders. CPSC and Rawlings have received 16 reports of the top of the bats shearing off. No injuries have been reported. The bats subject to this recall are Rawlings slow-pitch aluminum softball bats with model numbers SBZ2, SBZ3, SBZ4, SBB3, SBB4, SBB5, SBB6, SBB7, SPT-PK2, and DUAL-E. "Rawlings" and the model numbers can be found on the barrel of each bat. The bats are adult sized, and come in various colors. Major retailers, including Wal-Mart, Target and Kmart, and sporting goods stores nationwide sold the bats from September 1997 through May 1999 for between $40 and $200. Consumers should stop using the recalled bats immediately and call Rawlings at (636) 349-3500 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday for instructions on returning the bats for a refund. Consumers also can write to Rawlings at P.O. Box 22000, St. Louis, Mo., 63126.
Reported concern (CPSC)
Laceration
Recommended Action
Per CPSC guidance
The CPSC advises consumers to stop using the product. Contact the manufacturer or return the product to the place of purchase.
Verify this information on the official source
For complete details and official instructions, check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) directly.
View official CPSC recall noticePage updated: Jan 6, 2026