Larry and Jay:

If it might be of interest (and assuming you haven't already seen it),
there is a magnified scan of Original Leyland on the Yahoo HatdBat site
in the "Files" section. It's titled "Leylnd-8X.jpg" (note the absent
'a') and is dated 16 Jan '03.

It shows the surface of a piece of rubber removed from a Hock bat
vintage 1963, and played with *very* seldom during the interim. The bat
in question came directly from Bernie, in response to a letter I sent
him from the wilds of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan during my time
there as a B-52 pilot.

The scale in the scan is a portion of a stainless steel optical rule,
calibrated in MMs.

See: Leylnd-8X.jpg 16 Jan '03

Larry: as long as you're checking out files, a picture of the
"inclinometer" device I mentioned in regard to estimating relative COFs
is posted there, as well. The device was made by Jeff Louie from
California, who went by the Yahoo ID of "red99cat"

See: Analyzer.jpg dated 14 Jun'01

Jeff and I collaborated on the file titled " Phase1.1study.doc " which
you may find of interest as well. Among other things, it proposes a
methodology for describing and comparing some characteristics of pimpled
rubbers. Jeff composed the rather elegant text, for which I claim no
credit.

See: Phase1.1study.doc 29 Jun '01

Although I address this message to Jay and Larry, I would welcome
comments from other HardBatters on the subject of equipment, especially
concerning the feasibility of designing "Functional Tests"; measurement
modalities, the results of which could be be used to "qualify" blades
and rubbers.

Larry Bone wrote:
> Interesting observation, sir. As to the modifications you propose... it would
be moving toward a "Butterfly Orthodox" type of material... yes.. .with
different compound and pip configuration, but I like the idea.
>
> Meanwhile... gets me to thinking.... IF... on were to modify the surfaces of
the pips by lightly scrubbing them with sandpaper... how might that effect
performance?
>
> Later!
>
> Larry "Boneman" Bone
> Dingmans Ferry, PA
>