The increased use of Maple bats is seen as the root cause of the significant increase in broken bats.
This is due in no small part to a new pest beetle [emerald ash borer] killing Ash trees
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"Maple, Ash Baseball Bats May Strike Out"). Talk of the Nation Science Friday.
"The problem is that when maple bats break, they shatter dangerously, sending shards of wood flying."
While we might well come up with a solution, it turns out that Major League Baseball includes a rule requiring a "solid wood" bat.
The maker of Louisville Slugger bats talks about the history of the Maple bat (from Late 90's/Barry Bonds) as well as their efforts to think of a solution to the splitting problems. performance issues (Maple stays harder/smoother longer than Ash).
From what I heard these experts saying, it is unlikely that we are going to come up with a solution they haven't thought of and studied.
If you have an opportunity, listen to teh show and learn a little about the differences between the two species and the reasons the "fixes" that work won't pass current MLBB muster - they want thicker handles.
Enjoy