The Gray Baton

There was a time when the drum majors' tradition of using an all-metal baton was in danger of being lost. Their manufacturing had ceased, and only rubber-tipped models were being produced. John Gray (OSUMB 1959-63), president of the Ward Steel Service Co. in Dayton, Ohio, took on the challenge of designing an all-metal baton in 1975 to maintain the tradition. His first challenge was to find a metal flexible enough to survive a five-story toss without bending or breaking if dropped. It had to be light enough to maneuver, but heavy enough to prevent the wind from carrying it during aerials. Gray decided to use the highest strength stainless steel tubing with a cast aluminum ball. The ball, strengthened by lightweight interior reinforcing ribs, was permanently fastened to the shaft by a steel pin and a chemical bond. After chrome plating, the baton balanced as predicted, at 1 1/2 inches off center, to expedite twirling. Gray developed two models: the "Twirler", for the normal performer, and the "Strutter" for the more advanced twirler who specializes in the high toss, strut and thrust. The Gray Baton has fulfilled its purpose. "It was built solely to continue the tradition of using an all-metal baton at Ohio State", Gray said. "It comes, of course, in a scarlet and grey carrying case.

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