Baseball & Softball Bats

One of the most fundamental and important pieces of baseball and softball equipment is a bat. They are made from a variety of materials, such as wood,  aluminum  or other metals, as you will see below. There are a number of other important factors that should be considered when buying a baseball bat like size and cost. This guide will go over the basics and help you decide which bat is best for your needs.

Wood Bats 

  • The only option available to batters until the mid-1970s.
  • Made from northern white ash or maple.
  • Provide a more traditional feel.
  • Heavier than metal bats, they provide less pop and can splinter or break -- hence the lower price.
  • Major League Baseball uses wooden bats exclusively.

Aluminum Bats 

  • First introduced in 1970 by Worth.
  • Since then, they have become far more popular than their wooden counterparts outside the major league.
  • Lighter and more durable, they provide more pop than wooden bats.
  • Used in amateur play, including NCAA.
  • A strong and resilient choice for recreational players and Little Leaguers.

Softball Bats 

  • Softball bats, which are almost exclusively made of aluminum, have longer barrels and a smaller diameter than baseball bats.
  • Sizes and weights vary based by use (fast pitch  or slow pitch softball ).

For a more in-depth look at different materials (particularly alloys) and the manufacturers known for particular bat types, see this article at Epinions.com.

New Material in New Bats

Easton Stealth Comp CNT Softball Bat 

  • The CNT stands for carbon nanotubes, which make up the core of this bat.
  • If that doesn't already sound sweet to you, think of it this way: this carbon-composite bat is 16 times stronger than steel and more flexible too.
  • The "sweet spot" extends down the length of the bat, giving you more punch for your swing.
  • Costs about $350.

Choosing a Bat

Length

Age

Bat Length

5-7

24" - 26"

8-9

26" - 28"

10-11

28" - 30"

11-12

30" - 32"

13-14

31" - 32"

15-16

32" - 33"

17+

34"

Once you have decided whether you want a wooden or metal bat, you have to look at a few more things. First, there is the size of batter. This is mostly dependent on height, but it can be affected by a player's strength as well. It's possible to see a 12 year old practically smash a ball out of the ballpark, while his or her older teammate barely pops the ball past the infield. For simplicity's sake, the guide on the right shows roughly how long a bat should be the average player. You can also go to SwingKids.org for more information on how height affects how to choose bat length. It is best to test the bat before buying and you should select the longest bat that you can comfortably swing.

Weight

Another measure that should factor into your buying decision is weight. You should also understand that when bats do not print their weight in ounces, they will use a scale of negatives, such as -10, -9, etc. The math goes like this: for a particular bat length, say 30", the negative, -10, for example, indicates the number of ounces to subtract from the length in order to get the final weight, which would be 20 ounces in this case.

Until recently, most people assumed that a heavier bat  would inherently wollop the ball harder and faster because of the momentum created by swinging a heavy bat. However, in light of some of the pros' choices as of late, lighter bats  have taken center stage. The idea is that you have more control over a lighter bat, plus it's easier to swing. Therefore, instead of tiring your arm you can focus on good form.

BaseballBats.net has a guide as to the proper weight you should choose according to player size and sport.

Pointers for Kids

If you have a son or daughter in Little League, you are probably interested in buying him or her a bat to practice with at home. Beware of the fly balls through your windows! Remember that bats can range in price from $30 to $300+. Three hundred dollars is a lot to spend on a bat for a child who is still growing and who may or may not be into baseball for the long haul. The problem is, most bats will run you upwards of $100 for something decent. Keeping the budget down to $150 you can be sure that you'll be getting an average-priced bat that is of a decent quality. You can get more deals online, which might help. Just be certain to verify all shipping costs before committing.

A very important thing to look into before buying a bat is to check the rules for the level at which they play (Farm, Jr. Minors, Majors, etc.). This site, LittleLeague.org, gives you the basics. For length, 32" is the maximum, and the barrel should have a diameter no larger than 2.25". You may also want to chat with the coach to see what your chlid has been playing with recently. He or she could have some insight as to which size, style or brand is best.

Bat Regulations Resources

Major Manufacturers

Related Products

Baseball and Softball Gloves

Baseball Cleats

Baseballs

MLB Baseball

Sports Memorabilia

External Links