Choosing the right baseball is very important for a player. As a baseball player, your baseball bat meant a lot to your team’s success, and such is why you need to buy a high-quality baseball bat.
Baseball bats come in different sizes, shapes, and forms, and different brands are manufacturing them; this is why you can be overwhelmed when choosing a baseball bat.
To prevent you from making the wrong choice and make your search effortless, we have decided to compile some factors you should consider before choosing a baseball bat.
But before we go to that, let’s quickly take a look at the definition of a baseball bat and its importance.
What is a Baseball Bat?
A baseball bat is a smooth metal or wooden club used in baseball to hit a ball after being thrown by a pitcher.
Typically, it is not more than 2.75 inches in diameter at the thickest part and nothing more than 1.067 meters in length.
Though history had it that bats of about three pounds have been used, today, bats of 33 to 34 ounces are found.
The form of baseball bats has been changing over time. In the 19th century, baseball players craved their bats themselves; thus, the bats come in different sizes, heights, and weights – some big, some small, small tall, some fat.
History of Baseball Bats
In 1890, Emile Kinst created what is now known as the ball-bat or banana bat. The bat is curved shaped, so it’s called a banana bat. Kinst said he created the bat to provide a rotatory and spinning motion to a ball to a higher degree than the other known bats.
In 1906, Spalding invented the mushroom bat. This bat is very large and comes with a mushroom-like knob on the handle.
Later, Wright and Ditsons invented their own baseball bat; this bat comes in a normal size but has two knobs on the handle. The lowest is located at the handle’s tip, while the other is located barely 2 inches away from the lowest. The inventors created this to enable better spacing between the hands when gripping.
In 1990, the idea of putting an ax handle on a baseball bat was raised by Bruce Leinert. The idea was largely accepted, and in 2012, the Marietta College Pioneers baseball team won the NCAA Division III world series using ax bats.
But before we continue, take a look at these articles related to baseball bats:
Composite Bats VS Aluminum VS Bats, What’s better, Why?
How to Choose a Baseball Bat?
As I’ve earlier said, a baseball bat is a must for every baseball player. But with the presence of thousands of types in the market, finding the one that suits your preference and skills can be daunting.
It would be best to look at a few things before choosing a baseball bat; these things include the size, shape, price, age, league, and others. Let’s take a look at these factors and why you should consider them when buying a baseball bat.
League and Age
The first thing to look at when choosing a baseball bat is your age and your league rules. The most known bats’ governing bodies are; USSSA (the United States Specialty Sports Association), USAbat, and the BBCOR (Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution). All these bodies have rules and regulations that govern their games.
When it comes to age, there are certain types of bats for each age group. Usually, players between the age of 4 to 6 will use a tee ball bat.
Those between the age of 7 to 13 will use a bat that needs the standards of the USA bats or the USSSA. On the other hand, players between the ages of 14 to 18 will require a bat to meet the BBCOR standards.
So when buying a bat, consider the rules of the league and your age first so that you’ll choose a bat that will comply with the requirements.
Length
After choosing the bat that best suits your age and league, the next thing to consider is the length of the bat. The length of a bat is crucial as it can affect your swinging mechanism; when it’s too short, it limits your plate coverage, and when it’s too long.
There are three ways to know whether your bat is at the right length, they are:
- Place the bat on your chest, outstretched your arm, and pointed it parallel to the side. Try reaching the top of the by with your fingertips; if you can comfortably do that, then the bat is at the right length.
- Position the bat on the center of your chest, making it look forward; try reaching the barrel of the bat with your hand; if you can comfortably do so, then the length of the bat is good.
- Stand the bat straight against the side of your leg, reach down and see if the end of the bat can reach the center of your palm, then the length of the bat is okay.
Weight
The weight of a baseball bat is another important thing to consider when buying a bat. If your bat begins to drop after multiple swings, then the weight is too heavy for you.
A good way to know if your bat’s weight is okay for you is by holding the bat handle and extending it. If you can hold it for 35 to 40 seconds, then the bat isn’t heavy for you.
You should also check the drop weight, as the greater the drop weight, the lighter your bat.
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Conclusion
The factors mentioned above are the most important things to consider when buying a baseball bat. Choose a bat that complies with your league’s rules, your age, has an average length and weight, and then you will enjoy playing your baseball.
