When buying a baseball bat, there are several things to consider: 1. Wood or Aluminum? Most Little Leagues use aluminum bats because they are lighter and easier to swing. Aluminum bats are hollow and have a bigger sweet spot than wood which allows for a harder and faster hit than with heavier wood bats. Since wooden baseball bats are solid, the center of gravity is further away from the handle which makes the bat feel heavier near the end. In Major League Baseball, only wooden bats are permitted. Baseball has been a beloved American past-time for well over a century and the sport is notorious for stubbornly keeping to its traditions. Used since the 1800s, wooden bats are seen as a tradition in themselves and it's not likely that baseball will let them go any time soon. Many argue that switching to aluminum bats in the major leagues would result in a homerun slaughter-fest that would become boring and tedious after a while. There is something to be said about the skill it takes to swing and drive a ball with a wooden bat as compared to the lighter, easier to handle aluminum bats. Aluminum bats are also more durable than wood since they don't splinter or break. In an average season, any single baseball player can go through dozens of wood bats yet keep the same aluminum bat from beginning to end. For this reason, many amateur and little leagues opt for metal bats. While the initial investment is higher (sometimes hundreds higher), aluminum bats will likely last a season or two, while wood bats are known to splinter and break fairly regularly. The most obvious difference between wood and aluminum baseball bats is that wood bats go "crack" when they hit a ball while aluminum bats go "ping." Aluminum bats have a larger sweet spot (sometimes up to 5 - 7 inches) and have a lot more "pop" due to the elastic properties of the metal. For wood bats, the sweet spot is maybe 2-3 inches. Many players still prefer the feel of a wood bat. Really, this choice is a very personal one. There is no right or wrong here. Please note: A moratorium has been imposed in most leagues regarding composite bats.
2. Level of Play T-Ball Bats (approx. ages 5-7):Use: Generally used in tee-ball and coach pitch leagues (Most T-Ball Leagues will provide bats, so buying one is generally optional. Many parents like to buy their own. You should also know if your league has any restrictions regarding personal bats. This may affect which bat you will buy). Bat Barrel: 2 1/4" in diameter Bat Length: Ranges from 25" to 27" Bat Weight is measured in weight drop, which varies between brands and models. Heavier bats are around minus 7 weight drop, lighter bats are around minus 13. _______________________________________________________________ Little League Bats (approx. ages 7-12): Use: Little League bats are used in leagues including Little League, Pony League, Babe Ruth, Dixie Youth and AABC. Bat Barrel: 2 1/4" in diameter Bat Length: Ranges from 28" to 32" Bat Weight is measured in weight drop, which varies between brands and models. Heavier bats are around minus 7 weight drop, lighter bats are around minus 13. _______________________________________________________________ Senior League Bats (approx. ages 10-13): Use: Senior League bats are used in certain travel and tournament leagues. Bat Barrel: Available in 2 5/8" (high school regulation), and 2 3/4" (Big Barrel) Bat Length: Ranges from 28" to 32" Bat Weight is measured in weight drop, which varies between brands and models. Heavier bats are around minus 5 weight drop, lighter bats are around minus 11. _______________________________________________________________ High School / College Bats (approx. ages 13 and up): Use: High School / College bats are used in most High School and College leagues. Bat Barrel: Available in 2 5/8" Bat Length: Ranges from 30" to 34" Bat weight is measured in weight drop, which must be minus 3. Most leagues require an approved BESR (Bat Exit Speed Rating) stamp on the bat . 3. Weight So, how do you select a bat? The answer is pretty easy actually. Pick up the bat using your dominant hand (right hand for right-handers, left hand for left-handers) and extend it fully. The bat should be parallel with the ground. If you can hold this position for 30 seconds without the arm sagging or losing its parallel postition, then you have found the right weight. What do the negative numbers mean? Baseball bats are measured using a length to weight ratio. A negative number will represent how many ounces a bat weighs compared to its length in inches. For example, a 32 inch bat that weighs 28 ounces is a - 4. The largest ratio is in the range of -12 (for little league bats), while college and high school bats are restricted to a - 3. These restrictions are for safety reasons. A college or high school player swinging a very light bat would generate too much power and could pose a danger to other players on the field. Make sure to check the regulations of your league before buying a baseball bat! Need a bat? Be sure to check out our extensive selection of Baseball and Softball Bats. |
