Baseball Bats
America’s favorite pastime would not exist if it was not for the baseball bat. All levels of the game use some type of bat in order to play. Baseball bats come in many sizes, shapes, and colors. Players take pride in customizing their bats to make them look stylish and feel more comfortable.
What Are Baseball Bats Used For?
Baseball bats are the main scoring instrument used in the sport of baseball. A baseball bat is a stick-shaped object used to hit the baseball. It is thicker at the top, also known as the barrel, and there is a knob at the bottom of the bat where players position their hands. A bat is used to both hit and bunt the ball while facing off against an opposing pitcher. On average, a major league player will order about 120 bats per season. While they might not use all of these bats, most players use a new bat after every 10 at bats. Outside of the game, baseball bats are frequently used for practices. Batting practice usually occurs before every game.
Things to Consider
When looking for a baseball bat, you'll want to consider the following:
- What length and weight of the bat do you need?
- What skill level of baseball are you playing?
- How much money do you have to spend on a baseball bat?
- Does your league have restrictions on bat types?
Types of Baseball Bats
Baseball bats vary depending on the level the game is being played at. The main types of baseball bats are wooden bats, aluminum or alloy bats, composite bats, and hybrid bats.
Wood Bats
Wooden baseball bats are simple in the sense that they are made out of one material. The most common types of wood chosen for baseball bats are ash, maple, bamboo, and birch. Wooden bats also have the most options in terms of customization.
Aluminum or Alloy Bats
Aluminum or alloy bats, also known as metal bats, are the oldest type of non-wooden bats. They have been around since the 1970s. Aluminum bats are most often used at the collegiate level.
Composite Bats
Composite bats are made out of a combination of lightweight materials. This is a great choice for younger baseball players because composite bats have larger sweet spots for hitting. These bats are easy to manipulate, allowing manufacturers to make advantageous adjustments.
Hybrid Bats
Hybrid bats take the best features from both aluminum and composite bats to create a balanced product. Most hybrid bats feature a composite handle with an aluminum barrel. This bat is perfect for those who prefer durability but still rely on a lightweight feel to their bat.
Fungo
Fungo bats are used for fielding practice only, as they are not allowed to be used in any league for in-game play. Coaches use fungos to simulate fly and ground balls during practice, often swinging them with one hand. Fungos have a different design than other types of bats, with a slimmer barrel, lower weight, and longer length in order to make them easier for coaches to hit. They are typically made of wood, but some are made of aluminum or composite materials.
What Are the Best Baseball Bats?
- Rawlings 2021 5150 BBCOR Baseball Bat Series
- Marucci Posey 28 USSSA
- Louisville Slugger 2021 SL Solo BBCOR/USSSA Baseball Bat
- Easton 2022 MAXUM ULTRA USSSA Baseball Bat
- Louisville Slugger 2020 Dynasty SPD USA Baseball Bat
- Louisville Slugger 2022 Select Pwr BBCOR Bat
- Louisville Slugger 2019 Select 719 USA Baseball Bat
- EASTON Project 3 Fuze
- Wilson Sporting Goods Louisville Slugger 2021 BBCOR Meta Baseball Bat
- DeMarini 2020 Voodoo One Balanced USSSA Baseball Bat
1. Rawlings 2021 5150 BBCOR Baseball Bat Series
Specifications:
- Price: $249.95
- Rating: 4.9/5
- Brand: Rawlings
3. Louisville Slugger 2021 SL Solo BBCOR/USSSA Baseball Bat
Specifications:
- Price: $299.95
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Brand: Louisville Slugger
4. Easton 2022 MAXUM ULTRA USSSA Baseball Bat
Specifications:
- Price: $299.95
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Brand: Easton
5. Louisville Slugger 2020 Dynasty SPD USA Baseball Bat
Specifications:
- Price: $109.95
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Brand: Louisville Slugger
6. Louisville Slugger 2022 Select Pwr BBCOR Bat
Specifications:
- Price: $399.95
- Rating: 5/5
- Brand: Louisville Slugger
7. Louisville Slugger 2019 Select 719 USA Baseball Bat
Specifications:
- Price: $229.95
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Brand: Louisville Slugger
9. Wilson Sporting Goods Louisville Slugger 2021 BBCOR Meta Baseball Bat
Specifications:
- Price: $499.95
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Brand: Wilson Sporting Goods
10. DeMarini 2020 Voodoo One Balanced USSSA Baseball Bat
Specifications:
- Price: $179.96
- Rating: 4.9/5
- Brand: DeMarini
FAQ
How do you know what size baseball bat to buy?
Buying a baseball bat is not hard, but there are two main figures that need to be measured. Most people can figure out what size bat they need by calculating their height and weight. Based on this, most manufacturers have charts on their website that will illustrate what size bat will fit best. Some baseball bats are classed by weight drop, which is the difference of bat length and bat weight. For example, if a bat is 33 inches long and weighs 30 ounces, the number would be -3. This can also be signified as DROP 3.
How much do baseball bats cost?
The price of baseball bats depends on what type of bat is being bought. Different brands have different prices for their bats, but wooden bats are often the cheapest. Most wooden bats do not cost more than $250. Aluminum, composite, and hybrid bats will generally cost more due to the amount of materials that are put into them. They all fall in a similar price range between $200 and $400.
What are the best kinds of baseball bats for kids?
The best kinds of baseball bats for kids are either plastic, composite, or hybrid bats. If a kid is just getting started with baseball, working on their swing mechanics with a plastic bat will go a long way. This will get them comfortable with swinging correctly without having to hold a lot of weight. For more advanced youth players, both composite and hybrid are great options. This is because these bats have the biggest sweet spots, allowing kids to get used to hitting the ball. These types of bats are also very lightweight, easing kids into the game of baseball.