About Wooden Bats

Wooden bats were the only way to hit for generations of baseball players, and even though most now use aluminum, wooden bats still are a good way develop your batting form. In order to get the most out of your wooden bat, you should be aware of the varieties and benefits of wood as well as how to take care of your bat.

Wood Types

Ash bats are the most common, cheapest and most easily broken wooden bat. Maple bats are sturdier and costlier. Bamboo bats are newer to the market and difficult to break.

Storage

Bats should be kept out of extreme temperatures to prevent warping and cracking. It is best to store them indoors--in a closet rather than a garage, for example.

Preventing Breaks

The trademark of a bat is placed at its weakest point (with a similarly weak point opposite it). If you bat with the trademark straight up or straight down, the ball will not hit the weak area of the grain.

Repairs

Repairs to cracked bats can be made by enlarging the crack slightly with a knife, inserting wood glue into the opening and clamping the bat down with a tool to close the crack while the glue dries.

Benefits of Wood

While an aluminum bat can allow you to get hits with mediocre technique, you have to be more precise when hitting with a wooden bat, selecting only good pitches and using level follow-throughs in your swings. Practicing with a wooden bat can therefore improve your form so that you are using only the best techniques when you hit with aluminum.

References

• Wood Bat Overview