How to Choose the Right Baseball Bat
When choosing the right baseball bat, there are a number of factors that must be taken into consideration. These factors include the age, size, and strength of the batter as well as the level of play, league rules, cost, and comfort. Player preference usually leans towards the lighter aluminum / composite baseball bats because of the durability, weight, and comfort. Most levels of baseball, from little league through major league, have different regulations on bat weights, sizes, and materials that are allowed. For example, high school baseball bats are limited to a negative 3 oz weight to length ratio, and 2 5/8" maximum barrel diameter. Pro players can only use wooden bats. Restrictions prevent a strong player with a very light bat from hitting a ball at a dangerous velocity and injuring a player in the field.
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Things You'll Need
- League bat requirements
- Length and weight of bats
- A place to test swing the bat
- Formula for length to weight ratio for bats
- Player height or age if a child
- Money, possibly several hundred dollars
Instructions
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1
Find out the bat requirements for your league including the length to weight ratio limit. This ratio is a negative number that compares a bat’s weight to its length. For example, a 52-inch tall player would look at bats that weigh 17 ounces and that are between 26 and 28 inches long depending on height. If the player chose a 17-ounce bat that was 28 inches long, the length to weight ratio would be negative 11. Only little league players can have bats with ratios this high. Only look at bats within your allowed ratio.
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Find a sporting goods store that has an excellent selection of popular bats within your league's limits. You can ask friends or coaches for suggestions, check the yellow pages, or search on the internet.
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3
Swing the bat several times. If the player is able to control the swing, while maintaining a batting position, then the bat is probably the right size. Remember to verify the bat’s compliance with your league rules. Swinging the bat can be difficult for a child, especially if the bat is too long or too heavy. Therefore, if the bat is for a child, you need to determine the length of bat to purchase. You do this by measuring the distance from the child’s grip, to a point on the ground approximately 16 inches from the child’s toes. An internet link for suggested weights and lengths for players of all ages is provided at the end of this article.
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Grip several bats to find the one that has the most comfortable grip for you to hold and swing. Practice swinging the bat several times to make sure the grip is comfortable to hold while swinging. You need to try several because bats have different grip widths to accommodate different size hands.
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Consider how much you are willing to spend before visiting the store. Only look at bats within your budget or you may be tempted to over spend.
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Tips & Warnings
The faster you can swing the bat, the further the ball will go.
The lighter a bat is the faster the swing.
If you struggle to swing the bat, it may be too heavy for you.
Comfort is an important factor in any piece of sports equipment.
If a friend owns a bat that you are considering, borrow it for a few days if possible to be sure.
Do not choose a bat that is too heavy for you.
Do not purchase a bat before you know your league rules.
Resources
- Photo Credit Photos by Julia Fuller 2008 Thanks Ty & Shea
