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Step 1
Size up for a bat - meaning, see what bat size is recommended for someone of your height, weight and age. The bigger you are, basically the heavier bat you can use (within limits). As well, the taller you are, the longer the bat you can be expected to swing. The bats start at 24 inches in length and go through 34 inches. View the chart for the recommendations on height to length ratio.
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Step 2
Check out what weight bat you should be able to swing. The weight ranges from a 16 oz bat (1 pound) to a 32 oz bat and it is not just based on how strong you are. It is more based on your weight. If you have too heavy of a bat, you will find it unwieldy and hard to swing properly. On the other hand of you have a bat that is too light for your size, then the power of your hit might be uneffective.
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Step 3
Decide if you want to go with wood or aluminum. Typically, the aluminum bat is lighter and actually has a bit of a reverberation that bounces the ball a little differently than the hit with a wooden bat. However, there are a few other considerations. The aluminum bat is hollow and therefore most of its weight is closer to the handle, making it easier to swing while the wooden bat is solid with more of its weight being father away from the hands. So if you have a good swinger, then maybe the wooden bat will give a better performance. However, if you have a new player just learning to swing, then maybe the aluminum would be better to learn with.
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Step 4
Consider going beyond the basics if you are going to be spending a lot of time with the sport. There is money to be spent for bats with new technology. Bats are being made with a air lock - causing an extra spring at impact. Others have a carbon fiber core with ultra thin aluminum casing, or even a compromise - a wood composite with a resin middle and a plastic core. These are all fun options to consider.
