119.00105.00
In stock
Baseball/Softball Bats
46.95
In stock
225.00
In stock
365.00
In stock
160.95
In stock
89.95
In stock
189.00
In stock
103.50
In stock
160.95
In stock
Baseball Bats / Softball Bats
History
In the early days of baseball, the size and shape of bats were not standardized. As the game developed, it became clear that a round bat worked best. Around the 1900s, a rule was established that a bat should not exceed 2.5 inches in diameter, though its length was not regulated at the time. Later, another rule was introduced, restricting the length of bats to no more than 42 inches. Initially, baseball bats were made exclusively from wood, but in 1924, William Shroyer created the first metal baseball bat. However, metal bats were not used in games until 1970 when Worth introduced the first aluminum baseball bat.
User Moments
In a game of baseball or softball, the batter uses a bat to hit the ball as far as possible, aiming for a home run. The key to hitting a successful home run is to strike the ball with the sweet spot of the bat. The sweet spot is the area of the bat where the ball absorbs the maximum forward momentum, allowing it to rebound with greater velocity. Batters typically wear batting gloves to ensure a firm grip on the bat before swinging.
Materials
Baseball and softball bats are made from different materials, including wood, aluminum, composite, and hybrid constructions. The most common types of wood used are maple, hickory, ash, birch, and bamboo. For various leagues, specific materials are required. For example, Major League Baseball (MLB) uses wooden bats, while lower-level leagues such as college baseball or Little League use aluminum bats.
In addition to these materials, there are also foam bats, mini bats, and baseball bat displays available.
Age/Gender Considerations
When choosing the right bat, age and size (height and weight) are important factors, not gender. While the size of the bat is primarily determined by the player's physical characteristics, the main difference in bats for males and females is the design and color scheme.
Certification
A baseball or softball bat must meet certain certification standards for the league in which it is used. Common certifications include:
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ASA
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NSA
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USSSA
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SSUSA
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ISA
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BBCOR
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ISF
In Europe, the USA and BBCOR certifications are the most widely recognized.
Construction
Bats come in different constructions:
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One-piece bats are made from a single piece of composite or alloy material. These bats are favored by power hitters, as they provide less flex upon contact, resulting in more direct energy transfer.
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Two-piece bats are made up of two separate pieces joined together. These may feature a composite or alloy barrel combined with a composite handle, forming a hybrid bat. The two-piece design allows for more flex and is often preferred by players who prioritize bat speed and comfort.
The swing weight is an important factor you might not see but will definitely feel. There are two main types of swing weights:
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Balanced bats: These provide an even distribution of weight, making them easier to control and resulting in better swing speed.
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End-loaded bats: These have more weight at the end of the barrel, which helps generate greater power in your swing.
Softball Bats
In softball, there are two types of play: slowpitch and fastpitch. The bats for both types are the same size and shape. However, the main differences lie in the pitch itself:
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Fastpitch: The ball is thrown with an upward angle, and the bat is lighter to allow the batter to react more quickly.
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Slowpitch: The ball is thrown with a distinct windmill motion and at a lower trajectory, allowing for a heavier bat to be used for more control and power.
Training Equipment for Bats
We offer various pieces of training equipment designed to improve your swing:
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Bat weights: These can be added to the end of the bat to help build swing speed and strength.
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Heavy sticks: Similar to bat weights, these are used to increase swing power by adding extra resistance during training.
Award-Winning Bats
Every year, Bat Digest rates and awards baseball and softball bats based on several factors, including barrel pop, player feedback, industry demand, size relevance, and technical specifications. There are 8 main categories of awards, with the Diamond Award being the most prestigious, followed by:
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Platinum Award
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Gold Award
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Best High School Bat
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Best Youth Bat
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Best Innovative Bat
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Best Wooden Bat
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Best Rookie Bat
Brands