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What are the Different Types of Baseball Bats?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

At one time, baseball bats were all manufactured out of some type of hard wood, but this is no longer the case. Today, there are actually several different types of baseball bats in common use. Which ones are used most often depends on official specifications that govern the equipment that is considered the standard for all teams associated with a given league and the divisions that make up the league. This means that different bats will be in common use in a minor or amateur league that would not be allowed in a major league game.

In spite of the proliferation of differences in the bats used today, the old fashioned wooden baseball bat still tends to be the most common of all types. At one time, hickory bats were the most common variety. While providing a great deal of durability, hickory is also among the heaviest woods used to make bats.

All bats at the major league level are made of wood.
All bats at the major league level are made of wood.

Currently, white ash is often the wood of choice for most baseball bats, since the wood is sturdy and resists cracking under pressure. White ash also produces a bat that is light enough to allow the batter to achieve a swing of adequate speed and force, but not so light that it makes hitting a baseball out of the park an easy task. Along with white ash bats, maple is also a popular option, although this wood tends to cost a little more.

Modern baseball bats are often made of aluminum.
Modern baseball bats are often made of aluminum.

The aluminum baseball bat is of more recent vintage than wooden bats. First produced in the 1970s, aluminum quickly gained supporters, mainly due to the fact that these baseball bats are lightweight but also extremely durable. In the early years, it soon became apparent that the aluminum bat made it very easy to hit the ball great distances. The major leagues discontinued their use, mainly in order to prevent rendering previous records set with the heavier wooden bats irrelevant. Some amateur and minor leagues allow the metal bats, however, although the usage is not universal by any means.

Baseball bats that are used in amateur leagues may not necessarily be allowed in major league games.
Baseball bats that are used in amateur leagues may not necessarily be allowed in major league games.

Other designs for baseball bats have appeared over the years. The so-called Baum Bat of the early 1990s attempted to create a transition bat that would help a minor league player who is picked for a major league team to make the transition from lighter bats to a heavier wooden model. A few companies have produced and attempted to market a bat made from billets of bamboo. Ones composed of various of hardwoods continue to be the types of baseball bats favored by the majority of players across the board, however.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including Sports&Hobbies, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including Sports&Hobbies, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Drentel

Sporkasia - I prefer the sound of wood bat, too, but aluminum does serve a purpose. Wood bats break, and they aren't cheap. Major League teams can afford to buy all the bats they need, but the expense is harder on college teams and youth teams. If it were not for metal bats, many of the small youth leagues would not exist.

Sporkasia

I prefer the sound of a wood bat connecting with a baseball over the ping sound of the aluminum bat. I think everyone should use wood bats. It bothers me when I see all the metal kids baseball bats in the stores. Bring back the wood.

Animandel
@Drentel: Can you imagine what Major League hitters would be able to do with aluminum bats? I bet Barry Bonds would have hit a thousand home runs.

I sometimes watch college games, and all the bats are aluminum or some type of metal and there is a big difference between those bats and professional baseball bats. In a college game, a normal routine pop out can end up over the fence.

Drentel

I was surprised to read that aluminum baseball bats were once used in the Major Leagues. I guess I wasn't watching closely during the early 70s.

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    • All bats at the major league level are made of wood.
      By: Actionpics
      All bats at the major league level are made of wood.
    • Modern baseball bats are often made of aluminum.
      By: LE Media
      Modern baseball bats are often made of aluminum.
    • Baseball bats that are used in amateur leagues may not necessarily be allowed in major league games.
      By: llandrea
      Baseball bats that are used in amateur leagues may not necessarily be allowed in major league games.
    • Companies make smaller bat sizes for Little Leaguers.
      By: Actionpics
      Companies make smaller bat sizes for Little Leaguers.