The sports world is one filled with action, excitement, and more than a few hot dogs! But there is another aspect to the “fun” side of sports and sporting events, and it dates back to before the game became a massive spectator sport. The need for proper equipment. Though decades past have been filled with “make-shift” equipment such as sticks for baseball bats and rolled up pieces of cloth for a baseball, there came a time in the baseball world where a real bat was required.
Traditionally, Pennsylvania and New York ash trees are used to make baseball bats. Ash is the preferred wood to use since it is incredibly strong but flexible, and light in weight when the bat is completed. But not just any ash tree can be used. When manufacturers are choosing the appropriate ash tree, they will look for dense clusters of trees where they are protected from the elements. This means the trees are forced to grow straight up and towards the sun and will allow for an easier carving of the bat.
Non-traditionally (and a more common choice) is a big barrel composite bat. These particular baseball bats consist of a graphite and carbon material which are bonded together using resin. However, this blend has been banned from a select few leagues simply due to the fact they become warmer the more it’s used. Having noted that, a composite bat still offers improved performance due to its ability to increase the distance of the baseball being struck.
Next on the list of materials used is the Aluminum Big Barrel Bat. This is the one that gave wooden baseball bats a run for their money. This piece of equipment ensures a light swing that will drive the balls far into the outfield. The biggest advantage to choosing an aluminum bat is the “trampoline effect”, in other words, the light-weight material offers a slight curve around the ball when struck, and will the “trampoline” the ball forward. This then increases speed and distance and can make for quite a few home runs. Another upside to choosing an aluminum bat is it comes out already hot, or “broken in”, whereas a composite bat will need to be used for a few games before it reaches its full potential.
Last on the list of materials is alloy. This particular material is essentially aluminum mixed with a few other metals in order to create a slightly stronger product. Often, this is the bat material of choice simply because the mix of metals reduces the above mentioned trampoline effect. Though the effect is fantastic for the batter and their team, it’s more difficult to moderate once a player reaches a professional league.
Having said that, a great advantage to choosing an alloy bat (besides a moderated ‘trampoline effect’) is the durability they offer. They won’t retain heat in warmer climates, they need less if no time at all to “break in”, and are exponentially more durable than the aforementioned composite, aluminum or even ash bats. So, would like to find the best big barrel baseball bats?