- Baseball Bat Glossary -

   
BAT TYPES
 
  • Tee-Ball Bats
    Tee-Ball bats are for ages approx 5 thru 7. They are generally used in tee-ball and coach pitch leagues. The bat barrel is 2 1/4 inch in diameter. Bat lengths range from 25 inch to 27 inch. Bat weight is measured in weight drop, which varies between brands and models. Heavier bats are around minus 7 weight drop, lighter bats are around minus 13.
  • Little League Bats
    Little League bats are for ages approx 7 thru 12. They are used in leagues including Little League, Babe Ruth, Dixie Youth, PONY, and AABC. The bat barrel is 2 1/4 inch in diameter. Bat lengths range from 28 inch to 32 inch. Bat weight is measured in weight drop, which varies between brands and models. Heavier bats are around minus 7 weight drop, lighter bats are around minus 13.
  • Senior League Bats
    Senior League bats are for ages approx 10 thru 13. They are used in certain travel and tournament leagues. The bat barrel is available in 2 5/8 inch (high school regulation), and 2 3/4 inch (Big Barrel). Bat lengths range from 28 inch to 32 inch. Bat weight is measured in weight drop, which varies between brands and models. Heavier bats are around minus 5 weight drop, lighter bats are around minus 11.
  • High School / College Bats
    High School / College bats are for ages approx 13 and up. They are used in most High School and College leagues. The bat barrel is 2 5/8 inch in diameter. Bat lengths range from 30 inch to 34 inch. Bat weight is measured in weight drop, which must be minus 3. Most leagues require an approved BESR stamp on the bat (Bat Exit Speed Rating).
 
Bat Year
Each year, usually starting in late spring, the new year's bats begin to be released. Similar to automobiles, the new year's models could consist of "new and improved" versions of last year's models, as well as totally new models. Also similar to automobiles, when the new models are released, many dealers drop prices on last year's inventory to make room for the new inventory. Some buyers are first in line when the new models come out, others go bargain hunting for a good deal on last year's model. If you are undecided whether to go with the "new and improved" version or last year's version, you should compare the features of each to help in your decision.
 
Weight Distribution
This is how the weight is distributed throughout the bat. Bats that feel like they are top heavy (barrel heavy) are End-Loaded, while bats that seem to have an even distribution throughout the bat are Balanced.
 
  • End-Loaded Bats are bats that seem top heavy (barrel heavy), with more of the weight towards the end of the barrel. This weight distrubution is created in bats a number of different ways, from material distribution during manufacturing, to having a metal rod in the bat during manufacture with a weighted nut or washer towards the end of the bat. End-loaded bats are most often used by power hitters. Hitters that are not strong enough to swing end-loaded bats have trouble controlling the bat through the zone, causing the bat head to drop, and resulting in mis-hits and even swinging strikeouts.
  • Balanced Bats are bats that have more evenly distributed weight throughout the entire bat. Balanced bats tend to be easier to control by hitters, and are typically used by line drive type hitters that do not have the strength to be power hitters, and by contact hitters who just put the ball in play. These bats are also good for bunting control.
 
Bat Construction
A new development in bat technology over the past few years has been the introduction of 2-Piece bats. These bats are designed with two separate pieces, and are joined together as the finished product. The joining process is usually between the Barrel and Handle. Most 2-Piece bats have Composite handles. Some have Aluminum barrels (Half & Half), and some have Composite barrels (All-Composite). The main objective of 2-Piece bats is for the bat to flex slightly during the swing, causing a whip-like effect. The theory (by proponents of this design), is that the whip effect causes extra distance when contact is made.
 
Bat Material
Baseball bats are typically made of various grades and quality of Aluminum. A new development in bat technology over the past few years has been the introduction of Composite bats. Some bats are a combination of the two (Half & Half), usually having Composite handles and Aluminum barrels. In most cases, a full composite bat is better than aluminum, but there are pros and cons to each. Composite bats, for example, require a longer break-in period, and also should not be used in cold weather.
Click here to read more information on Composite Baseball Bats.
 
Bat Flex Type
Another new development in bat technology over the past few years has been the introduction of Flex bats. These bats are typically 2-Piece bats, that are joined together between the handle and barrel. These bats flex slightly during the swing, causing a whip-like effect. The theory (by proponents of this design), is that the whip effect causes extra distance when contact is made.
 
Bat Handle Size
Most baseball bats have Standard size handles, typically around 31/32" for High School bats, and 29/32" for Little League bats.
 
Vibration Reduction
Most baseball bats have some level of Vibration Reduction to help reduce sting. They include features like extra padding on the grip, and special features in the design. Less reduction gives a batter more feel at contact. More reduction takes away some of the feel at contact, but also eliminates more of the sting.
 
Break-In Time
Break-In time for baseball bats usually depends on the material. Aluminum bats typically don't require much (or any) break-in time. Composite bats typically require between 100 to 200 hits to reach top performance. Click here for more information on breaking in Composite Baseball Bats.
 
PRICE
Price is based on original MSRP (Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price). The price you pay may vary depending on model, year, markdowns, etc.