The Benefits of Wood & Aluminum Baseball Bats

Baseball is The Great American Pastime and has always been a staple in the culture. Though love for the game has always been around, things have changed over the decades. Regulations have updated, equipment looks different, and uniforms change by the season. Over the years there has been much discussion about the equipment. Baseball bats, mitts and helmets have dozens of brands and features which make them unique. One famous debate has always been whether the aluminum bat or the wooden baseball bat achieves a better overall swing. Each bat has its own benefits and requires players to master those techniques specific to each baseball bat.

The Science Behind the Baseball Bat

Aluminum baseball bats are very different from wooden bats. Not simply because of the composition but the bats are also engineered differently. Back in the 1970s, the game was forever changed when aluminum bats were introduced. The design was basically a metal copy of the wooden baseball bat, though sometimes size and weight would vary. The intent behind this was to make the original equipment more durable, which would help to save money. Minimal damage is done to an aluminum bat overall and they never brake or splinter like their wood counterparts can. This seemed much more efficient and the logical choice. Shortly after the release of aluminum bats, people noticed there were many differences in performance. The weight is notably different which can affect a batter’s swing.

Aluminum Bat Technology

The statistical difference between aluminum bats is definitely worth noting. The bats are overall lighter than wooden bats and therefore swing faster to achieve a more powerful hit. Metal hits harder due to the “trampoline effect.” The hollow core allows any hit off an aluminum bat to be a powerful one. When batting with wood, the player has to connect with the “sweet spot” of the wood for maximum power. With aluminum, the ball is projected off any point of the barrel and almost has a “bounce effect” that propels it much further, no matter where it is hit.

Classic Wood Bat Benefits

Like the game itself, the classic wooden bat has become an American staple and is the required bat among the professionals. Wood bats have a specific “sweet spot” in the barrel that players strive to connect with each time. Getting the science down behind the swing and connection is part of the strategy of swinging with wood. Part of “feeling” the bat and getting to know the shape of it will help sharpen your form and make you a more technical player.

Wood is much denser than using metal baseball bats. When practicing with a wooden bat it helps to perfect your swing, the power behind it and the level of your bat as it follows-through. This is a great way for hitters to develop their own personal techniques and correctly feel out the form that they need. This will allow them to learn to aim the ball and direct it properly. Technique and connection are crucial when it comes to wood bats.

Wooden Baseball Bats Only in the Majors

Although it seems like aluminum bats or composite baseball bats may be a more beneficial choice, the only baseball bat allowed in the Major Leagues is wood. Metal baseball bats are not allowed, as they are said to compromise the integrity of the game. The projection from the metal core can alter the ball’s power, speed, and direction which can completely change the game. Since wooden bats teach the player to strategize their form and learn to aim for the bat’s sweet spot, this gives the player more control over where they want the ball to go. It also keeps statistics fair for all players.

It’s Still All About the Player

Although the baseball bat is a crucial instrument to the sport, the skill still relies on the batter. If you can train a player on a wooden bat, switching back and forth to an aluminum or composite baseball bat will be a simple change. However, if you plan to go for the pros one day, get accustomed to using wood. This will keep you versatile as well as understanding game regulations and skills. It will make you a well-rounded player and it is an important habit to shape at a young age. When players start younger, they can more easily learn form and strategy to play the game effectively.

Sources:

StarTribune 

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