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URLhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat
Last Crawled2026-04-01 16:25:03 (12 days ago)
First Indexed2014-08-08 08:00:13 (11 years ago)
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Meta TitleBaseball bat - Wikipedia
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Four historically significant baseball bats showcased in the National Baseball Hall of Fame 's traveling exhibit "Baseball As America". From left to right: bat used by Babe Ruth to hit his 60th home run during the 1927 season, bat used by Roger Maris to hit his 61st home run during the 1961 season, bat used by Mark McGwire to hit his 70th home run during the 1998 season, and the bat used by Sammy Sosa for his 66th home run during the same season. A baseball bat is a smooth wooden or metal club used in the sport of baseball to hit the ball after it is thrown by the pitcher . By regulation it may be no more than 2.61 inches (6.6 cm) in diameter at the thickest part and no more than 42 inches (1.067 m) in length. [ 1 ] Although historically bats approaching 3 pounds (1.4 kg) or 48 oz were used, [ 2 ] [ 3 ] modern bats of 33 ounces (0.94 kg) are common, topping out at 34 to 36 ounces (0.96 to 1.02 kg). [ 2 ] A baseball bat is divided into several regions. The "barrel" is the thick part of the bat, where it is meant to hit the ball. The part of the barrel best for hitting the ball, according to construction and swinging style, is often called the " sweet spot ." The end of the barrel is called the "top", "end", or "cap" of the bat. Opposite the cap, the barrel narrows until it meets the "handle", which is comparatively thin, so that batters can comfortably grip the bat in their hands. Sometimes, especially on metal bats, the handle is wrapped with a rubber or tape "grip". Finally, below the handle is the "knob" of the bat, a wider piece that keeps the bat from slipping from a batter's hands. The "bat drop" of a bat is its weight, in ounces, minus its length, in inches. For example, a 30-ounce, 33-inch-long bat has a bat drop of minus 3 (30 − 33 = −3). Larger bat drops help to increase swing speed, due to less mass per unit length; smaller drops create more power, due to greater momentum to transfer to the ball. [ 4 ] The bat's form has become more refined over time. In the mid-19th century, baseball batters were known to shape or whittle their own bats by hand, which resulted in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and weights. For example, there were flat bats, round bats, short bats, and fat bats. Earlier bats were known to be much heavier and larger than modern regulated ones. During the 19th century, many experimental shapes and handle designs were tried. Modern bats are much more uniform in design. [ citation needed ] On June 17, 1890, Emile Kinst received U.S. patent 430,388 the ball-bat, or banana bat. The bat is shaped with a curve, hence the name banana bat. The creator of the bat, Kinst wrote: "The object of my invention is to provide a ball-bat which shall produce a rotary or spinning motion of the ball in its flight to a higher degree than is possible with any present known form of ball-bat, and thus to make it more difficult to catch the ball, or if caught, to hold it, and thus further to modify the conditions of the game". The mushroom bat, made in 1906 by Spalding . With baseball bats being larger in the 1900s the Spalding company designed a larger bat with a mushroom-shaped knob on the handle. This enabled the batter to get a better distribution of weight over the entire length of the bat. The Wright & Ditson Lajoie baseball bat. This bat had a normal size barrel but had two knobs on the handle. The lower knob was at the bottom of the handle and the other knob, also called the shoulder, was three inches above the lower knob. This was designed to have better spacing between the hands due to the shoulder being in the middle of the grip. This also gave batters an advantage when they choked up on the bat, because the second knob provided a better grip. [ citation needed ] In 1990, Bruce Leinert came up with the idea of putting an axe handle on a baseball bat. He filed a patent application for the "Axe Bat" in 2007 and the bat started being used in the college and pro ranks over the following years. In 2012, the Marietta College Pioneers baseball team won the NCAA Division III World Series using axe-handled bats. [ 5 ] Several Major League Baseball players have adopted the bat handle including Mookie Betts , Dustin Pedroia , George Springer , Kurt Suzuki and Dansby Swanson . [ 6 ] [ 7 ] In 2025, the New York Yankees popularized a "torpedo bat" design, which was made to increase contact hitting . The widest diameter of the bat is lower down than on standard bats, making the bat look more like a bowling pin . The bat quickly generated media coverage as the Yankees hit a franchise record nine home runs in their second game, the first three home runs being hit on the first three pitches. MLB stated the new design was legal as it did not exceed the maximum allowed diameter of 2.61 inches (6.6 cm) nor technically go against anything stated in the rules. The "torpedo bat" was designed by Aaron Leanhardt, a field coordinator with the Miami Marlins . [ 8 ] Leanhardt has a Ph.D. in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology . [ 8 ] Patent No. 430,388 (June 17, 1890) awarded to Emile Kinst for an "improved ball-bat" Heinie Groh and his signature "bottle bat" Diagram of a 'Torpedo bat'. The maximum diameter and the length of a torpedo bat are equal to the dimensions of a standard bat Materials and manufacture [ edit ] Baseball bats are made of either hardwood or a metal alloy (typically aluminum). Most wooden bats are made from ash ; other woods include maple , hickory , and bamboo . Hickory has fallen into disfavor over its greater weight, which slows down bat speed, while maple bats gained popularity following the introduction of the first MLB-sanctioned model in 1997. [ 9 ] The first player to use one was Joe Carter of the Toronto Blue Jays . [ 10 ] Barry Bonds used maple bats the seasons he broke baseball's single-season home run record in 2001, and the career home run record in 2007. [ 10 ] In 2010, the increased tendency of maple bats to shatter caused Major League Baseball to examine their use, banning some models in minor league play. [ 11 ] [ 12 ] Manufacturers position each bat's label over the mechanically weaker side of the wood. [ 13 ] To reduce chance of fracture, [ 13 ] and maybe deliver more energy to the ball, [ 14 ] a bat is intended to be held so the label faces sky or ground when it strikes the ball during a horizontal swing. [ 13 ] In this orientation, the bat is considered stiffer and less likely to break. [ 15 ] Different types of wood will fracture differently. [ 16 ] For bats made of ash , labels will generally be where the grain spacing is widest. For maple bats they will usually be positioned where grain is tightest. [ citation needed ] Maple bats in particular were once known (circa 2008) to potentially shatter in a way that resulted in many sharp edges, sometimes creating more dangerous projectiles when breaking. [ 13 ] [ 17 ] Maple bat manufacture evolved significantly, in cooperation with Major League Baseball , paying special attention to grain slope, and including an ink spot test to confirm safest wood grain orientation. [ 15 ] Based on consistent anecdotal reports of sales at sporting goods stores, and because of the Emerald ash borer epidemic, maple appears to be displacing ash as most popular new baseball bat material in the United States. Next and rising in popularity is bamboo , which has more isotropic fine grain, great strength, and less weight for a bat of any given size. [ citation needed ] Within league standards there is ample latitude for individual variation, many batters settling on their own bat profile, or one used by a successful batter. Formerly, bats were hand-turned from a template with precise calibration points but more recently they are machine-turned to a fixed metal template. Historically significant templates may be kept in a bat manufacturers' vault; for example, Babe Ruth 's template, which became popular among major-league players, is  R43 in the Louisville Slugger archives. [ 18 ] Ruth favored a thinner handle than was the norm in the 1920s, and his success caused most to follow. [ 18 ] Ruth used an unusually large bat, which he reduced in size incrementally during his career. In 1920 he was using a 40-inch, 54-ounce bat, made of ash, with a slender handle. [ 19 ] In 1928 he wrote, "A few seasons ago I used a 54 ounce bat, long and with the weight well at the end. Now I'm using a 46 ounce club--and each season when I have a new set of bats made, I have an addition ounce taken off." [ 20 ] Once the basic bat has been turned, it has the manufacturer's name, the serial number, and often the signature of the player endorsing it branded into it opposite the wood's best side. Honus Wagner was the first player to endorse and sign a bat. Next, most bats are given a rounded head, but some 30% [ citation needed ] of players prefer a "cup-balanced" head, in which a cup-shaped recess is made in the head, introduced to the major leagues in the early 1970s by José Cardenal ; [ 18 ] this lightens the bat and moves its center of gravity toward the handle. Finally, the bat is stained in one of several standard colors, including natural, red, black, and two-tone blue and white. [ citation needed ] Environmental threat to ash wood [ edit ] The emerald ash borer , an exotic beetle imported accidentally from Asia, has killed more than 50 million white ash trees in the eastern United States and in 2017 threatened groves in New York 's Adirondack Mountains that are used to make baseball bats. [ 21 ] In the American major leagues , Rule 1.10(a) states: [ 22 ] The bat shall be a smooth, round stick not more than 2.61 inches in diameter at the thickest part and not more than 42 inches in length. The bat shall be one piece of solid wood. Bats are not allowed to be hollowed or corked —that is, filled with an alien substance such as cork which reduces the weight. This corking is thought to increase bat speed without greatly reducing hitting power, though this idea was challenged as unlikely on the Discovery Channel series MythBusters . [ 23 ] Both wooden and metal alloy (generally aluminum) bats are generally permitted in amateur baseball. Metal alloy bats are generally regarded as being capable of hitting a ball faster and farther with the same power. However, increasing numbers of "wooden bat leagues" have emerged in recent years, reflecting a trend back to wood over safety concerns [ clarification needed ] and, in the case of collegiate summer baseball wood-bat leagues, to better prepare players for the professional leagues that require wood bats. Metal alloy bats can send a ball towards an unprotected pitcher's head up to 60 ft 6 in (18.44 m) away at a velocity far too high for the pitcher to get out of the way in time. Some amateur baseball organizations enforce bat manufacturing and testing standards which attempt to limit maximum ball speed for wood and non-wood bats. [ 24 ] [ 25 ] [ 26 ] In high school baseball in the United States: The bat is not permitted to be more than 2 + 5 ⁄ 8 inches (67 mm) in diameter in proximity to width and length. Its "drop" (inches of length minus ounces of weight) must be no more than 3: for example, a 34-inch (863.6‑mm) bat must weigh at least 31 ounces (880 g). [ 27 ] The bat may consist of any safe solid uniform material; the National Federation of State High School Associations rules state only "wood or non-wood" material. To be legally used in a game, an aluminum bat has to be a BBCOR (Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution) bat because it has been determined that a pitcher loses the ability to protect himself when this ratio is exceeded. [ citation needed ] In some 12-year-old-and-under youth leagues (such as Little League baseball), the bat may not be more than 2 + 1 ⁄ 4 inches (57 mm) in diameter. [ 28 ] However, in many other leagues (like PONY League Baseball , and Cal Ripken League Baseball), the bat may not be more than 2 + 3 ⁄ 4 inches (70 mm) in diameter. [ 29 ] There are limitations to how much and where a baseball player may apply pine tar to a baseball bat. According to Rule 1.10(c) of the Major League Baseball Rulebook, it is not allowed more than 18 inches up from the bottom handle. An infamous example of the rule in execution is the Pine Tar Incident on July 24, 1983. Rules 1.10 and 6.06 were later changed to reflect the intent of Major League Baseball, as exemplified by the league president's ruling. Rule 1.10 now only requires that the bat be removed from the game if discovered after being used in a game; it no longer necessitates any change to the results of any play which may have taken place. [ citation needed ] Rule 6.06 refers only to bats that are "altered or tampered with in such a way to improve the distance factor or cause an unusual reaction on the baseball. This includes, bats that are filled, flat-surfaced, nailed, hollowed, grooved or covered with a substance such as paraffin, wax, etc." It no longer makes any mention of an "illegally batted ball". In 2001, MLB approved the use of Gorilla Gold Grip Enhancer in major and minor league games as an alternative to pine tar. [ 30 ] [ 31 ] Care and maintenance [ edit ] A Tony Gwynn game-used and autographed baseball bat Players can be very particular about their bats. Ted Williams cleaned his bats with alcohol every night and periodically took them to the post office to weigh them. "Bats pick up condensation and dirt lying around on the ground," he wrote, "They can gain an ounce or more in a surprisingly short time." Ichiro Suzuki also took great care that his bats did not accumulate moisture and thus gain weight: he stored his bats in humidors, one in the club house and another, a portable one, for the road. Rod Carew fought moisture by storing his bats in a box full of sawdust in the warmest part of his house. "The sawdust acts as a buffer between the bats and the environment," he explained, "absorbing any moisture before it can seep into the wood." [ 32 ] Many players " bone " their bats, meaning that before games, they rub their bats repeatedly with a hard object, believing this closes the pores on the wood and hardens the bat. Animal bones are a popular boning material, but rolling pins, soda bottles and the edge of a porcelain sink have also been used. Pete Rose had his own way of hardening his bats: he soaked them in a tub of motor oil in his basement then hung them up to dry. [ 32 ] Hiroshi Narahara holding a fungo bat A fungo bat is a specially designed bat used by baseball and softball coaches in practice. It is a light bat swung by a coach, used to hit balls to players who are practice fielding these hits. The etymology of the word fungo ( ) is uncertain, but the Oxford English Dictionary suggests it is derived from the Scots fung : "to pitch, toss, or fling". [ 33 ] Fungo bats are longer and lighter than regulation bats, with a smaller diameter. Typical fungo bats are 34 to 37 inches (86 to 94 cm) long and weigh 17 to 24 ounces (480 to 680 g). Longer bats are preferred for outfield practice and shorter bats for infield practice. [ 34 ] The reduced weight allows a coach to hit many balls without tiring. It also lets them swing the bat one-handed, as they often throw the "pitches" to themselves with their free hand. [ 35 ] [ 36 ] Baseball bats are sometimes used as weapons by civilians, [ 37 ] criminals, protesters, [ 38 ] and mobsters. [ 39 ] Baseball bats are effective weapons because they are inexpensive compared to other weapons, and, unlike many other weapons, they can be carried without raising suspicion or violating laws, due to their primary purpose as sports equipment. [ 40 ] [ 41 ] Baseball bats have also been used as weapons in various forms of entertainment. As a professional wrestler , Mick Foley sometimes brandished a baseball bat wrapped in barbed wire, which he named "Barbie". Other pro wrestlers have used baseball bats as weapons, and wrestling video games sometimes include bats as special weapons. [ 42 ] [ 43 ] Bats are common weapons in fiction as well. Negan , a character on the TV show The Walking Dead carried a barbed wire-wrapped baseball bat named "Lucille", which Jeffrey Dean Morgan has compared to Mick Foley's "Barbie". [ 44 ] Harley Quinn , as a member of the Suicide Squad , carries a baseball bat. [ 45 ] Baseball doughnut Composite baseball bat Cricket bat List of baseball bat manufacturers Pink bat Softball bat ^ "MLB Bat rules and Reg" . LaCasse Bats . Retrieved 2024-08-02 . ^ a b Jenn Zambri. "Size Matters: Top 10 "Biggest" In MLB History" . Bleacher Report . Retrieved 13 September 2015 . ^ Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide for ... Americna Sports Pub. 1919. ^ "What does bat drop mean?" . Louisville Slugger . Retrieved 16 December 2025 . ^ Beckham, Jeff (August 18, 2014). "Baseball bat with an axe handle brings more power, fewer injuries" . Wired.com . Retrieved July 31, 2018 . ^ McAuley, Grant (May 19, 2018). "Axe handle bat new weapon of choice for Braves' Swanson" . The Game 92.9 . Retrieved July 31, 2018 . ^ Passan, Jeff (June 23, 2015). "Why the Axe Bat, Dustin Pedroia may help make the round handle obsolete" . Yahoo Sports . Retrieved July 31, 2018 . ^ a b "Marlins Coach Aaron Leanhardt, Architect of Yankees' Torpedo Bats, Swarmed By Media" . Fastball On SI . 2025-03-31 . Retrieved 2025-04-01 . ^ Patterson, Brittany. "Baseball Bats Threatened by Invasive Beetle" . Scientific American . Retrieved 21 November 2017 . ^ a b Canadian Sports Magazine , Vol. 2, No. 3, August 2008, p. 8, (Publication Mail Agreement #40993003, Oakville, ON) ^ "The Well Is Effectively Dead" . NPR.org . 20 September 2010 . Retrieved 13 September 2015 . ^ "MLB Tightens Rules Around Use of Maple Bats" . Associated Press . 2 March 2010. Archived from the original on 11 March 2026 . Retrieved 11 March 2026 – via Sportsnet . ^ a b c d "Wood science and how it relates to wooden baseball bats" . woodbat.org . Archived from the original on 5 July 2021 . Retrieved 13 September 2015 . ^ "Wood bats - on which "side" should the ball's impact be?" . baseball-fever.com . 17 February 2005 . Retrieved 14 July 2017 . ^ a b "Safety tests for maple bats mandated" . Major League Baseball . Archived from the original on 30 July 2014 . Retrieved 14 July 2017 . ^ "Hitting with Wood" . woodbat.blogspot.com . 3 March 2009 . Retrieved 14 July 2017 . ^ "Maple, Ash Baseball Bats May Strike Out" . NPR.org . 4 July 2008 . Retrieved 13 September 2015 . ^ a b c "Babe Ruth changed design of bats to thinner handle" . Spokesman-Review . Spokane, Washington. Associated Press. March 11, 1979. p. C5. ^ "Playing The Game, My Early Years in Baseball." Babe Ruth, 1920, United News, syndicated in numerous newspapers including the Atlanta Constitution. Republished 2011 Dover Publications, Mineola, NY. p. 29 in this book. ^ "Babe Ruth's Own Book Of Baseball," George Herman Ruth, 1928, G.P. Putnam's Sons, NY. p. 171. ^ Mann, Brian. "A Beetle May Soon Strike Out Baseball's Famous Ash Bats" . NPR.org . NPR . Retrieved 21 November 2017 . ^ "Official Baseball Rules" (PDF) . Major League Baseball . Retrieved 2012-05-07 . ^ Mythbusters , season 5 (Corked Bat) ^ "National Collegiate Athletic Association Standard for Testing Baseball Bat Performance" (PDF) . acs.psu.edu . October 30, 2006 . Retrieved July 14, 2017 . ^ "Bat-testing regulations modified" Archived 10 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine ^ "Baseball Rules Committee Focuses on Clarification of Bat Standards and Sportsmanship During Pre-Game Practice" Archived 24 May 2008 at the Wayback Machine ^ NCHSAA Baseball Archived July 6, 2010, at the Wayback Machine ^ 2007 Regulation & Rule Changes Archived September 26, 2008, at the Wayback Machine ^ "2017 Rules and Regulations for PONY Baseball" (PDF) . bsbproduction.s3.amazonaws.com . Retrieved July 14, 2017 . [ permanent dead link ] ^ Heiss Grodin, Dana (March 7, 2001). "Equipment and product guide" . USA Today . Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. ^ Lee, Sandra L. (December 27, 2001). "For now, the mansion stands" . Lewiston Morning Tribune . p. 1A . Retrieved November 7, 2012 . ^ a b Baseball Explained by Phillip Mahony, McFarland Books, 2014. See www.baseballexplained.com Archived 2014-08-13 at the Wayback Machine ^ Oxford English Dictionary entry for "Fungo", http://www.oed.com/ ^ "Everything You Need To Know About Fungo Bats" . JustBats . Retrieved 4 September 2025 . ^ "Fungo Bats Resource Hub" . Phoenix Bats . Retrieved 4 September 2025 . ^ "Fungo bats" . baseballrampage.com. Archived from the original on April 15, 2017 . Retrieved July 14, 2017 . ^ Loyd, Linda (Sep 24, 1992). "Baseball Bats moving from recreation to 'instruments of crime' in U.S. Cities" . Baltimore Sun . Retrieved December 23, 2023 . ^ Palmer, Brian (Aug 10, 2011). "Why Are They Using Baseball Bats Instead of Cricket Bats in the U.K. Riots?" . Slate . Retrieved December 23, 2023 . ^ "The Most Common Weapons of the Mafia" . National Crime Syndicate . 23 November 2020. Archived from the original on December 24, 2023 . Retrieved December 23, 2023 . ^ Bryant, D.D. 3rd; Greenfield, R. 3rd; Martin, E. (November 1992). "Musculoskeletal trauma: the baseball bat" . Journal of the National Medical Association . 84 (11): 957– 60. PMC   2571736 . PMID   1460683 . ^ Lightbody, C. J.; MacIver, C. (February 24, 2007). "The baseball bat: a modern day cudgel" . Emergency Medicine Journal . 24 (2): 112. doi : 10.1136/emj.2006.042929 . PMC   2658185 . PMID   17251617 . ^ Ostler, Scott. "Bugs, barbed wire, baseball bats: Life of a Bay Area pro wrestling legend" . San Francisco Chronicle . Retrieved 4 September 2025 . ^ Middler, Jordan (15 May 2024). "WWE 2K24 ECW update adds barbed wire baseball bat and more hidden weapons" . VGC . Retrieved 4 September 2025 . ^ McGeorge, Alistair (8 June 2021). "The Walking Dead: Jeffrey Dean Morgan teases WWE legend Mick Foley's influence" . Metro . Retrieved 4 September 2025 . ^ Fraley, Jason (5 August 2016). "Review: Harley Quinn's star is born amid sloppy 'Suicide Squad' " . WTOP News . Retrieved 4 September 2025 . Physics and Acoustics of Baseball and Softball Bats —How baseball bats work, how bat performance is measured, differences between wood, metal, and composite bats Woodturning Online —Making a Baseball Bat "Maple, Ash Baseball Bats May Strike Out" . Talk of the Nation . National Public Radio , July 4, 2008.
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[Jump to content](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#bodyContent) Main menu Main menu move to sidebar hide Navigation - [Main page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page "Visit the main page [z]") - [Contents](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contents "Guides to browsing Wikipedia") - [Current events](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Current_events "Articles related to current events") - [Random article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random "Visit a randomly selected article [x]") - [About Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:About "Learn about Wikipedia and how it works") - [Contact us](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contact_us "How to contact Wikipedia") Contribute - [Help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents "Guidance on how to use and edit Wikipedia") - [Learn to edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Introduction "Learn how to edit Wikipedia") - [Community portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Community_portal "The hub for editors") - [Recent changes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:RecentChanges "A list of recent changes to Wikipedia [r]") - [Upload file](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:File_upload_wizard "Add images or other media for use on Wikipedia") - [Special pages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:SpecialPages "A list of all special pages [q]") [![](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/images/icons/enwiki-25.svg) ![Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/images/mobile/copyright/wikipedia-wordmark-en-25.svg) ![The Free Encyclopedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/images/mobile/copyright/wikipedia-tagline-en-25.svg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page) [Search](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search "Search Wikipedia [f]") Appearance - [Donate](https://donate.wikimedia.org/?wmf_source=donate&wmf_medium=sidebar&wmf_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&uselang=en) - [Create account](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:CreateAccount&returnto=Baseball+bat "You are encouraged to create an account and log in; however, it is not mandatory") - [Log in](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=Baseball+bat "You're encouraged to log in; however, it's not mandatory. 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[o]") ## Contents move to sidebar hide - [(Top)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat) - [1 Design](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#Design) - [2 History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#History) Toggle History subsection - [2\.1 Innovations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#Innovations) - [3 Materials and manufacture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#Materials_and_manufacture) Toggle Materials and manufacture subsection - [3\.1 Environmental threat to ash wood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#Environmental_threat_to_ash_wood) - [4 Regulations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#Regulations) - [5 Care and maintenance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#Care_and_maintenance) - [6 Fungo bat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#Fungo_bat) - [7 As a weapon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#As_a_weapon) - [8 See also](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#See_also) - [9 References](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#References) - [10 External links](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#External_links) Toggle the table of contents # Baseball bat 33 languages - [العربية](https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%B9%D8%B5%D8%A7_%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%A9_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%A9 "عصا كرة القاعدة – Arabic") - [Català](https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bat_de_beisbol "Bat de beisbol – Catalan") - [Dansk](https://da.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bat "Bat – Danish") - [Deutsch](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseballschl%C3%A4ger "Baseballschläger – German") - [Esperanto](https://eo.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basbalbatilo "Basbalbatilo – Esperanto") - [Español](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bate "Bate – Spanish") - [Eesti](https://et.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pesapallikurikas "Pesapallikurikas – Estonian") - [Euskara](https://eu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bate "Bate – Basque") - [فارسی](https://fa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%DA%86%D9%88%D8%A8_%D8%A8%DB%8C%D8%B3%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84 "چوب بیسبال – Persian") - [Suomi](https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseballmaila "Baseballmaila – Finnish") - [Français](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batte_de_baseball "Batte de baseball – French") - [Frysk](https://fy.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honkbalkneppel "Honkbalkneppel – Western Frisian") - [客家語 / Hak-kâ-ngî](https://hak.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat-t%C3%A1 "Pat-tá – Hakka Chinese") - [Hrvatski](https://hr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bejzbolska_palica "Bejzbolska palica – Croatian") - [Bahasa Indonesia](https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pemukul_bisbol "Pemukul bisbol – Indonesian") - [Italiano](https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazza_da_baseball "Mazza da baseball – Italian") - [日本語](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%90%E3%83%83%E3%83%88_\(%E9%87%8E%E7%90%83\) "バット (野球) – Japanese") - [한국어](https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EC%95%BC%EA%B5%AC_%EB%B0%A9%EB%A7%9D%EC%9D%B4 "야구 방망이 – Korean") - [Эрзянь](https://myv.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%BA%D0%B0 "Бурбалка – Erzya") - [Nederlands](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honkbalknuppel "Honkbalknuppel – Dutch") - [Polski](https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kij_baseballowy "Kij baseballowy – Polish") - [Português](https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taco_de_beisebol "Taco de beisebol – Portuguese") - [Română](https://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%A2t%C4%83_de_baseball "Bâtă de baseball – Romanian") - [Русский](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B0 "Бита – Russian") - [Simple English](https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat "Baseball bat – Simple English") - [Soomaaliga](https://so.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camiis_\(baseball\) "Camiis (baseball) – Somali") - [Српски / srpski](https://sr.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%B5%D1%98%D0%B7%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB_%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B0 "Бејзбол палица – Serbian") - [Svenska](https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slagtr%C3%A4 "Slagträ – Swedish") - [Türkçe](https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beyzbol_sopas%C4%B1 "Beyzbol sopası – Turkish") - [Українська](https://uk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B0 "Бита – Ukrainian") - [閩南語 / Bân-lâm-gí](https://zh-min-nan.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%C3%A1-ki%C3%BB_p%C4%81ng "Iá-kiû pāng – Minnan") - [粵語](https://zh-yue.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%A3%92%E7%90%83%E6%A3%8D "棒球棍 – Cantonese") - [中文](https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%90%83%E6%A3%92 "球棒 – Chinese") [Edit links](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Special:EntityPage/Q809910#sitelinks-wikipedia "Edit interlanguage links") - [Article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat "View the content page [c]") - [Talk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Baseball_bat "Discuss improvements to the content page [t]") English - [Read](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat) - [Edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baseball_bat&action=edit "Edit this page [e]") - [View history](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baseball_bat&action=history "Past revisions of this page [h]") Tools Tools move to sidebar hide Actions - [Read](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat) - [Edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baseball_bat&action=edit "Edit this page [e]") - [View history](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baseball_bat&action=history) General - [What links here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:WhatLinksHere/Baseball_bat "List of all English Wikipedia pages containing links to this page [j]") - 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Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. *Find sources:* ["Baseball bat"](https://www.google.com/search?as_eq=wikipedia&q=%22Baseball+bat%22) – [news](https://www.google.com/search?tbm=nws&q=%22Baseball+bat%22+-wikipedia&tbs=ar:1) **·** [newspapers](https://www.google.com/search?&q=%22Baseball+bat%22&tbs=bkt:s&tbm=bks) **·** [books](https://www.google.com/search?tbs=bks:1&q=%22Baseball+bat%22+-wikipedia) **·** [scholar](https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=%22Baseball+bat%22) **·** [JSTOR](https://www.jstor.org/action/doBasicSearch?Query=%22Baseball+bat%22&acc=on&wc=on) *(November 2024)* *([Learn how and when to remove this message](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Maintenance_template_removal "Help:Maintenance template removal"))* | [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/30/Fourbats.jpg/330px-Fourbats.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fourbats.jpg) Four historically significant baseball bats showcased in the [National Baseball Hall of Fame](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Baseball_Hall_of_Fame "National Baseball Hall of Fame")'s traveling exhibit "Baseball As America". From left to right: bat used by [Babe Ruth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babe_Ruth "Babe Ruth") to hit his 60th home run during the 1927 season, bat used by [Roger Maris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Maris "Roger Maris") to hit his 61st home run during the 1961 season, bat used by [Mark McGwire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_McGwire "Mark McGwire") to hit his 70th home run during the 1998 season, and the bat used by [Sammy Sosa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sammy_Sosa "Sammy Sosa") for his 66th home run during the same season. A **baseball bat** is a smooth wooden or metal [club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Club_\(weapon\) "Club (weapon)") used in the sport of [baseball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball "Baseball") to hit the [ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_\(ball\) "Baseball (ball)") after it is thrown by the [pitcher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitcher "Pitcher"). By regulation it may be no more than 2.61 inches (6.6 cm) in diameter at the thickest part and no more than 42 inches (1.067 m) in length.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-1) Although historically bats approaching 3 pounds (1.4 kg) or 48 oz were used,[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-Bleacher-2)[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-3) modern bats of 33 ounces (0.94 kg) are common, topping out at 34 to 36 ounces (0.96 to 1.02 kg).[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-Bleacher-2) ## Design \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baseball_bat&action=edit&section=1 "Edit section: Design")\] A baseball bat is divided into several regions. The "barrel" is the thick part of the bat, where it is meant to hit the ball. The part of the barrel best for hitting the ball, according to construction and swinging style, is often called the "[sweet spot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_spot_\(sports\) "Sweet spot (sports)")." The end of the barrel is called the "top", "end", or "cap" of the bat. Opposite the cap, the barrel narrows until it meets the "handle", which is comparatively thin, so that batters can comfortably grip the bat in their hands. Sometimes, especially on metal bats, the handle is wrapped with a rubber or tape "grip". Finally, below the handle is the "knob" of the bat, a wider piece that keeps the bat from slipping from a batter's hands. The "bat drop" of a bat is its weight, in ounces, minus its length, in inches. For example, a 30-ounce, 33-inch-long bat has a bat drop of minus 3 (30 − 33 = −3). Larger bat drops help to increase swing speed, due to less mass per unit length; smaller drops create more power, due to greater momentum to transfer to the ball.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-4) ## History \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baseball_bat&action=edit&section=2 "Edit section: History")\] The bat's form has become more refined over time. In the mid-19th century, baseball batters were known to shape or [whittle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whittling "Whittling") their own bats by hand, which resulted in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and weights. For example, there were flat bats, round bats, short bats, and fat bats. Earlier bats were known to be much heavier and larger than modern regulated ones. During the 19th century, many experimental shapes and handle designs were tried. Modern bats are much more uniform in design.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] ### Innovations \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baseball_bat&action=edit&section=3 "Edit section: Innovations")\] - On June 17, 1890, Emile Kinst received [U.S. patent 430,388](https://patents.google.com/patent/US430388) the ball-bat, or banana bat. The bat is shaped with a curve, hence the name banana bat. The creator of the bat, Kinst wrote: "The object of my invention is to provide a ball-bat which shall produce a rotary or spinning motion of the ball in its flight to a higher degree than is possible with any present known form of ball-bat, and thus to make it more difficult to catch the ball, or if caught, to hold it, and thus further to modify the conditions of the game". - The mushroom bat, made in 1906 by [Spalding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spalding_\(sports_equipment\) "Spalding (sports equipment)"). With baseball bats being larger in the 1900s the Spalding company designed a larger bat with a mushroom-shaped knob on the handle. This enabled the batter to get a better distribution of weight over the entire length of the bat. - The Wright & Ditson Lajoie baseball bat. This bat had a normal size barrel but had two knobs on the handle. The lower knob was at the bottom of the handle and the other knob, also called the shoulder, was three inches above the lower knob. This was designed to have better spacing between the hands due to the shoulder being in the middle of the grip. This also gave batters an advantage when they choked up on the bat, because the second knob provided a better grip.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] - In 1990, Bruce Leinert came up with the idea of putting an [axe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axe "Axe") handle on a baseball bat. He filed a patent application for the "Axe Bat" in 2007 and the bat started being used in the college and pro ranks over the following years. In 2012, the [Marietta College](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marietta_College "Marietta College") Pioneers baseball team won the [NCAA Division III World Series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_NCAA_Division_III_baseball_tournament#World_Series "2012 NCAA Division III baseball tournament") using axe-handled bats.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-5) Several [Major League Baseball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Baseball "Major League Baseball") players have adopted the bat handle including [Mookie Betts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mookie_Betts "Mookie Betts"), [Dustin Pedroia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dustin_Pedroia "Dustin Pedroia"), [George Springer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Springer "George Springer"), [Kurt Suzuki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurt_Suzuki "Kurt Suzuki") and [Dansby Swanson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dansby_Swanson "Dansby Swanson").[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-6)[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-7) - In 2025, the [New York Yankees](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Yankees "New York Yankees") popularized a "torpedo bat" design, which was made to increase [contact hitting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contact_hitter "Contact hitter"). The widest diameter of the bat is lower down than on standard bats, making the bat look more like a [bowling pin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowling_pin "Bowling pin"). The bat quickly generated media coverage as the Yankees hit a franchise record nine home runs in their second game, the first three home runs being hit on the first three pitches. MLB stated the new design was legal as it did not exceed the maximum allowed diameter of 2.61 inches (6.6 cm) nor technically go against anything stated in the rules. The "torpedo bat" was designed by Aaron Leanhardt, a field coordinator with the [Miami Marlins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Marlins "Miami Marlins").[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-:0-8) Leanhardt has a Ph.D. in [physics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physics "Physics") from the [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts_Institute_of_Technology "Massachusetts Institute of Technology").[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-:0-8) - [![Patent No. 430,388 (June 17, 1890) awarded to Emile Kinst for an "improved ball-bat"](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/60/Banana_bat.gif/250px-Banana_bat.gif)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Banana_bat.gif "Patent No. 430,388 (June 17, 1890) awarded to Emile Kinst for an \"improved ball-bat\"") Patent No. 430,388 (June 17, 1890) awarded to Emile Kinst for an "improved ball-bat" - [![Heinie Groh and his signature "bottle bat"](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f8/Bottle_bat.jpg/250px-Bottle_bat.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bottle_bat.jpg "Heinie Groh and his signature \"bottle bat\"") [Heinie Groh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinie_Groh "Heinie Groh") and his signature "bottle bat" - [![Diagram of a 'Torpedo bat'. The maximum diameter and the length of a torpedo bat are equal to the dimensions of a standard bat](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/Torpedo_bat.png/330px-Torpedo_bat.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Torpedo_bat.png "Diagram of a 'Torpedo bat'. The maximum diameter and the length of a torpedo bat are equal to the dimensions of a standard bat") Diagram of a 'Torpedo bat'. The maximum diameter and the length of a torpedo bat are equal to the dimensions of a standard bat ## Materials and manufacture \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baseball_bat&action=edit&section=4 "Edit section: Materials and manufacture")\] Baseball bats are made of either hardwood or a metal alloy (typically aluminum). Most wooden bats are made from [ash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_tree "Ash tree"); other woods include [maple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maple "Maple"), [hickory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hickory "Hickory"), and [bamboo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamboo "Bamboo"). Hickory has fallen into disfavor over its greater weight, which slows down bat speed, while maple bats gained popularity following the introduction of the first MLB-sanctioned model in 1997.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-SciAm1-9) The first player to use one was [Joe Carter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Carter "Joe Carter") of the [Toronto Blue Jays](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_Blue_Jays "Toronto Blue Jays").[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-Canadian_Sports_Magazine_2008,_p._8-10) [Barry Bonds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Bonds "Barry Bonds") used maple bats the seasons he broke baseball's single-season home run record in 2001, and the career home run record in 2007.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-Canadian_Sports_Magazine_2008,_p._8-10) In 2010, the increased tendency of maple bats to shatter caused Major League Baseball to examine their use, banning some models in minor league play.[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-11)[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-12) Manufacturers position each bat's label over the mechanically weaker side of the wood.[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-woodbat.org-13) To reduce chance of fracture,[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-woodbat.org-13) and maybe deliver more energy to the ball,[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-14) a bat is intended to be held so the label faces sky or ground when it strikes the ball during a horizontal swing.[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-woodbat.org-13) In this orientation, the bat is considered stiffer and less likely to break.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-mlb.mlb.com-15) Different types of wood will fracture differently.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-hitting-16) For bats made of [ash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraxinus "Fraxinus"), labels will generally be where the grain spacing is widest. For [maple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maple "Maple") bats they will usually be positioned where grain is tightest.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] Maple bats in particular were once known (circa 2008) to potentially shatter in a way that resulted in many sharp edges, sometimes creating more dangerous projectiles when breaking.[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-woodbat.org-13)[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-17) Maple bat manufacture evolved significantly, in cooperation with [Major League Baseball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Baseball "Major League Baseball"), paying special attention to grain slope, and including an ink spot test to confirm safest wood grain orientation.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-mlb.mlb.com-15) Based on consistent anecdotal reports of sales at sporting goods stores, and because of the [Emerald ash borer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerald_ash_borer "Emerald ash borer") epidemic, maple appears to be displacing ash as most popular new baseball bat material in the United States. Next and rising in popularity is [bamboo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamboo "Bamboo"), which has more isotropic fine grain, great strength, and less weight for a bat of any given size.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] Within league standards there is ample latitude for individual variation, many batters settling on their own bat profile, or one used by a successful batter. Formerly, bats were hand-turned from a template with precise calibration points but more recently they are machine-turned to a fixed metal template. Historically significant templates may be kept in a bat manufacturers' vault; for example, [Babe Ruth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babe_Ruth "Babe Ruth")'s template, which became popular among major-league players, is *R43* in the [Louisville Slugger](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillerich_%26_Bradsby "Hillerich & Bradsby") archives.[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-brchthnh-18) Ruth favored a thinner handle than was the norm in the 1920s, and his success caused most to follow.[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-brchthnh-18) Ruth used an unusually large bat, which he reduced in size incrementally during his career. In 1920 he was using a 40-inch, 54-ounce bat, made of ash, with a slender handle.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-19) In 1928 he wrote, "A few seasons ago I used a 54 ounce bat, long and with the weight well at the end. Now I'm using a 46 ounce club--and each season when I have a new set of bats made, I have an addition ounce taken off."[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-20) Once the basic bat has been turned, it has the manufacturer's name, the serial number, and often the signature of the player endorsing it branded into it opposite the wood's best side. [Honus Wagner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honus_Wagner "Honus Wagner") was the first player to endorse and sign a bat. Next, most bats are given a rounded head, but some 30%\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] of players prefer a "cup-balanced" head, in which a cup-shaped recess is made in the head, introduced to the major leagues in the early 1970s by [José Cardenal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Cardenal "José Cardenal");[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-brchthnh-18) this lightens the bat and moves its center of gravity toward the handle. Finally, the bat is stained in one of several standard colors, including natural, red, black, and two-tone blue and white.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] ### Environmental threat to ash wood \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baseball_bat&action=edit&section=5 "Edit section: Environmental threat to ash wood")\] The [emerald ash borer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerald_ash_borer "Emerald ash borer"), an exotic beetle imported accidentally from Asia, has killed more than 50 million [white ash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraxinus_americana "Fraxinus americana") trees in the eastern United States and in 2017 threatened groves in [New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_\(state\) "New York (state)")'s [Adirondack Mountains](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adirondack_Mountains "Adirondack Mountains") that are used to make baseball bats.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-NPRBATS-21) ## Regulations \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baseball_bat&action=edit&section=6 "Edit section: Regulations")\] In the American [major leagues](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Baseball "Major League Baseball"), Rule 1.10(a) states:[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-22) > The bat shall be a smooth, round stick not more than 2.61 inches in diameter at the thickest part and not more than 42 inches in length. The bat shall be one piece of solid wood. Bats are not allowed to be hollowed or [corked](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corked_bat "Corked bat")—that is, filled with an alien substance such as [cork](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cork_\(material\) "Cork (material)") which reduces the weight. This corking is thought to increase bat speed without greatly reducing hitting power, though this idea was challenged as unlikely on the [Discovery Channel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discovery_Channel "Discovery Channel") series *[MythBusters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MythBusters "MythBusters")*.[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-23) Both wooden and metal alloy (generally aluminum) bats are generally permitted in amateur baseball. Metal alloy bats are generally regarded as being capable of hitting a ball faster and farther with the same power. However, increasing numbers of "wooden bat leagues" have emerged in recent years, reflecting a trend back to wood over safety concerns\[*[clarification needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Please_clarify "Wikipedia:Please clarify")*\] and, in the case of [collegiate summer baseball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collegiate_summer_baseball "Collegiate summer baseball") wood-bat leagues, to better prepare players for the professional leagues that require wood bats. Metal alloy bats can send a ball towards an unprotected pitcher's head up to 60 ft 6 in (18.44 m) away at a velocity far too high for the pitcher to get out of the way in time. Some amateur baseball organizations enforce bat manufacturing and testing standards which attempt to limit maximum ball speed for wood and non-wood bats.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-24)[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-25)[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-26) In [high school baseball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Federation_of_State_High_School_Associations "National Federation of State High School Associations") in the United States: - The bat is not permitted to be more than 2\+5⁄8 inches (67 mm) in diameter in proximity to width and length. - Its "drop" (inches of length minus ounces of weight) must be no more than 3: for example, a 34-inch (863.6‑mm) bat must weigh at least 31 ounces (880 g).[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-27) - The bat may consist of any safe solid uniform material; the [National Federation of State High School Associations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Federation_of_State_High_School_Associations "National Federation of State High School Associations") rules state only "wood or non-wood" material. - To be legally used in a game, an aluminum bat has to be a BBCOR (Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution) bat because it has been determined that a pitcher loses the ability to protect himself when this ratio is exceeded.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] In some 12-year-old-and-under youth leagues (such as [Little League](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_League "Little League") baseball), the bat may not be more than 2\+1⁄4 inches (57 mm) in diameter.[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-28) However, in many other leagues (like [PONY League Baseball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PONY_League_Baseball "PONY League Baseball"), and Cal Ripken League Baseball), the bat may not be more than 2\+3⁄4 inches (70 mm) in diameter.[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-29) There are limitations to how much and where a baseball player may apply [pine tar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_tar "Pine tar") to a baseball bat. According to Rule 1.10(c) of the Major League Baseball Rulebook, it is not allowed more than 18 inches up from the bottom handle. An infamous example of the rule in execution is the [Pine Tar Incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_Tar_Incident "Pine Tar Incident") on July 24, 1983. Rules 1.10 and 6.06 were later changed to reflect the intent of Major League Baseball, as exemplified by the league president's ruling. Rule 1.10 now only requires that the bat be removed from the game if discovered after being used in a game; it no longer necessitates any change to the results of any play which may have taken place.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] Rule 6.06 refers only to bats that are "altered or tampered with in such a way to improve the distance factor or cause an unusual reaction on the baseball. This includes, bats that are filled, flat-surfaced, nailed, hollowed, grooved or covered with a substance such as paraffin, wax, etc." It no longer makes any mention of an "illegally batted ball". In 2001, MLB approved the use of [Gorilla Gold Grip Enhancer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorilla_Gold_Grip_Enhancer "Gorilla Gold Grip Enhancer") in major and minor league games as an alternative to pine tar.[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-30)[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-31) ## Care and maintenance \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baseball_bat&action=edit&section=7 "Edit section: Care and maintenance")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/Tony_Gwynn%27s_Bat-2.JPG/250px-Tony_Gwynn%27s_Bat-2.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tony_Gwynn%27s_Bat-2.JPG) A [Tony Gwynn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Gwynn "Tony Gwynn") game-used and autographed baseball bat Players can be very particular about their bats. [Ted Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Williams "Ted Williams") cleaned his bats with alcohol every night and periodically took them to the post office to weigh them. "Bats pick up condensation and dirt lying around on the ground," he wrote, "They can gain an ounce or more in a surprisingly short time." [Ichiro Suzuki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichiro_Suzuki "Ichiro Suzuki") also took great care that his bats did not accumulate moisture and thus gain weight: he stored his bats in humidors, one in the club house and another, a portable one, for the road. [Rod Carew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rod_Carew "Rod Carew") fought moisture by storing his bats in a box full of sawdust in the warmest part of his house. "The sawdust acts as a buffer between the bats and the environment," he explained, "absorbing any moisture before it can seep into the wood."[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-www.baseballexplained.com-32) Many players "[bone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boning_\(baseball\) "Boning (baseball)")" their bats, meaning that before games, they rub their bats repeatedly with a hard object, believing this closes the pores on the wood and hardens the bat. Animal bones are a popular boning material, but rolling pins, soda bottles and the edge of a porcelain sink have also been used. [Pete Rose](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Rose "Pete Rose") had his own way of hardening his bats: he soaked them in a tub of motor oil in his basement then hung them up to dry.[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-www.baseballexplained.com-32) ## Fungo bat \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baseball_bat&action=edit&section=8 "Edit section: Fungo bat")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/74/Narahara_hiroshi.jpg/250px-Narahara_hiroshi.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Narahara_hiroshi.jpg) [Hiroshi Narahara](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroshi_Narahara "Hiroshi Narahara") holding a fungo bat A *fungo* bat is a specially designed bat used by baseball and softball coaches in practice. It is a light bat swung by a coach, used to hit balls to players who are practice fielding these hits. The [etymology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etymology "Etymology") of the word *[fungo](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/fungo#English "wikt:fungo")* ( [/ˈfʌŋɡoʊ/](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English "Help:IPA/English")) is uncertain, but the *[Oxford English Dictionary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford_English_Dictionary "Oxford English Dictionary")* suggests it is derived from the [Scots](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scots_language "Scots language") *fung*: "to pitch, toss, or fling".[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-33) Fungo bats are longer and lighter than regulation bats, with a smaller diameter. Typical fungo bats are 34 to 37 inches (86 to 94 cm) long and weigh 17 to 24 ounces (480 to 680 g). Longer bats are preferred for outfield practice and shorter bats for infield practice.[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-34) The reduced weight allows a coach to hit many balls without tiring. It also lets them swing the bat one-handed, as they often throw the "pitches" to themselves with their free hand.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-35)[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-36) ## As a weapon \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baseball_bat&action=edit&section=9 "Edit section: As a weapon")\] Baseball bats are sometimes used as weapons by civilians,[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-37) criminals, protesters,[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-38) and mobsters.[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-39) Baseball bats are effective weapons because they are inexpensive compared to other weapons, and, unlike many other weapons, they can be carried without raising suspicion or violating laws, due to their primary purpose as sports equipment.[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-40)[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-41) Baseball bats have also been used as weapons in various forms of entertainment. As a [professional wrestler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_wrestling "Professional wrestling"), [Mick Foley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mick_Foley "Mick Foley") sometimes brandished a baseball bat wrapped in barbed wire, which he named "Barbie". Other pro wrestlers have used baseball bats as weapons, and wrestling video games sometimes include bats as special weapons.[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-42)[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-43) Bats are common weapons in fiction as well. [Negan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Negan "Negan"), a character on the TV show *[The Walking Dead](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Walking_Dead_\(TV_series\) "The Walking Dead (TV series)")* carried a barbed wire-wrapped baseball bat named "Lucille", which [Jeffrey Dean Morgan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Dean_Morgan "Jeffrey Dean Morgan") has compared to Mick Foley's "Barbie".[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-44) [Harley Quinn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harley_Quinn "Harley Quinn"), as a member of the [Suicide Squad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide_Squad "Suicide Squad"), carries a baseball bat.[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-45) ## See also \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baseball_bat&action=edit&section=10 "Edit section: See also")\] - [Baseball doughnut](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_doughnut "Baseball doughnut") - [Composite baseball bat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composite_baseball_bat "Composite baseball bat") - [Cricket bat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cricket_bat "Cricket bat") - [List of baseball bat manufacturers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_baseball_bat_manufacturers "List of baseball bat manufacturers") - [Pink bat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_bat "Pink bat") - [Softball bat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Softball#Bat "Softball") ## References \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baseball_bat&action=edit&section=11 "Edit section: References")\] 1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-1)** ["MLB Bat rules and Reg"](https://lacassebats.com/pages/mlb-bat-rules-and-reg). *LaCasse Bats*. Retrieved 2024-08-02. 2. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-Bleacher_2-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-Bleacher_2-1) Jenn Zambri. ["Size Matters: Top 10 "Biggest" In MLB History"](http://bleacherreport.com/articles/589660-size-matters-top-10-biggest-in-mlb#/articles/589660-size-matters-top-10-biggest-in-mlb/page/2). *Bleacher Report*. Retrieved 13 September 2015. 3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-3)** [*Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide for ...*](https://books.google.com/books?id=6a4pAAAAYAAJ&dq=fungo%20bat&pg=PT9) Americna Sports Pub. 1919. 4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-4)** ["What does bat drop mean?"](https://www.slugger.com/en-us/articles/bat-drop-explained). Louisville Slugger. Retrieved 16 December 2025. 5. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-5)** Beckham, Jeff (August 18, 2014). ["Baseball bat with an axe handle brings more power, fewer injuries"](https://www.wired.com/2014/08/axe-bat/). *Wired.com*. Retrieved July 31, 2018. 6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-6)** McAuley, Grant (May 19, 2018). ["Axe handle bat new weapon of choice for Braves' Swanson"](https://929thegame.radio.com/articles/axe-handle-bat-new-weapon-choice-braves-swanson). *The Game 92.9*. Retrieved July 31, 2018. 7. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-7)** Passan, Jeff (June 23, 2015). ["Why the Axe Bat, Dustin Pedroia may help make the round handle obsolete"](https://sports.yahoo.com/news/why-dustin-pedroia-uses-the-axe-bat--which-may-make-the-round-handle-obsolete-013113798.html). *Yahoo Sports*. Retrieved July 31, 2018. 8. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-:0_8-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-:0_8-1) ["Marlins Coach Aaron Leanhardt, Architect of Yankees' Torpedo Bats, Swarmed By Media"](https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/miami-marlins-coach-aaron-leanhardt-architect-of-new-york-yankees-torpedo-bats-swarmed-by-media-loandepot-park-01jqq03w8xqp). *Fastball On SI*. 2025-03-31. Retrieved 2025-04-01. 9. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-SciAm1_9-0)** Patterson, Brittany. ["Baseball Bats Threatened by Invasive Beetle"](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/baseball-bats-threatened-by-invasive-beetle/). *Scientific American*. Retrieved 21 November 2017. 10. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-Canadian_Sports_Magazine_2008,_p._8_10-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-Canadian_Sports_Magazine_2008,_p._8_10-1) *Canadian Sports Magazine*, Vol. 2, No. 3, August 2008, p. 8, (Publication Mail Agreement \#40993003, Oakville, ON) 11. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-11)** ["The Well Is Effectively Dead"](https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/09/20/129985928/-the-well-is-effectively-dead?print=1). *NPR.org*. 20 September 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2015. 12. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-12)** ["MLB Tightens Rules Around Use of Maple Bats"](https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/maple-bats-mlb/). [Associated Press](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Associated_Press "Associated Press"). 2 March 2010. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260311195738/https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/maple-bats-mlb/) from the original on 11 March 2026. Retrieved 11 March 2026 – via [Sportsnet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sportsnet "Sportsnet"). 13. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-woodbat.org_13-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-woodbat.org_13-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-woodbat.org_13-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-woodbat.org_13-3) ["Wood science and how it relates to wooden baseball bats"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210705174609/https://www.woodbat.org/). *woodbat.org*. Archived from [the original](http://www.woodbat.org/) on 5 July 2021. Retrieved 13 September 2015. 14. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-14)** ["Wood bats - on which "side" should the ball's impact be?"](http://www.baseball-fever.com/archive/index.php/t-24217.html). *baseball-fever.com*. 17 February 2005. Retrieved 14 July 2017. 15. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-mlb.mlb.com_15-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-mlb.mlb.com_15-1) ["Safety tests for maple bats mandated"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140730053611/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081209&content_id=3708319&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp). *Major League Baseball*. Archived from [the original](http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081209&content_id=3708319&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp) on 30 July 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2017. 16. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-hitting_16-0)** ["Hitting with Wood"](http://woodbat.blogspot.com/2009/03/maple-bats-to-be-regulated-and-studied.html). *woodbat.blogspot.com*. 3 March 2009. Retrieved 14 July 2017. 17. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-17)** ["Maple, Ash Baseball Bats May Strike Out"](https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92222323). *NPR.org*. 4 July 2008. Retrieved 13 September 2015. 18. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-brchthnh_18-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-brchthnh_18-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-brchthnh_18-2) ["Babe Ruth changed design of bats to thinner handle"](https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-PVLAAAAIBAJ&pg=5511%2C6126923). *Spokesman-Review*. Spokane, Washington. Associated Press. March 11, 1979. p. C5. 19. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-19)** "Playing The Game, My Early Years in Baseball." Babe Ruth, 1920, United News, syndicated in numerous newspapers including the Atlanta Constitution. Republished 2011 Dover Publications, Mineola, NY. p. 29 in this book. 20. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-20)** "Babe Ruth's Own Book Of Baseball," George Herman Ruth, 1928, G.P. Putnam's Sons, NY. p. 171. 21. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-NPRBATS_21-0)** Mann, Brian. ["A Beetle May Soon Strike Out Baseball's Famous Ash Bats"](https://www.npr.org/2016/08/03/488432537/a-beetle-may-soon-strike-out-baseballs-famous-ash-bats). *NPR.org*. [NPR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NPR "NPR"). Retrieved 21 November 2017. 22. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-22)** ["Official Baseball Rules"](http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2010/official_rules/2010_OfficialBaseballRules.pdf) (PDF). Major League Baseball. Retrieved 2012-05-07. 23. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-23)** [*Mythbusters*, season 5 (Corked Bat)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MythBusters_\(2007_season\)#Corked_Bat "MythBusters (2007 season)") 24. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-24)** ["National Collegiate Athletic Association Standard for Testing Baseball Bat Performance"](http://www.acs.psu.edu/drussell/bats/besr/2006_certification_protocol.pdf) (PDF). *acs.psu.edu*. October 30, 2006. Retrieved July 14, 2017. 25. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-25)** ["Bat-testing regulations modified"](https://www.ncaa.org/wps/ncaa?ContentID=38459) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20081210051151/http://www.ncaa.org/wps/ncaa?ContentID=38459) 10 December 2008 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") 26. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-26)** ["Baseball Rules Committee Focuses on Clarification of Bat Standards and Sportsmanship During Pre-Game Practice"](http://www.nfhs.org/web/2003/06/baseball_rules_committee_focuses_on_clarification_of_bat_standar.aspx) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080524002833/http://www.nfhs.org/web/2003/06/baseball_rules_committee_focuses_on_clarification_of_bat_standar.aspx) 24 May 2008 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") 27. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-27)** [NCHSAA Baseball](http://www.nchsaa.org/intranet/downloadManagerControl.php?mode=getFile&elementID=4047&type=5&atomID=7181) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100706020131/http://www.nchsaa.org/intranet/downloadManagerControl.php?mode=getFile&elementID=4047&type=5&atomID=7181) July 6, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") 28. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-28)** [2007 Regulation & Rule Changes](http://www.littleleague.org/Learn_More/rules/2007rulechanges.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080926002453/http://www.littleleague.org/Learn_More/rules/2007rulechanges.htm) September 26, 2008, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") 29. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-29)** ["2017 Rules and Regulations for PONY Baseball"](https://bsbproduction.s3.amazonaws.com/portals/10758/docs/rulebooks/2017%20pony%20baseball%20rulebook%20online.pdf) (PDF). *bsbproduction.s3.amazonaws.com*. Retrieved July 14, 2017. \[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot "Wikipedia:Link rot")*\] 30. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-30)** Heiss Grodin, Dana (March 7, 2001). ["Equipment and product guide"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160304091710/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/bbw/2001-03-07/2001-03-07-equipment.htm). *USA Today*. Archived from [the original](http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/bbw/2001-03-07/2001-03-07-equipment.htm) on March 4, 2016. 31. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-31)** Lee, Sandra L. (December 27, 2001). ["For now, the mansion stands"](https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yr9eAAAAIBAJ&dq=gorilla-gold&pg=4605%2C3200981). *[Lewiston Morning Tribune](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewiston_Morning_Tribune "Lewiston Morning Tribune")*. p. 1A. Retrieved November 7, 2012. 32. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-www.baseballexplained.com_32-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-www.baseballexplained.com_32-1) Baseball Explained by Phillip Mahony, McFarland Books, 2014. See [www.baseballexplained.com](http://www.baseballexplained.com/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140813034018/http://www.baseballexplained.com/) 2014-08-13 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") 33. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-33)** *Oxford English Dictionary* entry for "Fungo", <http://www.oed.com/> 34. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-34)** ["Everything You Need To Know About Fungo Bats"](https://www.justbats.com/blog/post/everything-to-know-about-fungo-bats/). *JustBats*. Retrieved 4 September 2025. 35. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-35)** ["Fungo Bats Resource Hub"](https://phoenixbats.com/fungo-bats-resource-hub). *Phoenix Bats*. Retrieved 4 September 2025. 36. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-36)** ["Fungo bats"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170415011634/https://www.baseballrampage.com/Baseball/Types/Baseball-Bats/153/Fungo-Bats.html). baseballrampage.com. Archived from [the original](https://www.baseballrampage.com/Baseball/Types/Baseball-Bats/153/Fungo-Bats.html) on April 15, 2017. Retrieved July 14, 2017. 37. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-37)** Loyd, Linda (Sep 24, 1992). ["Baseball Bats moving from recreation to 'instruments of crime' in U.S. Cities"](https://www.baltimoresun.com/1992/09/24/baseball-bats-moving-from-recreation-to-instruments-of-crime-in-us-cities/). *Baltimore Sun*. Retrieved December 23, 2023. 38. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-38)** Palmer, Brian (Aug 10, 2011). ["Why Are They Using Baseball Bats Instead of Cricket Bats in the U.K. Riots?"](https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2011/08/why-are-londoners-using-baseball-bats-instead-of-cricket-bats-in-the-riots.html). *Slate*. Retrieved December 23, 2023. 39. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-39)** ["The Most Common Weapons of the Mafia"](https://web.archive.org/web/20231224045420/https://nationalcrimesyndicate.com/the-most-common-weapons-of-the-mafia/). *National Crime Syndicate*. 23 November 2020. Archived from [the original](https://www.nationalcrimesyndicate.com/the-most-common-weapons-of-the-mafia/) on December 24, 2023. Retrieved December 23, 2023. 40. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-40)** Bryant, D.D. 3rd; Greenfield, R. 3rd; Martin, E. (November 1992). ["Musculoskeletal trauma: the baseball bat"](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2571736). *Journal of the National Medical Association*. **84** (11): 957–60\. [PMC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PMC_\(identifier\) "PMC (identifier)") [2571736](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2571736). [PMID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PMID_\(identifier\) "PMID (identifier)") [1460683](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1460683). 41. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-41)** Lightbody, C. J.; MacIver, C. (February 24, 2007). ["The baseball bat: a modern day cudgel"](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2658185). *Emergency Medicine Journal*. **24** (2): 112. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1136/emj.2006.042929](https://doi.org/10.1136%2Femj.2006.042929). [PMC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PMC_\(identifier\) "PMC (identifier)") [2658185](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2658185). [PMID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PMID_\(identifier\) "PMID (identifier)") [17251617](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17251617). 42. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-42)** Ostler, Scott. ["Bugs, barbed wire, baseball bats: Life of a Bay Area pro wrestling legend"](https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/ostler/article/vinnie-massaro-wrestling-independent-19719154.php). *San Francisco Chronicle*. Retrieved 4 September 2025. 43. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-43)** Middler, Jordan (15 May 2024). ["WWE 2K24 ECW update adds barbed wire baseball bat and more hidden weapons"](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/wwe-2k24-ecw-update-adds-barbed-wire-baseball-bat-and-more-hidden-weapons/). *VGC*. Retrieved 4 September 2025. 44. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-44)** McGeorge, Alistair (8 June 2021). ["The Walking Dead: Jeffrey Dean Morgan teases WWE legend Mick Foley's influence"](https://metro.co.uk/2021/06/08/the-walking-dead-jeffrey-dean-morgan-on-wwe-legend-mick-foley-impact-14739679/). *Metro*. Retrieved 4 September 2025. 45. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-45)** Fraley, Jason (5 August 2016). ["Review: Harley Quinn's star is born amid sloppy 'Suicide Squad'"](https://wtop.com/entertainment/2016/08/review-harley-quinns-star-born-amid-sloppy-suicide-squad/). *WTOP News*. Retrieved 4 September 2025. ## External links \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baseball_bat&action=edit&section=12 "Edit section: External links")\] [![logo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/40px-Commons-logo.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Commons-logo.svg) Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Baseball bats](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Baseball_bats "commons:Category:Baseball bats"). - [Physics and Acoustics of Baseball and Softball Bats](https://web.archive.org/web/20070920190241/http://www.kettering.edu/~drussell/bats.html)—How baseball bats work, how bat performance is measured, differences between wood, metal, and composite bats - [Woodturning Online](http://www.woodturningonline.com/projects.php?catid=9)—Making a Baseball Bat - ["Maple, Ash Baseball Bats May Strike Out"](https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92222323). *[Talk of the Nation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk_of_the_Nation "Talk of the Nation")*. [National Public Radio](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Public_Radio "National Public Radio"), July 4, 2008. | [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Baseball "Template:Baseball") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Baseball "Template talk:Baseball") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Baseball "Special:EditPage/Template:Baseball")[Baseball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball "Baseball") and [softball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Softball "Softball") concepts | | |---|---| | **[Outline](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_baseball "Outline of baseball")** · **[Glossary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_baseball_terms "Glossary of baseball terms")** | | | [Baseball rules](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rules_of_baseball "Rules of baseball") | [Cheating](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheating_in_baseball "Cheating in baseball") [Comparison of baseball and softball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_baseball_and_softball "Comparison of baseball and softball") [fastpitch softball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fastpitch_softball "Fastpitch softball") [16-inch softball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16-inch_softball "16-inch softball") [Ejections](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ejection_\(baseball\) "Ejection (baseball)") [Ground rules](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_rules "Ground rules") [Infield fly rule](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infield_fly_rule "Infield fly rule") [In flight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_flight "In flight") [Interference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interference_\(baseball\) "Interference (baseball)") [Pitch clock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitch_clock "Pitch clock") [Protested game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protested_game "Protested game") [Strike zone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strike_zone "Strike zone") [Suspended game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suspended_game "Suspended game") [Unwritten rules](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unwritten_rules_of_baseball "Unwritten rules of baseball") | | [Ballpark](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballpark "Ballpark")/[field](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_field "Baseball field") | [Backstop](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backstop_\(baseball\) "Backstop (baseball)") [Baseball diamond](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_field "Baseball field") [Batter's box](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batter%27s_box "Batter's box") [Batter's eye](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batter%27s_eye "Batter's eye") [Bullpen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullpen "Bullpen") [Dugout](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dugout_\(baseball\) "Dugout (baseball)") [Foul pole](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foul_pole "Foul pole") [Foul territory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foul_ball "Foul ball") [Infield](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infield "Infield") [On-deck circle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On-deck "On-deck") [Outfield](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outfield "Outfield") [Warning track](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warning_track "Warning track") | | [Equipment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_clothing_and_equipment "Baseball clothing and equipment") | [Ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_\(ball\) "Baseball (ball)") [Bat]() [Batting cage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batting_cage "Batting cage") [Batting glove](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batting_glove "Batting glove") [Batting helmet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batting_helmet "Batting helmet") [Cap](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_cap "Baseball cap") [Doughnut](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_doughnut "Baseball doughnut") [Glove (defense)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_glove "Baseball glove") [Pitching machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitching_machine "Pitching machine") [Protective cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jockstrap#Protective_cup "Jockstrap") [Shin guard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shin_guard "Shin guard") [Stirrups](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_stirrups "Baseball stirrups") [Uniform](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_uniform "Baseball uniform") [Uniform number](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniform_number_\(Major_League_Baseball\) "Uniform number (Major League Baseball)") | | Game process | [Batting order](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batting_order_\(baseball\) "Batting order (baseball)") [Innings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inning "Inning") [extra innings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extra_innings "Extra innings") [Out](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Out_\(baseball\) "Out (baseball)") [Positions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_positions "Baseball positions") [Run](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Run_\(baseball\) "Run (baseball)") [Pace of play](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pace_of_play "Pace of play") | | [Batting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batting_\(baseball\) "Batting (baseball)") | [At bat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/At_bat "At bat") [Baltimore chop](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore_chop "Baltimore chop") [Bat flip](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bat_flip "Bat flip") [Batted ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batted_ball "Batted ball") [Batting count](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Count_\(baseball\) "Count (baseball)") [Batting out of order](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batting_out_of_turn "Batting out of turn") [Bunt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunt_\(baseball\) "Bunt (baseball)") [sacrifice bunt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacrifice_bunt "Sacrifice bunt") [slap bunt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slap_bunt "Slap bunt") [squeeze play](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squeeze_play_\(baseball\) "Squeeze play (baseball)") [Charging the mound](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charging_the_mound "Charging the mound") [Checked swing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Checked_swing "Checked swing") [Cleanup hitter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleanup_hitter "Cleanup hitter") [Contact hitter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contact_hitter "Contact hitter") [Designated hitter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Designated_hitter "Designated hitter") [Double](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_\(baseball\) "Double (baseball)") [Double switch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_switch_\(baseball\) "Double switch (baseball)") [Foul ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foul_ball "Foul ball") [Foul tip](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foul_tip "Foul tip") [Golden sombrero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_sombrero "Golden sombrero") [Ground rule double](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_rule_double "Ground rule double") [Hat trick](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hat-trick#Baseball "Hat-trick") [Hit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hit_\(baseball\) "Hit (baseball)") [Hit and run](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hit_and_run_\(baseball\) "Hit and run (baseball)") [Hit by pitch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hit_by_pitch "Hit by pitch") [Hitting for the cycle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitting_for_the_cycle "Hitting for the cycle") [Home run](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_run "Home run") [Grand slam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_slam_\(baseball\) "Grand slam (baseball)") [Inside-the-park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inside-the-park_home_run "Inside-the-park home run") [Walk-off](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walk-off_home_run "Walk-off home run") [Moonshot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonshot_\(baseball\) "Moonshot (baseball)") [Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_home_run "Chinese home run") [Infield hit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infield_hit "Infield hit") [Leadoff hitter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadoff_hitter "Leadoff hitter") [Lefty-righty switch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lefty-righty_switch "Lefty-righty switch") [Line drive](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line_drive "Line drive") [Mendoza Line](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mendoza_Line "Mendoza Line") [On-deck](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On-deck "On-deck") [Pinch hitter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinch_hitter "Pinch hitter") [Plate appearance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plate_appearance "Plate appearance") [Platoon system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platoon_system "Platoon system") [Power hitter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_hitter "Power hitter") [Pull hitter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pull_hitter "Pull hitter") [Sacrifice fly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacrifice_fly "Sacrifice fly") [Single](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_\(baseball\) "Single (baseball)") [Strikeout](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strikeout "Strikeout") [Strike zone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strike_zone "Strike zone") [Sweet spot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_spot_\(sports\)#Baseball "Sweet spot (sports)") [Switch hitter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switch_hitter "Switch hitter") [Triple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_\(baseball\) "Triple (baseball)") [Walk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Base_on_balls "Base on balls") | | [Pitching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitch_\(baseball\) "Pitch (baseball)") [(softball)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitch_\(softball\) "Pitch (softball)") | [Balk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balk "Balk") [Beanball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beanball "Beanball") [Breaking ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_ball "Breaking ball") [Brushback pitch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brushback_pitch "Brushback pitch") [Changeup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Changeup "Changeup") [Vulcan changeup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vulcan_changeup "Vulcan changeup") [Curveball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curveball "Curveball") [Eephus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eephus_pitch "Eephus pitch") [Emery ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emery_ball "Emery ball") [Fastball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fastball "Fastball") [two-seam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-seam_fastball "Two-seam fastball") [four-seam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four-seam_fastball "Four-seam fastball") [cutter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cut_fastball "Cut fastball") [sinker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinker_\(pitch\) "Sinker (pitch)") [split-finger](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Split-finger_fastball "Split-finger fastball") [Full count](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_count "Full count") [Immaculate inning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Major_League_Baseball_pitchers_who_have_thrown_an_immaculate_inning "List of Major League Baseball pitchers who have thrown an immaculate inning") [Inside pitching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inside_pitching "Inside pitching") [Intentional balk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intentional_balk "Intentional balk") [Intentional walk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intentional_base_on_balls "Intentional base on balls") [Knuckleball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knuckleball "Knuckleball") [Maddux](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maddux_\(statistic\) "Maddux (statistic)") [No-hitter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No-hitter "No-hitter") [Perfect game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfect_game_\(baseball\) "Perfect game (baseball)") [Pickoff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickoff "Pickoff") [Pitch count](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitch_count "Pitch count") [Pitching by position players](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitching_by_position_players "Pitching by position players") [Pitching position](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitching_position "Pitching position") [Pitchout](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitchout "Pitchout") [Quick pitch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quick_pitch "Quick pitch") [Screwball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screwball "Screwball") [Shutout](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shutout_\(baseball\) "Shutout (baseball)") [Slider](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slider_\(pitch\) "Slider (pitch)") [Spitball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spitball "Spitball") [Strikeout](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strikeout "Strikeout") [Strike zone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strike_zone "Strike zone") [Striking out the side](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Striking_out_the_side "Striking out the side") [Switch pitcher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switch_pitcher "Switch pitcher") [Time of pitch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_of_pitch "Time of pitch") [Wild pitch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_pitch "Wild pitch") | | [Base running](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Base_running "Base running") | [Automatic runner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_runner "Automatic runner") [Balk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balk "Balk") [Bases loaded](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bases_loaded "Bases loaded") [Caught stealing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caught_stealing "Caught stealing") [Hit and run](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hit_and_run_\(baseball\) "Hit and run (baseball)") [Lead off](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead_off "Lead off") [Left on base](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Left_on_base "Left on base") [Obstruction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obstruction_\(baseball\) "Obstruction (baseball)") [Pinch runner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinch_runner "Pinch runner") [Rundown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rundown "Rundown") [Safe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safe_\(baseball\) "Safe (baseball)") [Scoring position](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scoring_position "Scoring position") [Slide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slide_\(baseball\) "Slide (baseball)") [Small ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_ball_\(baseball\) "Small ball (baseball)") [Squeeze play](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squeeze_play_\(baseball\) "Squeeze play (baseball)") [Stolen base](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stolen_base "Stolen base") [Tag up](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tag_up "Tag up") [Tie goes to the runner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tie_goes_to_the_runner "Tie goes to the runner") | | Fielding [(positioning)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_positioning "Baseball positioning") | [Appeal play](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appeal_play "Appeal play") [Assist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assist_\(baseball\) "Assist (baseball)") [Blocking the plate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blocking_the_plate "Blocking the plate") [Catch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catch_\(baseball\) "Catch (baseball)") [Caught stealing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caught_stealing "Caught stealing") [Covering a base](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covering_a_base "Covering a base") [Defensive indifference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defensive_indifference "Defensive indifference") [Double play](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_play "Double play") [Error](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fielding_error "Fielding error") [Fielder's choice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fielder%27s_choice "Fielder's choice") [Fifth infielder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifth_infielder "Fifth infielder") [Force play](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Force_play "Force play") [Fourth out](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_out "Fourth out") [Hidden ball trick](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hidden_ball_trick "Hidden ball trick") [In-between hop](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In-between_hop "In-between hop") [Infield fly rule](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infield_fly_rule "Infield fly rule") [Infield shift](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infield_shift "Infield shift") [Interference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interference_\(baseball\) "Interference (baseball)") [Neighborhood play](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neighborhood_play "Neighborhood play") [Passed ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passed_ball "Passed ball") [Pickoff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickoff "Pickoff") [Putout](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Putout "Putout") [Rundown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rundown "Rundown") [Tag out](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tag_out "Tag out") [Triple play](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_play "Triple play") [unassisted](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unassisted_triple_play "Unassisted triple play") [Uncaught third strike](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncaught_third_strike "Uncaught third strike") [Wall climb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wall_climb "Wall climb") [Wheel play](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel_play "Wheel play") | | Related | [Baseball card](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_card "Baseball card") [Baseball statistics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_statistics "Baseball statistics") [Bench jockey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bench_jockey "Bench jockey") [Bench-clearing brawl](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bench-clearing_brawl "Bench-clearing brawl") [Dead ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_ball#Baseball "Dead ball") [Doubleheader](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doubleheader_\(baseball\) "Doubleheader (baseball)") [Jargon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_baseball_terms "Glossary of baseball terms") [Injured 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baseball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variations_of_baseball "Variations of baseball") | | **![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/96/Symbol_category_class.svg/20px-Symbol_category_class.svg.png) [Category](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Baseball "Category:Baseball")** **[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e2/Symbol_portal_class.svg/20px-Symbol_portal_class.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Symbol_portal_class.svg "Portal") [Portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Baseball "Portal:Baseball")** **![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/37/People_icon.svg/20px-People_icon.svg.png) [WikiProject](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Baseball "Wikipedia:WikiProject Baseball")** | | ![](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:CentralAutoLogin/start?useformat=desktop&type=1x1&usesul3=1) Retrieved from "<https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baseball_bat&oldid=1343016343>" 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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/30/Fourbats.jpg/330px-Fourbats.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fourbats.jpg) Four historically significant baseball bats showcased in the [National Baseball Hall of Fame](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Baseball_Hall_of_Fame "National Baseball Hall of Fame")'s traveling exhibit "Baseball As America". From left to right: bat used by [Babe Ruth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babe_Ruth "Babe Ruth") to hit his 60th home run during the 1927 season, bat used by [Roger Maris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Maris "Roger Maris") to hit his 61st home run during the 1961 season, bat used by [Mark McGwire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_McGwire "Mark McGwire") to hit his 70th home run during the 1998 season, and the bat used by [Sammy Sosa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sammy_Sosa "Sammy Sosa") for his 66th home run during the same season. A **baseball bat** is a smooth wooden or metal [club](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Club_\(weapon\) "Club (weapon)") used in the sport of [baseball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball "Baseball") to hit the [ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_\(ball\) "Baseball (ball)") after it is thrown by the [pitcher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitcher "Pitcher"). By regulation it may be no more than 2.61 inches (6.6 cm) in diameter at the thickest part and no more than 42 inches (1.067 m) in length.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-1) Although historically bats approaching 3 pounds (1.4 kg) or 48 oz were used,[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-Bleacher-2)[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-3) modern bats of 33 ounces (0.94 kg) are common, topping out at 34 to 36 ounces (0.96 to 1.02 kg).[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-Bleacher-2) A baseball bat is divided into several regions. The "barrel" is the thick part of the bat, where it is meant to hit the ball. The part of the barrel best for hitting the ball, according to construction and swinging style, is often called the "[sweet spot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_spot_\(sports\) "Sweet spot (sports)")." The end of the barrel is called the "top", "end", or "cap" of the bat. Opposite the cap, the barrel narrows until it meets the "handle", which is comparatively thin, so that batters can comfortably grip the bat in their hands. Sometimes, especially on metal bats, the handle is wrapped with a rubber or tape "grip". Finally, below the handle is the "knob" of the bat, a wider piece that keeps the bat from slipping from a batter's hands. The "bat drop" of a bat is its weight, in ounces, minus its length, in inches. For example, a 30-ounce, 33-inch-long bat has a bat drop of minus 3 (30 − 33 = −3). Larger bat drops help to increase swing speed, due to less mass per unit length; smaller drops create more power, due to greater momentum to transfer to the ball.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-4) The bat's form has become more refined over time. In the mid-19th century, baseball batters were known to shape or [whittle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whittling "Whittling") their own bats by hand, which resulted in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and weights. For example, there were flat bats, round bats, short bats, and fat bats. Earlier bats were known to be much heavier and larger than modern regulated ones. During the 19th century, many experimental shapes and handle designs were tried. Modern bats are much more uniform in design.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] - On June 17, 1890, Emile Kinst received [U.S. patent 430,388](https://patents.google.com/patent/US430388) the ball-bat, or banana bat. The bat is shaped with a curve, hence the name banana bat. The creator of the bat, Kinst wrote: "The object of my invention is to provide a ball-bat which shall produce a rotary or spinning motion of the ball in its flight to a higher degree than is possible with any present known form of ball-bat, and thus to make it more difficult to catch the ball, or if caught, to hold it, and thus further to modify the conditions of the game". - The mushroom bat, made in 1906 by [Spalding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spalding_\(sports_equipment\) "Spalding (sports equipment)"). With baseball bats being larger in the 1900s the Spalding company designed a larger bat with a mushroom-shaped knob on the handle. This enabled the batter to get a better distribution of weight over the entire length of the bat. - The Wright & Ditson Lajoie baseball bat. This bat had a normal size barrel but had two knobs on the handle. The lower knob was at the bottom of the handle and the other knob, also called the shoulder, was three inches above the lower knob. This was designed to have better spacing between the hands due to the shoulder being in the middle of the grip. This also gave batters an advantage when they choked up on the bat, because the second knob provided a better grip.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] - In 1990, Bruce Leinert came up with the idea of putting an [axe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axe "Axe") handle on a baseball bat. He filed a patent application for the "Axe Bat" in 2007 and the bat started being used in the college and pro ranks over the following years. In 2012, the [Marietta College](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marietta_College "Marietta College") Pioneers baseball team won the [NCAA Division III World Series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_NCAA_Division_III_baseball_tournament#World_Series "2012 NCAA Division III baseball tournament") using axe-handled bats.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-5) Several [Major League Baseball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Baseball "Major League Baseball") players have adopted the bat handle including [Mookie Betts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mookie_Betts "Mookie Betts"), [Dustin Pedroia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dustin_Pedroia "Dustin Pedroia"), [George Springer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Springer "George Springer"), [Kurt Suzuki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurt_Suzuki "Kurt Suzuki") and [Dansby Swanson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dansby_Swanson "Dansby Swanson").[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-6)[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-7) - In 2025, the [New York Yankees](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Yankees "New York Yankees") popularized a "torpedo bat" design, which was made to increase [contact hitting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contact_hitter "Contact hitter"). The widest diameter of the bat is lower down than on standard bats, making the bat look more like a [bowling pin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowling_pin "Bowling pin"). The bat quickly generated media coverage as the Yankees hit a franchise record nine home runs in their second game, the first three home runs being hit on the first three pitches. MLB stated the new design was legal as it did not exceed the maximum allowed diameter of 2.61 inches (6.6 cm) nor technically go against anything stated in the rules. The "torpedo bat" was designed by Aaron Leanhardt, a field coordinator with the [Miami Marlins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Marlins "Miami Marlins").[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-:0-8) Leanhardt has a Ph.D. in [physics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physics "Physics") from the [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts_Institute_of_Technology "Massachusetts Institute of Technology").[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-:0-8) - [![Patent No. 430,388 (June 17, 1890) awarded to Emile Kinst for an "improved ball-bat"](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/60/Banana_bat.gif/250px-Banana_bat.gif)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Banana_bat.gif "Patent No. 430,388 (June 17, 1890) awarded to Emile Kinst for an \"improved ball-bat\"") Patent No. 430,388 (June 17, 1890) awarded to Emile Kinst for an "improved ball-bat" - [![Heinie Groh and his signature "bottle bat"](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f8/Bottle_bat.jpg/250px-Bottle_bat.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bottle_bat.jpg "Heinie Groh and his signature \"bottle bat\"") [Heinie Groh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinie_Groh "Heinie Groh") and his signature "bottle bat" - [![Diagram of a 'Torpedo bat'. The maximum diameter and the length of a torpedo bat are equal to the dimensions of a standard bat](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/Torpedo_bat.png/330px-Torpedo_bat.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Torpedo_bat.png "Diagram of a 'Torpedo bat'. The maximum diameter and the length of a torpedo bat are equal to the dimensions of a standard bat") Diagram of a 'Torpedo bat'. The maximum diameter and the length of a torpedo bat are equal to the dimensions of a standard bat ## Materials and manufacture \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baseball_bat&action=edit&section=4 "Edit section: Materials and manufacture")\] Baseball bats are made of either hardwood or a metal alloy (typically aluminum). Most wooden bats are made from [ash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_tree "Ash tree"); other woods include [maple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maple "Maple"), [hickory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hickory "Hickory"), and [bamboo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamboo "Bamboo"). Hickory has fallen into disfavor over its greater weight, which slows down bat speed, while maple bats gained popularity following the introduction of the first MLB-sanctioned model in 1997.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-SciAm1-9) The first player to use one was [Joe Carter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Carter "Joe Carter") of the [Toronto Blue Jays](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_Blue_Jays "Toronto Blue Jays").[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-Canadian_Sports_Magazine_2008,_p._8-10) [Barry Bonds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Bonds "Barry Bonds") used maple bats the seasons he broke baseball's single-season home run record in 2001, and the career home run record in 2007.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-Canadian_Sports_Magazine_2008,_p._8-10) In 2010, the increased tendency of maple bats to shatter caused Major League Baseball to examine their use, banning some models in minor league play.[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-11)[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-12) Manufacturers position each bat's label over the mechanically weaker side of the wood.[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-woodbat.org-13) To reduce chance of fracture,[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-woodbat.org-13) and maybe deliver more energy to the ball,[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-14) a bat is intended to be held so the label faces sky or ground when it strikes the ball during a horizontal swing.[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-woodbat.org-13) In this orientation, the bat is considered stiffer and less likely to break.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-mlb.mlb.com-15) Different types of wood will fracture differently.[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-hitting-16) For bats made of [ash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraxinus "Fraxinus"), labels will generally be where the grain spacing is widest. For [maple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maple "Maple") bats they will usually be positioned where grain is tightest.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] Maple bats in particular were once known (circa 2008) to potentially shatter in a way that resulted in many sharp edges, sometimes creating more dangerous projectiles when breaking.[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-woodbat.org-13)[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-17) Maple bat manufacture evolved significantly, in cooperation with [Major League Baseball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Baseball "Major League Baseball"), paying special attention to grain slope, and including an ink spot test to confirm safest wood grain orientation.[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-mlb.mlb.com-15) Based on consistent anecdotal reports of sales at sporting goods stores, and because of the [Emerald ash borer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerald_ash_borer "Emerald ash borer") epidemic, maple appears to be displacing ash as most popular new baseball bat material in the United States. Next and rising in popularity is [bamboo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamboo "Bamboo"), which has more isotropic fine grain, great strength, and less weight for a bat of any given size.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] Within league standards there is ample latitude for individual variation, many batters settling on their own bat profile, or one used by a successful batter. Formerly, bats were hand-turned from a template with precise calibration points but more recently they are machine-turned to a fixed metal template. Historically significant templates may be kept in a bat manufacturers' vault; for example, [Babe Ruth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babe_Ruth "Babe Ruth")'s template, which became popular among major-league players, is *R43* in the [Louisville Slugger](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillerich_%26_Bradsby "Hillerich & Bradsby") archives.[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-brchthnh-18) Ruth favored a thinner handle than was the norm in the 1920s, and his success caused most to follow.[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-brchthnh-18) Ruth used an unusually large bat, which he reduced in size incrementally during his career. In 1920 he was using a 40-inch, 54-ounce bat, made of ash, with a slender handle.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-19) In 1928 he wrote, "A few seasons ago I used a 54 ounce bat, long and with the weight well at the end. Now I'm using a 46 ounce club--and each season when I have a new set of bats made, I have an addition ounce taken off."[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-20) Once the basic bat has been turned, it has the manufacturer's name, the serial number, and often the signature of the player endorsing it branded into it opposite the wood's best side. [Honus Wagner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honus_Wagner "Honus Wagner") was the first player to endorse and sign a bat. Next, most bats are given a rounded head, but some 30%\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] of players prefer a "cup-balanced" head, in which a cup-shaped recess is made in the head, introduced to the major leagues in the early 1970s by [José Cardenal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Cardenal "José Cardenal");[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-brchthnh-18) this lightens the bat and moves its center of gravity toward the handle. Finally, the bat is stained in one of several standard colors, including natural, red, black, and two-tone blue and white.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] ### Environmental threat to ash wood \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baseball_bat&action=edit&section=5 "Edit section: Environmental threat to ash wood")\] The [emerald ash borer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerald_ash_borer "Emerald ash borer"), an exotic beetle imported accidentally from Asia, has killed more than 50 million [white ash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraxinus_americana "Fraxinus americana") trees in the eastern United States and in 2017 threatened groves in [New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_\(state\) "New York (state)")'s [Adirondack Mountains](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adirondack_Mountains "Adirondack Mountains") that are used to make baseball bats.[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-NPRBATS-21) In the American [major leagues](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Baseball "Major League Baseball"), Rule 1.10(a) states:[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-22) > The bat shall be a smooth, round stick not more than 2.61 inches in diameter at the thickest part and not more than 42 inches in length. The bat shall be one piece of solid wood. Bats are not allowed to be hollowed or [corked](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corked_bat "Corked bat")—that is, filled with an alien substance such as [cork](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cork_\(material\) "Cork (material)") which reduces the weight. This corking is thought to increase bat speed without greatly reducing hitting power, though this idea was challenged as unlikely on the [Discovery Channel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discovery_Channel "Discovery Channel") series *[MythBusters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MythBusters "MythBusters")*.[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-23) Both wooden and metal alloy (generally aluminum) bats are generally permitted in amateur baseball. Metal alloy bats are generally regarded as being capable of hitting a ball faster and farther with the same power. However, increasing numbers of "wooden bat leagues" have emerged in recent years, reflecting a trend back to wood over safety concerns\[*[clarification needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Please_clarify "Wikipedia:Please clarify")*\] and, in the case of [collegiate summer baseball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collegiate_summer_baseball "Collegiate summer baseball") wood-bat leagues, to better prepare players for the professional leagues that require wood bats. Metal alloy bats can send a ball towards an unprotected pitcher's head up to 60 ft 6 in (18.44 m) away at a velocity far too high for the pitcher to get out of the way in time. Some amateur baseball organizations enforce bat manufacturing and testing standards which attempt to limit maximum ball speed for wood and non-wood bats.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-24)[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-25)[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-26) In [high school baseball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Federation_of_State_High_School_Associations "National Federation of State High School Associations") in the United States: - The bat is not permitted to be more than 2\+5⁄8 inches (67 mm) in diameter in proximity to width and length. - Its "drop" (inches of length minus ounces of weight) must be no more than 3: for example, a 34-inch (863.6‑mm) bat must weigh at least 31 ounces (880 g).[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-27) - The bat may consist of any safe solid uniform material; the [National Federation of State High School Associations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Federation_of_State_High_School_Associations "National Federation of State High School Associations") rules state only "wood or non-wood" material. - To be legally used in a game, an aluminum bat has to be a BBCOR (Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution) bat because it has been determined that a pitcher loses the ability to protect himself when this ratio is exceeded.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] In some 12-year-old-and-under youth leagues (such as [Little League](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_League "Little League") baseball), the bat may not be more than 2\+1⁄4 inches (57 mm) in diameter.[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-28) However, in many other leagues (like [PONY League Baseball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PONY_League_Baseball "PONY League Baseball"), and Cal Ripken League Baseball), the bat may not be more than 2\+3⁄4 inches (70 mm) in diameter.[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-29) There are limitations to how much and where a baseball player may apply [pine tar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_tar "Pine tar") to a baseball bat. According to Rule 1.10(c) of the Major League Baseball Rulebook, it is not allowed more than 18 inches up from the bottom handle. An infamous example of the rule in execution is the [Pine Tar Incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_Tar_Incident "Pine Tar Incident") on July 24, 1983. Rules 1.10 and 6.06 were later changed to reflect the intent of Major League Baseball, as exemplified by the league president's ruling. Rule 1.10 now only requires that the bat be removed from the game if discovered after being used in a game; it no longer necessitates any change to the results of any play which may have taken place.\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] Rule 6.06 refers only to bats that are "altered or tampered with in such a way to improve the distance factor or cause an unusual reaction on the baseball. This includes, bats that are filled, flat-surfaced, nailed, hollowed, grooved or covered with a substance such as paraffin, wax, etc." It no longer makes any mention of an "illegally batted ball". In 2001, MLB approved the use of [Gorilla Gold Grip Enhancer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorilla_Gold_Grip_Enhancer "Gorilla Gold Grip Enhancer") in major and minor league games as an alternative to pine tar.[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-30)[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-31) ## Care and maintenance \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baseball_bat&action=edit&section=7 "Edit section: Care and maintenance")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/Tony_Gwynn%27s_Bat-2.JPG/250px-Tony_Gwynn%27s_Bat-2.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tony_Gwynn%27s_Bat-2.JPG) A [Tony Gwynn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Gwynn "Tony Gwynn") game-used and autographed baseball bat Players can be very particular about their bats. [Ted Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Williams "Ted Williams") cleaned his bats with alcohol every night and periodically took them to the post office to weigh them. "Bats pick up condensation and dirt lying around on the ground," he wrote, "They can gain an ounce or more in a surprisingly short time." [Ichiro Suzuki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichiro_Suzuki "Ichiro Suzuki") also took great care that his bats did not accumulate moisture and thus gain weight: he stored his bats in humidors, one in the club house and another, a portable one, for the road. [Rod Carew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rod_Carew "Rod Carew") fought moisture by storing his bats in a box full of sawdust in the warmest part of his house. "The sawdust acts as a buffer between the bats and the environment," he explained, "absorbing any moisture before it can seep into the wood."[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-www.baseballexplained.com-32) Many players "[bone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boning_\(baseball\) "Boning (baseball)")" their bats, meaning that before games, they rub their bats repeatedly with a hard object, believing this closes the pores on the wood and hardens the bat. Animal bones are a popular boning material, but rolling pins, soda bottles and the edge of a porcelain sink have also been used. [Pete Rose](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Rose "Pete Rose") had his own way of hardening his bats: he soaked them in a tub of motor oil in his basement then hung them up to dry.[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-www.baseballexplained.com-32) [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/74/Narahara_hiroshi.jpg/250px-Narahara_hiroshi.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Narahara_hiroshi.jpg) [Hiroshi Narahara](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroshi_Narahara "Hiroshi Narahara") holding a fungo bat A *fungo* bat is a specially designed bat used by baseball and softball coaches in practice. It is a light bat swung by a coach, used to hit balls to players who are practice fielding these hits. The [etymology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etymology "Etymology") of the word *[fungo](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/fungo#English "wikt:fungo")* () is uncertain, but the *[Oxford English Dictionary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford_English_Dictionary "Oxford English Dictionary")* suggests it is derived from the [Scots](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scots_language "Scots language") *fung*: "to pitch, toss, or fling".[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-33) Fungo bats are longer and lighter than regulation bats, with a smaller diameter. Typical fungo bats are 34 to 37 inches (86 to 94 cm) long and weigh 17 to 24 ounces (480 to 680 g). Longer bats are preferred for outfield practice and shorter bats for infield practice.[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-34) The reduced weight allows a coach to hit many balls without tiring. It also lets them swing the bat one-handed, as they often throw the "pitches" to themselves with their free hand.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-35)[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-36) Baseball bats are sometimes used as weapons by civilians,[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-37) criminals, protesters,[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-38) and mobsters.[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-39) Baseball bats are effective weapons because they are inexpensive compared to other weapons, and, unlike many other weapons, they can be carried without raising suspicion or violating laws, due to their primary purpose as sports equipment.[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-40)[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-41) Baseball bats have also been used as weapons in various forms of entertainment. As a [professional wrestler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_wrestling "Professional wrestling"), [Mick Foley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mick_Foley "Mick Foley") sometimes brandished a baseball bat wrapped in barbed wire, which he named "Barbie". Other pro wrestlers have used baseball bats as weapons, and wrestling video games sometimes include bats as special weapons.[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-42)[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-43) Bats are common weapons in fiction as well. [Negan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Negan "Negan"), a character on the TV show *[The Walking Dead](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Walking_Dead_\(TV_series\) "The Walking Dead (TV series)")* carried a barbed wire-wrapped baseball bat named "Lucille", which [Jeffrey Dean Morgan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Dean_Morgan "Jeffrey Dean Morgan") has compared to Mick Foley's "Barbie".[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-44) [Harley Quinn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harley_Quinn "Harley Quinn"), as a member of the [Suicide Squad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide_Squad "Suicide Squad"), carries a baseball bat.[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_note-45) - [Baseball doughnut](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_doughnut "Baseball doughnut") - [Composite baseball bat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composite_baseball_bat "Composite baseball bat") - [Cricket bat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cricket_bat "Cricket bat") - [List of baseball bat manufacturers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_baseball_bat_manufacturers "List of baseball bat manufacturers") - [Pink bat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_bat "Pink bat") - [Softball bat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Softball#Bat "Softball") 1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-1)** ["MLB Bat rules and Reg"](https://lacassebats.com/pages/mlb-bat-rules-and-reg). *LaCasse Bats*. Retrieved 2024-08-02. 2. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-Bleacher_2-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-Bleacher_2-1) Jenn Zambri. ["Size Matters: Top 10 "Biggest" In MLB History"](http://bleacherreport.com/articles/589660-size-matters-top-10-biggest-in-mlb#/articles/589660-size-matters-top-10-biggest-in-mlb/page/2). *Bleacher Report*. Retrieved 13 September 2015. 3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-3)** [*Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide for ...*](https://books.google.com/books?id=6a4pAAAAYAAJ&dq=fungo%20bat&pg=PT9) Americna Sports Pub. 1919. 4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-4)** ["What does bat drop mean?"](https://www.slugger.com/en-us/articles/bat-drop-explained). Louisville Slugger. Retrieved 16 December 2025. 5. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-5)** Beckham, Jeff (August 18, 2014). ["Baseball bat with an axe handle brings more power, fewer injuries"](https://www.wired.com/2014/08/axe-bat/). *Wired.com*. Retrieved July 31, 2018. 6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-6)** McAuley, Grant (May 19, 2018). ["Axe handle bat new weapon of choice for Braves' Swanson"](https://929thegame.radio.com/articles/axe-handle-bat-new-weapon-choice-braves-swanson). *The Game 92.9*. Retrieved July 31, 2018. 7. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-7)** Passan, Jeff (June 23, 2015). ["Why the Axe Bat, Dustin Pedroia may help make the round handle obsolete"](https://sports.yahoo.com/news/why-dustin-pedroia-uses-the-axe-bat--which-may-make-the-round-handle-obsolete-013113798.html). *Yahoo Sports*. Retrieved July 31, 2018. 8. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-:0_8-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-:0_8-1) ["Marlins Coach Aaron Leanhardt, Architect of Yankees' Torpedo Bats, Swarmed By Media"](https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/miami-marlins-coach-aaron-leanhardt-architect-of-new-york-yankees-torpedo-bats-swarmed-by-media-loandepot-park-01jqq03w8xqp). *Fastball On SI*. 2025-03-31. Retrieved 2025-04-01. 9. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-SciAm1_9-0)** Patterson, Brittany. ["Baseball Bats Threatened by Invasive Beetle"](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/baseball-bats-threatened-by-invasive-beetle/). *Scientific American*. Retrieved 21 November 2017. 10. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-Canadian_Sports_Magazine_2008,_p._8_10-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-Canadian_Sports_Magazine_2008,_p._8_10-1) *Canadian Sports Magazine*, Vol. 2, No. 3, August 2008, p. 8, (Publication Mail Agreement \#40993003, Oakville, ON) 11. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-11)** ["The Well Is Effectively Dead"](https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/09/20/129985928/-the-well-is-effectively-dead?print=1). *NPR.org*. 20 September 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2015. 12. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-12)** ["MLB Tightens Rules Around Use of Maple Bats"](https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/maple-bats-mlb/). [Associated Press](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Associated_Press "Associated Press"). 2 March 2010. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260311195738/https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/maple-bats-mlb/) from the original on 11 March 2026. Retrieved 11 March 2026 – via [Sportsnet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sportsnet "Sportsnet"). 13. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-woodbat.org_13-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-woodbat.org_13-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-woodbat.org_13-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-woodbat.org_13-3) ["Wood science and how it relates to wooden baseball bats"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210705174609/https://www.woodbat.org/). *woodbat.org*. Archived from [the original](http://www.woodbat.org/) on 5 July 2021. Retrieved 13 September 2015. 14. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-14)** ["Wood bats - on which "side" should the ball's impact be?"](http://www.baseball-fever.com/archive/index.php/t-24217.html). *baseball-fever.com*. 17 February 2005. Retrieved 14 July 2017. 15. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-mlb.mlb.com_15-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-mlb.mlb.com_15-1) ["Safety tests for maple bats mandated"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140730053611/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081209&content_id=3708319&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp). *Major League Baseball*. Archived from [the original](http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081209&content_id=3708319&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp) on 30 July 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2017. 16. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-hitting_16-0)** ["Hitting with Wood"](http://woodbat.blogspot.com/2009/03/maple-bats-to-be-regulated-and-studied.html). *woodbat.blogspot.com*. 3 March 2009. Retrieved 14 July 2017. 17. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-17)** ["Maple, Ash Baseball Bats May Strike Out"](https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92222323). *NPR.org*. 4 July 2008. Retrieved 13 September 2015. 18. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-brchthnh_18-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-brchthnh_18-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-brchthnh_18-2) ["Babe Ruth changed design of bats to thinner handle"](https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-PVLAAAAIBAJ&pg=5511%2C6126923). *Spokesman-Review*. Spokane, Washington. Associated Press. March 11, 1979. p. C5. 19. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-19)** "Playing The Game, My Early Years in Baseball." Babe Ruth, 1920, United News, syndicated in numerous newspapers including the Atlanta Constitution. Republished 2011 Dover Publications, Mineola, NY. p. 29 in this book. 20. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-20)** "Babe Ruth's Own Book Of Baseball," George Herman Ruth, 1928, G.P. Putnam's Sons, NY. p. 171. 21. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-NPRBATS_21-0)** Mann, Brian. ["A Beetle May Soon Strike Out Baseball's Famous Ash Bats"](https://www.npr.org/2016/08/03/488432537/a-beetle-may-soon-strike-out-baseballs-famous-ash-bats). *NPR.org*. [NPR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NPR "NPR"). Retrieved 21 November 2017. 22. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-22)** ["Official Baseball Rules"](http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2010/official_rules/2010_OfficialBaseballRules.pdf) (PDF). Major League Baseball. Retrieved 2012-05-07. 23. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-23)** [*Mythbusters*, season 5 (Corked Bat)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MythBusters_\(2007_season\)#Corked_Bat "MythBusters (2007 season)") 24. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-24)** ["National Collegiate Athletic Association Standard for Testing Baseball Bat Performance"](http://www.acs.psu.edu/drussell/bats/besr/2006_certification_protocol.pdf) (PDF). *acs.psu.edu*. October 30, 2006. Retrieved July 14, 2017. 25. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-25)** ["Bat-testing regulations modified"](https://www.ncaa.org/wps/ncaa?ContentID=38459) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20081210051151/http://www.ncaa.org/wps/ncaa?ContentID=38459) 10 December 2008 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") 26. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-26)** ["Baseball Rules Committee Focuses on Clarification of Bat Standards and Sportsmanship During Pre-Game Practice"](http://www.nfhs.org/web/2003/06/baseball_rules_committee_focuses_on_clarification_of_bat_standar.aspx) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080524002833/http://www.nfhs.org/web/2003/06/baseball_rules_committee_focuses_on_clarification_of_bat_standar.aspx) 24 May 2008 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") 27. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-27)** [NCHSAA Baseball](http://www.nchsaa.org/intranet/downloadManagerControl.php?mode=getFile&elementID=4047&type=5&atomID=7181) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100706020131/http://www.nchsaa.org/intranet/downloadManagerControl.php?mode=getFile&elementID=4047&type=5&atomID=7181) July 6, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") 28. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-28)** [2007 Regulation & Rule Changes](http://www.littleleague.org/Learn_More/rules/2007rulechanges.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080926002453/http://www.littleleague.org/Learn_More/rules/2007rulechanges.htm) September 26, 2008, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") 29. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-29)** ["2017 Rules and Regulations for PONY Baseball"](https://bsbproduction.s3.amazonaws.com/portals/10758/docs/rulebooks/2017%20pony%20baseball%20rulebook%20online.pdf) (PDF). *bsbproduction.s3.amazonaws.com*. Retrieved July 14, 2017. \[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot "Wikipedia:Link rot")*\] 30. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-30)** Heiss Grodin, Dana (March 7, 2001). ["Equipment and product guide"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160304091710/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/bbw/2001-03-07/2001-03-07-equipment.htm). *USA Today*. Archived from [the original](http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/bbw/2001-03-07/2001-03-07-equipment.htm) on March 4, 2016. 31. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-31)** Lee, Sandra L. (December 27, 2001). ["For now, the mansion stands"](https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yr9eAAAAIBAJ&dq=gorilla-gold&pg=4605%2C3200981). *[Lewiston Morning Tribune](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewiston_Morning_Tribune "Lewiston Morning Tribune")*. p. 1A. Retrieved November 7, 2012. 32. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-www.baseballexplained.com_32-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-www.baseballexplained.com_32-1) Baseball Explained by Phillip Mahony, McFarland Books, 2014. See [www.baseballexplained.com](http://www.baseballexplained.com/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140813034018/http://www.baseballexplained.com/) 2014-08-13 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") 33. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-33)** *Oxford English Dictionary* entry for "Fungo", <http://www.oed.com/> 34. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-34)** ["Everything You Need To Know About Fungo Bats"](https://www.justbats.com/blog/post/everything-to-know-about-fungo-bats/). *JustBats*. Retrieved 4 September 2025. 35. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-35)** ["Fungo Bats Resource Hub"](https://phoenixbats.com/fungo-bats-resource-hub). *Phoenix Bats*. Retrieved 4 September 2025. 36. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-36)** ["Fungo bats"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170415011634/https://www.baseballrampage.com/Baseball/Types/Baseball-Bats/153/Fungo-Bats.html). baseballrampage.com. Archived from [the original](https://www.baseballrampage.com/Baseball/Types/Baseball-Bats/153/Fungo-Bats.html) on April 15, 2017. Retrieved July 14, 2017. 37. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-37)** Loyd, Linda (Sep 24, 1992). ["Baseball Bats moving from recreation to 'instruments of crime' in U.S. Cities"](https://www.baltimoresun.com/1992/09/24/baseball-bats-moving-from-recreation-to-instruments-of-crime-in-us-cities/). *Baltimore Sun*. 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["Musculoskeletal trauma: the baseball bat"](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2571736). *Journal of the National Medical Association*. **84** (11): 957–60\. [PMC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PMC_\(identifier\) "PMC (identifier)") [2571736](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2571736). [PMID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PMID_\(identifier\) "PMID (identifier)") [1460683](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1460683). 41. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_bat#cite_ref-41)** Lightbody, C. J.; MacIver, C. (February 24, 2007). ["The baseball bat: a modern day cudgel"](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2658185). *Emergency Medicine Journal*. **24** (2): 112. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10\.1136/emj.2006.042929](https://doi.org/10.1136%2Femj.2006.042929). [PMC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PMC_\(identifier\) "PMC (identifier)") [2658185](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2658185). 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