Welcome to Mahwah Youth Baseball - Equipment Tips and Info
Bat Basics - for the 2015 - 2016 Season
New To Baseball, or just need a refresher ? Take a moment to test your Bat knowledge.
Get to know non wood Bat Terms: (these are general terms, new products are introduced each year, and subject to change) Comments are not specific to any product and are not an endorsement or critique of any product. Any reference to a specific product or brand is unintentional. When you buy a bat - leave the plastic wrapper on, until right before you take it to the field. Once the plastic is off, you own it forever. Bat technology and research is truly science. See the link next to sweet spots. Hitting dynamics are more than just the bat. Hitting lessons, and getting reps, reps, reps, are also important investments in hitting. Playing Mahwah Rec baseball assures all rec and travel players 12-16 extra games per spring season. Key Terms: Bat Length - length from top of barrel to bottom of handle Sweet Spot - is about 4-7 inches from the end of the barrel of the bat (see link)., and just a few inches long. It is the area of maximum performance, and limited vibration to the hands. Barrel Size - Diameter of the Bat Barrel examples are 2 1/4, 2 5/8 and 2 3/4. In Mahwah Rec you will need a 2 1/4 bat until you play Koufax. Only Mahwah Travel Baseball Players on 50/70 sized fields or above need to consider a Big Barrel bat, and that should be no greater than 2 5/8. (avoid 2 3/4). Swinging a big barrel bat does not guarantee a better hitter, but better hitters can take advantage of the larger bat head and weight at the barrel. Barrel Length - yep not all barrels are the same "length". Some barrels are "xtra long", aka "XL". Manufacturers claim it increase hitting area (sweet spot), but always swing a bat before you buy. More material might be good, but can also lead to increased weight of the barrel. Make sure any bat you choose works for you. Drop - this is the difference between length and weight. Displayed for example as -13. So a 29 inch bat with a drop 13 would be 17 OZ. Some players prefer a larger drop so they get around on the pitch. Max drop is -13 and commonly found with a 2 1/4 barrel at the 46/60 field size, and some 50/70 players. As players grow and get stronger the drop size reduces, to sizes like -10 (at 50/70), -5 (at 60/90). until they reach -3 BBCOR generally around 14u or HS. Construction - Bats are one piece, or two piece construction. Some new bats have a lower handle that turns as the player swings. Manufacturers claim two piece bats offer flex, and momentum during the swing. It is true that two piece bats can carry a premium price tag, and many better hitters use them. Materials - A bit more difficult to follow, and this is why we give you the bat check link below. Full Aluminum Construction = Handle through barrel materials are aluminum (even if two piece) Half and Half = Typically Composite Handle, with Aluminum Barrel (typically this is a two piece construction bat) Full Composite = Handle through barrel materials are composite materials (single or two piece construction) Costs - Bats used in Rec at the TeeBall, Instructional and PeeWee leagues typically have retail list prices between $25-$75. TeeBall bats should not be used to hit real baseballs. Bats suitable for in Rec in Minors (3rd & 4th) typically cost retail about $45-$100, but you can easily spend more for a better bat at this level. Travel Players league eligible for 9 or 10u (46/60 field) will use better bats which will cost between $100-$200, or more. If you are playing at the 50/70 level (5th and 6th grades) and up, it is wise to invest in a good bat, which will start around $150 retail list prices, but the best bats will often have a retail list prices between $199 and $450. Some Good News about costs - Good deals can be found on a previous years model. It is common to find bats at 30%-50% reduction. Youth Bats are less cost than Senior League and BBCOR (used only at the older ages) are the most expensive. Big Barrel bats run higher than their same brand regular barrel model mates. Specialty stores sell bats all year long, often have clearance periods, and may also let you swing the bat, or have a demo area. Brands - It is impossible to list or rank brands, however here are some well known brands you can research typically used by local Mahwah players. Rawlings, Louisville Slugger, Easton, Demarini. |
Bat Check LinksWhat Bats can you buy ? What Bats are Legal ?
ALLOWED BATS BELOW COMPOSITE Bat Check - 2 1/4 Composite NON WOOD & NON COMPOSITE Mobile Bat Check - ( 6-30-14) MOBILE BAT CHECK ( NON Wood Non Composite 2 1/4 - 7-10-15) Buying a new bat for the 2015 season - check the Bat Link (mobile friendly when you shop)
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