If you are aspiring to get into your college baseball team, you’ll need to be in good shape both physically and mentally. Baseball pros are never born, but created over a period of time. If you’re eager to get on to your first step which is the college baseball team, then be ready to face the odds of training, practices, while learning at school. You’ll also have to purchase the right baseball equipment.
"Most baseball bats today are either made of high grade aircraft alloy or the recently composite bats" Image via Flickr
The Right Baseball Bat
If you think choosing your baseball bat is as simple as buying hotdogs on the food stand, then you’re wrong. If you’re particular with the baseball bat to buy, it would be confusing for your part. Nowadays, there are different options and technologies being offered in your local sports shop, so it’s hard to choose what’s good and bad. If you’re buying baseball bats that are designed for players aged 13 and up, the size of the bats you should purchase will range from 30 to 34 inches. The barrel size should be 2 5/8” in diameter and a 3 weight drop. Most of the baseball bat displays have their size and barrel diameter stamped somewhere so it would be easy for you when buying your baseball bat.
Baseball Bats Specifications
With the latest technology, most baseball bats today are either made of high grade aircraft alloy or composite bats. College baseball players normally have two or three alloy or composite bats and two spare wooden bats at their disposal. Performance alloy bats offer more durability and a more balanced feel, while composite bats provide great balance and controlled swinging motion. It also requires a certain “break in” before it reaches it optimal performance. This kind of bat vibrates less compared to alloy bats and sounds more like a wooden bat when hit.
Wood bats on the other hand provide more ability for modified swings. It also gives players the authentic feel and striking power. Wood bats are usually made of ash, bamboo, composite wood materials, and maple. The only drawback of wooden bats is it deforms and breaks from multiple swings and hits.
Other things to Consider when Buying Baseball Bats
The price of baseball bats range from $25 to $300. It doesn’t mean that if you buy a more expensive bat, it can replace the amount of hard work and practice for hittting a ball. Before you buy your baseball bat, always consider its weight. College baseball teams prefer light bats as it adds speed and power to your swings. It also lessens the possibility of getting strikes especially if the opposing pitcher is an adept thrower.
In addition to weight, length is also very important. Most skilled college baseball players prefer using long bats because it can reach the outside part of the plate. It also increases the chances of making hits and “sweet spots” if the pitcher is clever enough to throw the ball in a difficult direction.