WOOD BASEBALL BATS
Baseball bats have been known to be made of wood since the origins of the game, but wood is getting more and more competition from the modern aluminum alloys in recent days and has become associated to some degree with pro competitions rather than day to day baseball. However, there are several well known baseball bat manufacturers that still only focus on the production of wooden bats, whereas others have branched out and have started producing aluminum or titanium alloy bats, but have not given up on the manufacture of the wooden bats that have made them famous.
Traditionally, baseball bats have been made of white ash, because the properties of this wood seem to be the blend of hardness, flexibility and durability that is best suited for this game. However, since the outstanding success player Barry Bonds registered in his 2001 season while using maple bats, their use has become more and more widespread and several companies now focus on the sole production of maple bats. Maple bats are more expensive, in part due to their relatively newfound fame, and in part because of their increased resistance as opposed to ash bats, which turns them into a better overtime investment. The best bats are made of rock maple or sugar maple; however, some manufacturers have also tested the waters with the introduction of silver maple or red maple bats. Unfortunately, the silver and red male bats don’t seem to be held in much favor by the pros because of their inferior qualities.
Baseball bats have also been made out of hickory and bamboo. Though less popular than their ash and maple counterparts, they represent great alternatives for those looking to get a little special something from their bat. While the hardness of hickory is ideal, its weight has until recently discouraged manufacturers, but with the find of new drying techniques, hickory bats might well become the bats of the future. Bamboo has given great results, both in terms of weight as in terms of hardness and durability, making them a viable option for any potential baseball bat buyer.
The reality of wooden bats is that they have a limited lifespan. Unfortunately, unlike aluminum bats, wooden bats will break or shatter (depending on the wood) and care must be employed when using them in order to keep them alive for a long time. You should always keep your baseball bat clean and away from dangerous infiltrations, so you should try to store it in a dry and cool environment. Cleaning it at the end of each day of use is recommended, and if you are using pine tar on your handle, it’s especially important that you get it cleaned soon. The best way to clean a bat is with a soft cloth, soaked in alcohol. Clean it from the top to the handle, insisting in particular on the handle area. Occasionally, your bat will get scratched during use and you can remedy that by rubbing the damaged area with a smooth, hard surface such as bone or even another baseball bat. Take good care of your bat and it will stay with you for a long time.
